bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Design Method of High-Order Modified Repetitive Control Systems for Reference Inputs with Uncertain Period-Time
Authors: Chen Zhongxiang , Yamada Kou , Sakanushi Tatsuya
Published: February 2013

This paper considers the design of high-order modified repetitive control systems for periodic reference inputs with uncertain period-time. The objective of this work was to develop a new design method so that the closed-loop high-order modified repetitive control system is robustly stable with high control precision for periodic reference inputs with uncertain period-time. The parametrization of all stabilizing controllers containing three free parameters is proposed based on the Youla-Kucera parameterization. Moreover, to obtain the free parameters, the constraint conditions were converted into stability conditions in the form of Bilinear Matrix Inequalities that can be solved using the available software. In addition, the high control precision is guaranteed by designing the free parameters after the control characteristic of this control system. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed design method were verified by numerical examples.
The Herbal DrugMelampyrum pratenseL. (Koch): Isolation and Identification of Its Bioactive Compounds Targeting Mediators of Inflammation
Authors: Vogl S. , Atanasov A. G. , Binder M. , Bulusu M. , Zehl M. , Fakhrudin N. , Heiss E. H. , Picker P. , Wawrosch C. , Saukel J. , Reznicek G. , Urban E. , Bochkov V. , Dirsch V. M. , Kopp B.
Published: February 2013

Melampyrum pratenseL. (Koch) is used in traditional Austrian medicine for the treatment of different inflammation-related conditions. In this work, we show that the extracts ofM. pratensestimulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors- (PPARs-)αand -γthat are well recognized for their anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, the extract inhibited the activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB and induction of its target genes interleukin-8 (IL-8) and E-selectinin vitro. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified several active flavonoids and iridoids including melampyroside and mussaenoside and the phenolic compound lunularin that were identified in this species for the first time. The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin were distinguished as the main components accountable for the anti-inflammatory properties. Apigenin and luteolin effectively inhibited tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)-induced NF-κB-mediated transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene. Furthermore, the two compounds dose-dependently reduced IL-8 and E-selectin protein expression after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or TNF-αin endothelial cells (ECs). The iridoids melampyroside and mussaenoside prevented the elevation of E-selectin in LPS-stimulated ECs. Lunularin was found to reduce the protein levels of the proinflammatory mediators E-selectin and IL-8 in ECs in response to LPS. These data validate the ethnomedical use ofM. pratensefor the treatment of inflammatory conditions and point to the constituents accountable for its anti-inflammatory activity.
A Novel Image Fusion Method Based on FRFT-NSCT
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Tian Hua , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2013

Nonsubsampled Contourlet transform (NSCT) has properties such as multiscale, localization, multidirection, and shift invariance, but only limits the signal analysis to the time frequency domain. Fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) develops the signal analysis to fractional domain, has many super performances, but is unable to attribute the signal partial characteristic. A novel image fusion algorithm based on FRFT and NSCT is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. Firstly, take FRFT on the two source images to obtain fractional domain matrices. Secondly, the NSCT is performed on the aforementioned matrices to acquire multiscale and multidirection images. Thirdly, take fusion rule for low-frequency subband coefficients and directional bandpass subband coefficients to get the fused coefficients. Finally, the fused image is obtained by performing the inverse NSCT and inverse FRFT on the combined coefficients. Three modes images and three fusion rules are demonstrated in the proposed algorithm test. The simulation results show that the proposed fusion approach is better than the methods based on NSCT at the same parameters.
Supraclavicular Lymphadenopathy: Initial Manifestation of Metastasis in Carcinoma of Cervix
Authors: Tunio Mutahir A. , Al Asiri Mushabbab , Mohamed Reham , Al-Dandan Sadeq
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Carcinoma of cervix rarely metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes and is associated with poor prognosis. To date, only few case reports have been reported in the medical literature. Here, we report a case of this unusual manifestation of carcinoma of cervix.Case Presentation. A 39-year-old Saudi woman who was treated three years ago for bulky IB stage carcinoma of cervix with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and adjuvant chemoradiation presented to us during her routine follow-up visit with left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Staging workup revealed additional para-aortic nodal and osseous metastases. The biopsy of left supraclavicular mass confirmed the diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix. Patient was started on chemotherapy and bisphosphonates.Conclusion. Supraclavicular lymph nodes are a rare site of metastasis in carcinoma of cervix, and this can be explained by outlining the drainage of the lymphatic system from the cervix. Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy is associated with variable prognosis.
Tectonic and Hydrothermal Activities in Debagh, Guelma Basin (Algeria)
Authors: Maouche Said , Abtout Abdeslam , Merabet Nacer-Eddine , Aïfa Tahar , Lamali Atmane , Bouyahiaoui Boualem , Bougchiche Sofiane , Ayache Mohamed
Published: February 2013

