bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory salicylate treatment alters the metabolic adaptations to lactation in dairy cattle
Authors: Farney Jaymelynn K. , Mamedova Laman K. , Coetzee Johann F. , KuKanich Butch , Sordillo Lorraine M. , Stoakes Sara K. , Minton J. Ernest , Hollis Larry C. , Bradford Barry J.
Published: May 2013

Adapting to the lactating state requires metabolic adjustments in multiple tissues, especially in the dairy cow, which must meet glucose demands that can exceed 5 kg/day in the face of negligible gastrointestinal glucose absorption. These challenges are met through the process of homeorhesis, the alteration of metabolic setpoints to adapt to a shift in physiological state. To investigate the role of inflammation-associated pathways in these homeorhetic adaptations, we treated cows with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sodium salicylate (SS) for the first 7 days of lactation. Administration of SS decreased liver TNF-α mRNA and marginally decreased plasma TNF-α concentration, but plasma eicosanoids and liver NF-κB activity were unaltered during treatment. Despite the mild impact on these inflammatory markers, SS clearly altered metabolic function. Plasma glucose concentration was decreased by SS, but this was not explained by a shift in hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression or by altered milk lactose secretion. Insulin concentrations decreased in SS-treated cows on day 7 compared with controls, which was consistent with the decline in plasma glucose concentration. The revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI) was then used to assess whether altered insulin sensitivity may have influenced glucose utilization rate with SS. The RQUICKI estimate of insulin sensitivity was significantly elevated by SS on day 7, coincident with the decline in plasma glucose concentration. Salicylate prevented postpartum insulin resistance, likely causing excessive glucose utilization in peripheral tissues and hypoglycemia. These results represent the first evidence that inflammation-associated pathways are involved in homeorhetic adaptations to lactation.
Ca2+-pumping impairment during repetitive fatiguing contractions in single myofibers: role of cross-bridge cycling
Authors: Nogueira Leonardo , Shiah Amy A. , Gandra Paulo G. , Hogan Michael C.
Published: May 2013

The energy cost of contractions in skeletal muscle involves activation of both actomyosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-pump (SERCA) ATPases, which together determine the overall ATP demand. During repetitive contractions leading to fatigue, the relaxation rate and Ca2+pumping become slowed, possibly because of intracellular metabolite accumulation. The role of the energy cost of cross-bridge cycling during contractile activity on Ca2+-pumping properties has not been investigated. Therefore, we inhibited cross-bridge cycling by incubating isolated Xenopus single fibers with N-benzyl- p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS) to study the mechanisms by which SR Ca2+pumping is impaired during fatiguing contractions. Fibers were stimulated in the absence (control) and presence of BTS and cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) transients or intracellular pH (pHi) changes were measured. BTS treatment allowed normal [Ca2+]ctransients during stimulation without cross-bridge activation. At the time point that tension was reduced to 50% in the control condition, the fall in the peak [Ca2+]cand the increase in basal [Ca2+]cdid not occur with BTS incubation. The progressively slower Ca2+pumping rate and the fall in pHiduring repetitive contractions were reduced during BTS conditions. However, when mitochondrial ATP supply was blocked during contractions with BTS present (BTS + cyanide), there was no further slowing in SR Ca2+pumping during contractions compared with the BTS-alone condition. Furthermore, the fall in pHiwas significantly less during the BTS + cyanide condition than in the control conditions. These results demonstrate that factors related to the energetic cost of cross-bridge cycling, possibly the accumulation of metabolites, inhibit the Ca2+pumping rate during fatiguing contractions.
Estradiol modulates recovery of REM sleep in a time-of-day-dependent manner
Authors: Schwartz Michael D. , Mong Jessica A.
Published: May 2013

Ovarian hormones are thought to modulate sleep and fluctuations in the hormonal milieu are coincident with sleep complaints in women. In female rats, estradiol increases waking and suppresses sleep. In this study, we asked whether this effect is mediated via circadian or homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. Ovariectomized female rats received daily injections of estradiol benzoate (EB) or sesame oil that mimicked the rapid increase and subsequent decline of circulating estradiol at proestrus. In one experiment, animals were sleep deprived for 6 h starting at lights-on, so that recovery began in the mid-light phase; in the second experiment, animals were sleep deprived starting in the mid-light phase, so that recovery began at lights-off. EB suppressed baseline rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep and increased waking in the dark phase. In both experiments, EB enhanced REM recovery in the light phase while suppressing it in the dark compared with oil; this effect was most pronounced in the first 6 h of recovery. By contrast, NREM recovery was largely unaffected by EB. In summary, EB enhanced waking and suppressed sleep, particularly REM sleep, in the dark under baseline and recovery conditions. These strong temporally dependent effects suggest that EB consolidates circadian sleep-wake rhythms in female rats.
Early life stress sensitizes the renal and systemic sympathetic system in rats
Authors: Loria Analia S. , Brands Michael W. , Pollock David M. , Pollock Jennifer S.
Published: May 2013

We hypothesized that maternal separation (MS), an early life stress model, induces a sensitization of the sympathetic system. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the renal and systemic sympathetic system in 12- to 14-wk-old male control or MS rats with the following parameters: 1) effect of renal denervation on conscious renal filtration capacity, 2) norepinephrine (NE) content in key organs involved in blood pressure control, and 3) acute systemic pressor responses to adrenergic stimulation or ganglion blockade. MS was performed by separating pups from their mothers for 3 h/day from day 