Quaternary and Pliocene travertines, deposited from hot springs, can reveal much about neotectonic and hydrothermal activity. The aim of this work is the understanding of the actual tectonic activity in the Guelma Basin and in one of its spa structures. Gravity data were collected during a field study in the Hammam Debagh (HD) area and then analyzed to better highlight the architecture of its subsurface underlying structures. This analysis was performed by means of a Bouguer anomaly, upward continuations, and residual and derivative maps. Comparison of gravity maps, field geology, geomorphic observations, and structural maps allowed us to identify the major structural features in the Hammam Debagh. As a result, we confirm the position of the Hammam Debagh active fault which is superimposed to the hydrothermal active source in the NW-SE direction characterized by a negative gravity anomaly.
Efficacious End User Measures—Part 1: Relative Class Size and End User Problem Domains
Authors: Eiland E. Earl , Liebrock Lorie M.
Published: February 2013

Biological and medical endeavors are beginning to realize the benefits of artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, classification, prediction, and diagnostic (CPD)
errors can cause significant losses, even loss of life. Hence, end users are best served when they have performance information relevant to their needs, this paper’s focus. Relative class size (rCS) is commonly recognized as a confounding factor in CPD evaluation. Unfortunately, rCS-invariant measures are not easily mapped to end user conditions. We determine a cause of rCS invariance, joint probability table (JPT) normalization. JPT normalization means that more end user efficacious measures can be used without sacrificing invariance. An important revelation is that without data normalization, the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) and information coefficient (IC) are not relative class size invariants; this is a potential source of confusion, as we found not all reports using MCC or IC normalize their data. We derive MCC rCS-invariant expression. JPT normalization can be extended to allow JPT rCS to be set to any desired value (JPT tuning). This makes sensitivity analysis feasible, a benefit to both applied researchers and practitioners (end users). We apply our findings to two published CPD studies to illustrate how end users benefit.
Wideband Lithium Niobate FBAR Filters
Authors: Baron Thomas , Lebrasseur Eric , Bassignot Florent , Wang Haixia , Ballandras Sylvain , Fan Ji , Catherinot Lise , Chatras Matthieu , Monfraix Philippe , Estagerie Laetitia
Published: February 2013

Filters based on film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) are widely used for mobile phone applications, but they can also address wideband aerospace requirements. These devices need high electromechanical coupling coefficients to achieve large band pass filters. The piezoelectric material LiNbO3 complies with such specifications and is compatible with standard fabrication processes. In this work, simple metal—LiNbO3—metal structures have been developed to fabricate single FBAR elements directly connected to each other on a single chip. A fabrication process based on LiNbO3/silicon Au-Au bonding and LiNbO3 lapping/polishing has been developed and is proposed in this paper. Electrical measurements of these FBAR filters are proposed and commented exhibiting filters with 8% of fractional bandwidth and 3.3 dB of insertion losses. Electrical measurements show possibilities to obtain 14% of fractional bandwidth. These devices have been packaged, allowing for power handling, thermal, and ferroelectric tests, corresponding to spatial conditions.
Is ICSI Risky?
Authors: Wong May Y. W. , Ledger William L.
Published: February 2013

As assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods become the mainstream of infertility treatment, it has become even more critical to reassess its safety. Following the results of a study published by the Robinson Institute in the New England Journal of Medicine, the risk of ART, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), has never been so closely scrutinized. This paper traces the origins and development of ICSI, assesses the risks documented in the literature, and finally interprets the implications of the study for couples contemplating therapy. We support the need for continued vigilance towards ICSI and the importance in investigating male-factor infertility as a prequel to its use.
QiShenYiQi Pills, a Compound Chinese Medicine, Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Myocardial Structure Damage and Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Tang Dong-Xin , Zhao Hai-Ping , Pan Chun-Shui , Liu Yu-Ying , Wei Xiao-Hong , Yang Xiao-Yuan , Chen Yuan-Yuan , Fan Jing-Yu , Wang Chuan-She , Han Jing-Yan , Li Ping-Ping
Published: February 2013

QiShenYiQi Pills (QSYQ) is a compound Chinese medicine used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The present study investigated the effects of QSYQ on the Doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced disorders in rat cardiac structure and function and the possible mechanism underlying. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated by intraperitoneal injections with DOX at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, once every day for a total of 6 times. After the 6th injection, the rats were evaluated by echocardiographic analysis, and the animals with injured heart(n=14)were divided into 2 groups and further treated with(n=7)or without(n=7)QSYQ by gavage at a dose of 0.2 g/day, once a day, over the next 2 weeks. Two weeks after QSYQ treatment, the following variables were assessed: myocardial blood flow (MBF) by Laser-Doppler Perfusion Imager, the ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW), myocardial histology, myocardial content of ATP, AMP, free fatty acids (FFAs) and AMP/ATP by ELISA, and expression of PPARα, PGC-1α, and ATP 5D by Western blot. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey test for multiple comparisons. DOX challenge significantly increased left ventricular internal diameter and HW/BW and decreased the thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall, the left ventricle ejection fraction, and the left ventricle fractional shortening. DOX also increased AMP, FFA, and AMP/ATP, decreased ATP, and downregulated the protein content of ATP 5D, PPARα, and PGC-1α. All these DOX-induced cardiac insults were attenuated significantly by QSYQ treatment. These results show the potential of QSYQ to ameliorate DOX-induced disorders in cardiac structure and function; this effect may be related to the increase in myocardial ATP content via the upregulation of ATP 5D, PPARα, and PGC-1αand the oxidation of FFA.
Concentration-Invariant Odor Representation in the Olfactory System by Presynaptic Inhibition
Authors: Zhang Danke , Li Yuanqing , Wu Si
Published: February 2013

The present study investigates a network model for implementing concentration-invariant representation for odors in the olfactory system. The network consists of olfactory receptor neurons, projection neurons, and inhibitory local neurons. Receptor neurons send excitatory inputs to projection neurons, which are modulated by the inhibitory inputs from local neurons. The modulation occurs at the presynaptic site from a receptor neuron to a projection one, leading to the operation of divisive normalization. The responses of local interneurons are determined by the total activities of olfactory receptor neurons. We find that with a proper parameter condition, the responses of projection neurons become effectively independent of the odor concentration. Simulation results confirm our theoretical analysis.
Computation of the Domain of Attraction for Suboptimal Immunity Epidemic Models Using the Maximal Lyapunov Function Method
Authors: Phang Chang , Wu Yonghong , Wiwatanapataphee Benchawan
Published: February 2013

We are concerned with the estimation of the domain of attraction (DOA) for suboptimal immunity epidemic models. We establish a procedure to determine the maximal Lyapunov function in the form of rational functions. Based on the definition of DOA and the maximal Lyapunov function, a theorem and subsequently a numerical procedure are established to determine the maximal Lyapunov function and the DOA. Determination of the domain of attraction for epidemic models is very important for understanding the dynamic behaviour of the disease transmission as a function of the state of population distribution in different categories of disease states. We focus on suboptimal immunity epidemic models with saturated treatment rate and nonlinear incidence rate. Different from classical models, suboptimal immunity models are more realistic to explain the microparasite infection diseases such as Pertussis and Influenza A. We show that, for certain values of the parameter, largerkvalue (i.e., the model is more toward the SIR model) leads to a smaller DOA.
A Congenital Anterior Urethrocutaneous Fistula in a Boy Whose Mother Was Exposed to Ionizing Radiations: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Spinelli C. , Pucci V. , Menchini C. , Buti I. , Fregoli L. , Spisni R. , Mogorovich A.
Published: February 2013

Anterior congenital urethrocutaneous fistula is a rare anomaly that may present in an isolated fashion or in association with other anomalies of the genital urinary tract or anorectal malformations. A case of congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula nonassociated with other congenital anomalies in a 3-year-old male whose mother has been exposed to Chernobyl's nuclear fallout is described. The patient was successfully operated with no recurrence. We report a review of the literature about etiology and surgical strategy including the role of ionizing radiations. The congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula represents a rare malformation. The etiopathogenesis is unknown.
Cancer Epigenetics: New Therapies and New Challenges
Authors: Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Crook Tim
Published: February 2013

Cancer is nowadays considered to be both a genetic and an epigenetic disease. The most well studied epigenetic modification in humans is DNA methylation; however it becomes increasingly acknowledged that DNA methylation does not work alone, but rather is linked to other modifications, such as histone modifications. Epigenetic abnormalities are reversible and as a result novel therapies that work by reversing epigenetic effects are being increasingly explored. The biggest clinical impact of epigenetic modifying agents in neoplastic disorders thus far has been in haematological malignancies, and the efficacy of DNMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors in blood cancers clearly attests to the principle that therapeutic modification of the cancer cell epigenome can produce clinical benefit. This paper will discuss the most well studied epigenetic modifications and how these are linked to cancer, will give a brief overview of the clinical use of epigenetics as biomarkers, and will focus in more detail on epigenetic drugs and their use in solid and blood cancers.
Weight-Loss Interventions for Hispanic Populations: The Role of Culture
Authors: Lindberg Nangel M. , Stevens Victor J. , Halperin Ruben O.
Published: February 2013

In the United States, ethnic minorities are overrepresented among the overweight and obese population, with Hispanic individuals being among the groups most at risk for obesity and obesity-related disease and disability. Most weight-loss interventions designed for the general population have been less successful with individuals from ethnic minorities and there is a pressing need to develop more effective interventions for these groups. This paper examines the importance of culture in the development of “culturally competent” weight-loss interventions for ethnic minority populations, and discusses specific culturally mediated factors that should be considered in the design and implementation of treatment interventions. While specifically focusing on Hispanic populations, we also address issues of relevance to other multiethnic societies.
On the Asymptotical and Practical Stability of Stochastic Control Systems
Authors: Abedi Fakhreddin , Leong Wah June , Seddighi Chaharborj Sarkhosh
Published: February 2013

The asymptotical and practical stability in probability of stochastic control systems by means of feedback laws is provided. The main results of this work enable us to derive the sufficient conditions for the existence of control Lyapunov function that play a leading role in the existence of stabilizing feedback laws. Particularly, the sufficient conditions for practical stability in probability are established and numerical examples are also given to illustrate the usefulness of our results.
IGF-1 Increases with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Aydin Figen , Kaya Ahmet , Karapinar Levent , Kumbaraci Mert , Imerci Ahmet , Karapinar Hasan , Karakuzu Cengiz , Incesu Mustafa
Published: February 2013

Objectives. To investigate insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) levels in response to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for diabetic foot ulcers and to determine whether IGF-1 is a predictive indicator of wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.Design and Methods. We treated 48 consecutive patients with diabetic foot ulcers with HBOT. Alterations of IGF-1 levels in patients whose wound healed with HBOT were compared with those in patients who did not benefit from HBOT.Results. There was no significant difference in initial IGF-1 levels between the two groups(P=0.399). The mean IGF-1 level increased with HBOT(P<0.05). In the healed group, the mean IGF-1 increase and the final values were significantly higher(P<0.05). In the nonhealed group, the mean IGF-1 increase was minus and the final values were not significantly different(P<0.05). The increase in IGF-1 level with HBOT was significantly higher in the healed group(P<0.001).Conclusions. IGF-1 increased significantly in the healed group. We believe that HBOT is effective in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, with an elevation of IGF-1. This alteration seems to be a predictive factor for wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers treated with HBOT.
Investigation of the Contamination Control in a Cleaning Room with a Moving AGV by 3D Large-Scale Simulation
Authors: Yao Qing-He , Zhu Qing-Yong
Published: February 2013

The motions of the airflow induced by the movement of an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) in a cleanroom are numerically studied by large-scale simulation. For this purpose, numerical experiments scheme based on domain decomposition method is designed. Compared with the related past research, the high Reynolds number is treated by large-scale computation in this work. A domain decomposition Lagrange-Galerkin method is employed to approximate the Navier-Stokes equations and the convection diffusion equation; the stiffness matrix is symmetric and an incomplete balancing preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method is employed to solve the linear algebra system iteratively. The end wall effects are readily viewed, and the necessity of the extension to 3 dimensions is confirmed. The effect of the high efficiency particular air (HEPA) filter on contamination control is studied and the proper setting of the speed of the clean air flow is also investigated. More details of the recirculation zones are revealed by the 3D large-scale simulation.
Mobility Crowdsourcing: Toward Zero-Effort Carpooling on Individual Smartphone
Authors: Liu Nianbo , Feng Yong , Wang Feng , Liu Bang , Tang Jinchuan
Published: February 2013

In current carpooling systems, drivers and passengers offer and search for their trips through available mediums, for example, accessing carpool website by smartphone, for finding a possible match of the journey. While efforts have been made to achieve fast matching for known trips, the need for accurate mobile tracking for individual users still remains a bottleneck. For example, drivers feel impatient to input their routes before driving, or centralized systems haves difficulties to track a large number of vehicles in real time. In this paper, we present the idea of Mobility Crowdsourcing (MobiCrowd), which leverages private smartphone to collect individual trips for carpooling, without any explicit effort on the part of users. Our scheme generates daily trips and mobility models for each user, and then makes carpooling zero-effort by enabling travel data to be crowdsourced instead of tracking vehicles or asking users to input their trips. With prior mobility knowledge, one user's travel routes and positions for carpooling can be predicted according to the location of the time and other mobility context. Based on a realistic travel survey and simulation, we prove that our scheme can provide efficient and accurate position estimation for individual carpools.
The Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation: A Complex Interplay
Authors: Latina Jacqueline M. , Estes N. A. Mark , Garlitski Ann C.
Published: February 2013

In recent years, growing evidence suggests an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep breathing disorder which is increasing in prevalence as the obesity epidemic surges, and atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia. AF is a costly public health problem increasing a patient’s risk of stroke, heart failure, and all-cause mortality. It remains unclear whether the association is based on mutual risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, or whether OSA is an independent risk factor and causative in nature. This paper explores the pathophysiology of OSA which may predispose to AF, clinical implications of stroke risk in this cohort who display overlapping disease processes, and targeted treatment strategies such as continuous positive airway pressure and AF ablation.
HDL-C Response Variability to Niacin ER in US Adults
Authors: Christian Jennifer B. , Olson Eric J. , Allen Jeffery K. , Lowe Kimberly A.
Published: February 2013

Background. Niacin is the most effective treatment currently available for raising HDL-C levels.Objective. To evaluate if gender and baseline lipid levels have an effect on the HDL-C response of niacin ER and to identify factors that predict response to niacin ER at the 500 mg dose.Material and Methods. The change in HDL-C effect between baseline and follow-up levels was quantified in absolute change as well as dichotomized into high versus low response (high response was defined as an HDL-C effect of >15% increase and low response was HDL-C <5%) in a sample of 834 individuals.Results. Both males and females with low HDL-C levels at baseline exhibited a response to treatment in the multivariate model (males, HDL-C <40 mg/dL:OR=5.18, 95% CI: 2.36–11.39; females, HDL-C <50 mg/dL:OR=5.40, 95% CI: 1.84–15.79). There was also a significant difference in the mean HDL-C effect between baseline and follow-up HDL-C levels in the 500 mg niacin ER dose group for both males (mean HDL-C effect = 0.08,P<0.001) and females (mean HDL-C effect = 0.10,P=0.019).Conclusion. Baseline HDL-C levels are the biggest predictor of response to niacin ER treatment for both males and females among the factors evaluated.
Adenoviral Delivery of the VEGF and BMP-6 Genes to Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells Potentiates Osteogenesis
Authors: Seamon Jesse , Wang Xiuli , Cui Fuai , Keller Tom , Dighe Abhijit S. , Balian Gary , Cui Quanjun
Published: February 2013

The combined delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) to sites of bone injury results in enhanced repair compared to the administration of a single factor or a combination of two factors. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that coexpression of VEGF and BMP-6 genes would enhance the osteoblastic differentiation of rat bone-marrow-derived stem cells (rMSCs) and osteogenesis by comparison to rMSCs that do not express VEGF and BMP-6. We prepared a GFP tagged adenovirus vector (Ad-VEGF+BMP-6) that contained DNA encoding the hVEGF and hBMP-6 genes. rMSCs were transduced with the virus, and the successful transduction was confirmed by green fluorescence and by production of VEGF and BMP-6 proteins. The cells were cultured to assess osteoblastic differentiation or administered in the Fischer 344 rats to assess bone formation. Mineralization of rMSCs transduced with Ad-VEGF+BMP-6 was significantly enhanced over the nontransduced rMSCs. Only transduced rMSCs could induce osteogenesisin vivo, whereas Ad-VEGF+BMP-6 or nontransduced rMSCs alone did not induce osteogenesis. The data suggests that the combined delivery of MSCs, VEGF, and BMP-6 is an attractive option for bone repair therapy.
Migration, Integration, Survival, and Differentiation of Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors in the Retina in a Pharmacological Model of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Castro Gustavo , Navajas Eduardo , Farah Michel Eid , Maia Mauricio , Rodrigues Eduardo Buchele
Published: February 2013

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the retinal integration and differentiation of neurospheres formed by stem cells and mouse neural progenitor cells injected intravitreally in mice eyes with retinal injury. Methods. Eight male C57BL mice, 8 weeks old, were submitted to intraperitoneal injection of sodium iodate (2% NaIO3, 50 mg/kg). After 72 hours, 2 μL of solution with mNPC were injected intravitreally (100.000 cells/μL). After 7 days, their eyes were dissected and cryoprotected in 30% sucrose in PB for at least 24 hours at 4°C. The material was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the following primary antibodies evaluation. Results. The results showed that the grafted cells integrated and survived in the adult mice within the sinner retinal tissue for at least 7 days. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed mature neuronal pattern in some regions. The mNPC population in the transplants was tightly surrounded by neuroretinal cells, suggesting their active role in neuron survival. Notably, the appearance of GFP-positive mNPC was not the result of fusion between donor cells and endogenous neuroretinal cells. Conclusions. Migration, survival, and differentiation of mNPCs were observed after 7 days following a single application with neurosphere method. The results may be clinically relevant for future stem cell therapy to restore retinal degeneration.
gs Continuous Function in Topological Space
Authors: Missier S. Pious , Raj Vijilius Helena
Published: February 2013

We introduce the different notions of a new class of continuous functions called generalized semi Lambda (gs) continuous function in topological spaces. Its properties and characterization are also discussed.
Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Synthesis Induce PPARα-Regulated Fatty Acidβ-Oxidative Genes: Synergistic Roles of L-FABP and Glucose
Authors: Huang Huan , McIntosh Avery L. , Martin Gregory G. , Petrescu Anca D. , Landrock Kerstin K. , Landrock Danilo , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm
Published: February 2013

While TOFA (acetyl CoA carboxylase inhibitor) and C75 (fatty acid synthase inhibitor) prevent lipid accumulation by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, the mechanism of action is not simply accounted for by inhibition of the enzymes alone. Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), a mediator of long chain fatty acid signaling to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α(PPARα) in the nucleus, was found to bind TOFA and its activated CoA thioester, TOFyl-CoA, with high affinity while binding C75 and C75-CoA with lower affinity. Binding of TOFA and C75-CoA significantly altered L-FABP secondary structure. High (20 mM) but not physiological (6 mM) glucose conferred on both TOFA and C75 the ability to induce PPARαtranscription of the fatty acidβ-oxidative enzymes CPT1A, CPT2, and ACOX1 in cultured primary hepatocytes from wild-type (WT) mice. However, L-FABP gene ablation abolished the effects of TOFA and C75 in the context of high glucose. These effects were not associated with an increased cellular level of unesterified fatty acids but rather by increased intracellular glucose. These findings suggested that L-FABP may function as an intracellular fatty acid synthesis inhibitor binding protein facilitating TOFA and C75-mediated induction of PPARαin the context of high glucose at levels similar to those in uncontrolled diabetes.
Automatic Tube Compensation versus Pressure Support Ventilation and Extubation Outcome in Children: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: El-beleidy Ahmed Saad El-din , Khattab Asser Abd EL-Hamied , El-Sherbini Seham Awad , Al-gebaly Hebatalla Fadel
Published: February 2013

Background. Automatic tube compensation (ATC) has been developed to overcome the imposed work of breathing due to artificial airways during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs).Objectives. This study aimed to assess extubation outcome after an SBT (spontaneous breathing trial) with ATC compared with pressure support ventilation (PSV) and to determine the risk factors for extubation failure.Methods. Patients ready for extubation were randomly assigned to two-hour spontaneous breathing trial with either ATC or pressure support ventilation.Results. In the ATC group (), 11 (65%) patients passed the SBT with subsequent extubation failure (9%). While in PSV group (), 10 (53%) patients passed the SBT with subsequent extubation failure (10%). This represented a positive predictive value for ATC of 91% and PSV of 90% (). Five (83%) of the patients who failed the SBT in ATC group were reintubated. This represented a higher negative predictive value for ATC of 83% than for PSV which was 56%. None of the assessed risk factors were independently associated with extubation failure including failed trial.Conclusion. ATC was equivalent to PSV in predicting patients with successful extubation. A trial failure in ATC group is associated with but does not definitely predict extubation failure.
Potential Anticarcinogenic Peptides from Bovine Milk
Authors: Pepe Giacomo , Tenore Gian Carlo , Mastrocinque Raffaella , Stusio Paola , Campiglia Pietro
Published: February 2013

Bovine milk possesses a protein system constituted by two major families of proteins: caseins (insoluble) and whey proteins (soluble). Caseins (αS1,αS2,β, andκ) are the predominant phosphoproteins in the milk of ruminants, accounting for about 80% of total protein, while the whey proteins, representing approximately 20% of milk protein fraction, includeβ-lactoglobulin,α-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, bovine serum albumin, bovine lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase, together with other minor components. Different bioactivities have been associated with these proteins. In many cases, caseins and whey proteins act as precursors of bioactive peptides that are released, in the body, by enzymatic proteolysis during gastrointestinal digestion or during food processing. The biologically active peptides are of particular interest in food science and nutrition because they have been shown to play physiological roles, including opioid-like features, as well as immunomodulant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. In recent years, research has focused its attention on the ability of these molecules to provide a prevention against the development of cancer. This paper presents an overview of antitumor activity of caseins and whey proteins and derived peptides.
Nanostructure Formations and Improvement in Corrosion Resistance of Steels by Means of Pulsed Electron Beam Surface Treatment
Authors: Zhang K. M. , Zou J. X. , Grosdidier T.
Published: February 2013

The corrosion of steels has long been the topic for materials scientists. It is established that surface treatment is an efficient way to improve the corrosion resistance of steels without changing the bulk properties and with low costs. In the present paper, different kinds of surface treatment techniques for steels are briefly reviewed. In particular, the surface modification involving nanostructure formations of steels by using a low energy high pulsed electron beam (LEHCPEB) treatment is lightened in the case of an AISI 316L stainless steel and D2 steel. The overall results demonstrate the high potential of the LEHCPEB technique for improving the corrosion performance of steels.
Automatic Segmentation of Lung Carcinoma Using 3D Texture Features in 18-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Markel Daniel , Caldwell Curtis , Alasti Hamideh , Soliman Hany , Ung Yee , Lee Justin , Sun Alexander
Published: February 2013

Target definition is the largest source of geometric uncertainty in radiation therapy. This is partly due to a lack of contrast between tumor and healthy soft tissue for computed tomography (CT) and due to blurriness, lower spatial resolution, and lack of a truly quantitative unit for positron emission tomography (PET). First-, second-, and higher-order statistics, Tamura, and structural features were characterized for PET and CT images of lung carcinoma and organs of the thorax. A combined decision tree (DT) with K-nearest neighbours (KNN) classifiers as nodes containing combinations of 3 features were trained and used for segmentation of the gross tumor volume. This approach was validated for 31 patients from two separate institutions and scanners. The results were compared with thresholding approaches, the fuzzy clustering method, the 3-level fuzzy locally adaptive Bayesian algorithm, the multivalued level set algorithm, and a single KNN using Hounsfield units and standard uptake value. The results showed the DTKNN classifier had the highest sensitivity of 73.9%, second highest average Dice coefficient of 0.607, and a specificity of 99.2% for classifying voxels when using a probabilistic ground truth provided by simultaneous truth and performance level estimation using contours drawn by 3 trained physicians.
Hepatocarcinogenesis Driven by GSNOR Deficiency Is Prevented by iNOS Inhibition
Authors: Tang Chi-Hui , Wei Wei , Hanes Martha A. , Liu Limin
Published: February 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly human cancers and it remains poorly managed. Human HCC development is often associated both with elevated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and with genetic deletion of the major denitrosylase S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR/ADH5). However, their causal involvement in human HCC is not established. In mice, GSNOR deficiency causes S-nitrosylation and depletion of the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferase (AGT) and increases rates of both spontaneous and DEN carcinogen-induced HCC. Here, we report that administration of 1400W, a potent and highly selective inhibitor of iNOS, blocked AGT depletion and rescued the repair of mutagenic O6-ethyldeoxyguanosines following DEN challenge in livers of GSNOR-deficient (GSNOR−/−) mice. Notably, short-term iNOS inhibition following DEN treatment had little effect on carcinogenesis in wild-type mice, but was sufficient to reduce HCC multiplicity, maximal size, and burden in GSNOR−/− mice to levels comparable with wild-type controls. Furthermore, increased HCC susceptibility in GSNOR−/− mice was not associated with an increase in interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, oxidative stress, or hepatocellular proliferation. These results suggested that GSNOR deficiency linked to defective DNA damage repair likely acts at the tumor initiation stage to promote HCC carcinogenesis. Together, our findings provide the first proof of principle that HCC development in the context of uncontrolled nitrosative stress can be blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of iNOS, possibly providing an effective therapy for patients with HCC. Cancer Res; 73(9); 2897–904. ©2013 AACR.
Vascular Normalization as an Emerging Strategy to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Yuhui , Goel Shom , Duda Dan G. , Fukumura Dai , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: February 2013

The recent approval of Provenge has brought new hope for anticancer vaccine therapies. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment seems to impair the efficacy of vaccine therapies. The abnormal tumor vasculature creates a hypoxic microenvironment that polarizes inflammatory cells toward immune suppression. Moreover, tumors systemically alter immune cells' proliferation, differentiation, and function via secretion of growth factors and cytokines. For example, VEGF, a major proangiogenic cytokine induced by hypoxia, plays a critical role in immunosuppression via these mechanisms. Hence, antiangiogenic treatment may be an effective modality to potentiate immunotherapy. Here, we discuss the local and systemic effects of VEGF on tumor immunity and propose a potentially translatable strategy to re-engineer the tumor–immune microenvironment and improve cancer immunotherapy by using lower “vascular normalizing” doses of antiangiogenic agents. Cancer Res; 73(10); 2943–8. ©2013 AACR.
Using Genetic Proxies for Lifecourse Sun Exposure to Assess the Causal Relationship of Sun Exposure with Circulating Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer Risk
Authors: Bonilla Carolina , Gilbert Rebecca , Kemp John P. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Evans David M. , Donovan Jenny L. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Neal David E. , Fraser William D. , Davey Smith George , Lewis Sarah J. , Lathrop Mark , Martin Richard M.
Published: February 2013

Background: Ecological and epidemiological studies have identified an inverse association of intensity and duration of sunlight exposure with prostate cancer, which may be explained by a reduction in vitamin D synthesis. Pigmentation traits influence sun exposure and therefore may affect prostate cancer risk. Because observational studies are vulnerable to confounding and measurement error, we used Mendelian randomization to examine the relationship of sun exposure with both prostate cancer risk and the intermediate phenotype, plasma levels of vitamin D.

Methods: We created a tanning, a skin color, and a freckling score as combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms that have been previously associated with these phenotypes. A higher score indicates propensity to burn, have a lighter skin color and freckles. The scores were tested for association with vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin-D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D) and prostate-specific antigen detected prostate cancer in 3,123 White British individuals enrolled in the Prostate Testing for cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) study.

Results: The freckling score was inversely associated with 25(OH)D levels [change in 25(OH)D per score unit −0.27; 95% CI, −0.52% to −0.01%], and the tanning score was positively associated with prostate cancer risk (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09), after adjustment for population stratification and potential confounders.

Conclusions: Individuals who tend to burn are more likely to spend less time in the sun and consequently have lower plasma vitamin D levels and higher susceptibility to prostate cancer.

Impact: The use of pigmentation-related genetic scores is valuable for the assessment of the potential benefits of sun exposure with respect to prostate cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 597–606. ©2013 AACR.
Management of Holocord Pilocytic Astrocytomas in Children and Adolescents: An Update
Authors: Ebner Florian H. , Schittenhelm Jens , Roser Florian , Scheel-Walter H. , Tatagiba Marcos , Schuhmann Martin U.
Published: February 2013

Holocord intramedullary low-grade astrocytomas in children and adolescents - involving most or all of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord - are a rare finding. Most of the tumors seem to be pilocytic astrocytomas. Surgical management strategies might not be as clear as in small and circumscribed intramedullary tumors. On the basis of 20 previously published cases and 3 own patients, we summarize and discuss possible treatment options and their risks and benefits. Surgery should be performed soon after establishment of the diagnosis, which per se is often delayed despite a long-standing presence of attributable symptoms or signs in most cases. Following multilevel laminotomy, excellent results can be achieved by electrophysiologically guided microsurgical tumor removal in a single-staged or multistaged approach. The surgical goal is resection as gross total as possible provided intraoperative monitoring indicates preservation of function. Small tumor remnants often remain stable in the due course. In case of unresectable regrowth or recurrence, chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the adjuvant treatment options.
Response of Mucocutaneous Lesions to Rituximab in a Case of Melanoma Differentiation Antigen 5-Related Dermatomyositis
Authors: Clottu Aurélie , Laffitte Emmanuel , Prins Christa , Chizzolini Carlo
Published: February 2013

We report the first case in Western Europe of a person presenting with dermatomyositis associated with melanoma differentiation antigen 5 antibodies. She sequentially developed severe mucocutaneous erythematous and itchy lesions of the face, scalp, neck, knees and recurrent aphthae. In addition she presented painful, periungual, edematous digital lesions and small ulcers with digital necrosis. Her rapidly evolving, near-fatal interstitial lung disease responded to high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide. However, her recurrent mucocutaneous mani-festations improved only after rituximab administration.
A Comparison of Traditional and Novel Definitions (RIFLE, AKIN, and KDIGO) of Acute Kidney Injury for the Prediction of Outcomes in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Roy Andrew K. , Mc Gorrian Catherine , Treacy Cecelia , Kavanaugh Edel , Brennan Alice , Mahon Niall G. , Murray Patrick T.
Published: February 2013

Aims: To determine if newer criteria for diagnosing and staging acute kidney injury (AKI) during heart failure (HF) admission are more predictive of clinical outcomes at 30 days and 1 year than the traditional worsening renal function (WRF) definition. Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected clinical data on 637 HF admissions with 30-day and 1-year follow-up. The incidence, stages, and outcomes of AKI were determined using the following four definitions: KDIGO, RIFLE, AKIN, and WRF (serum creatinine rise ≥0.3 mg/dl). Receiver operating curves were used to compare the predictive ability of each AKI definition for the occurrence of adverse outcomes (death, rehospitalization, dialysis). Results: AKI by any definition occurred in 38.3% (244/637) of cases and was associated with an increased incidence of 30-day (32.3 vs. 6.9%, χ2 = 70.1; p < 0.001) and 1-year adverse outcomes (67.5 vs. 31.0%, χ2 = 81.4; p < 0.001). Most importantly, there was a stepwise increase in primary outcome with increasing stages of AKI severity using RIFLE, KDIGO, or AKIN (p < 0.001). In direct comparison, there were only small differences in predictive abilities between RIFLE and KDIGO and WRF concerning clinical outcomes at 30 days (AUC 0.76 and 0.74 vs. 0.72, χ2 = 5.6; p = 0.02) as well as for KDIGO and WRF at 1 year (AUC 0.67 vs. 0.65, χ2 = 4.8; p = 0.03). Conclusion: During admission for HF, the benefits of using newer AKI classification systems (RIFLE, AKIN, KDIGO) lie with the ability to identify those patients with more severe degrees of AKI who will go on to experience adverse events at 30 days and 1 year. The differences in terms of predictive abilities were only marginal.
Early Interference With p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Attenuates Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Yu Yang , Xue Bao-Jian , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Wei Shun-Guang , Beltz Terry G. , Guo Fang , Johnson Alan Kim , Felder Robert B.
Published: February 2013

Blood-borne angiotensin II (ANG II) can upregulate p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and ANG II type-1 receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a critical cardiovascular and autonomic center. We tested the hypothesis that brain p44/42 MAPK signaling contributes to the development of ANG II–induced hypertension. The ANG II infusion (120 ng/kg per min, subcutaneously) induced increases in phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK and ANG II type-1 receptors in the PVN after 1 week, before the onset of hypertension, that were sustained as hypertension developed during a 2- or 3-week infusion protocol. Bilateral PVN microinjections of small interfering RNAs for p44/42 MAPK, at the onset of the ANG II infusion or 1 week later, prevented the early increase in p44/42 MAPK activity. The early treatment normalized ANG II type-1 receptor expression in the PVN and attenuated the hypertensive response to the 2-week infusion of ANG II. The later small interfering RNA microinjections had a transient effect on ANG II type-1 receptor expression in PVN and no effect on the hypertensive response to the 3-week infusion of ANG II. The early treatment also normalized the pressure response to ganglionic blockade. The ANG II infusion induced increases in mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines that were not affected by either small interfering RNA treatment. These results suggest that the full expression of ANG II–induced hypertension depends on p44/42 MAPK-mediated effects. A potential role for p44/42 MAPK in modulating the ANG II–induced central inflammatory response might also be considered. MAPK signaling in PVN may be a novel target for early intervention in the progression of ANG II-dependent hypertension.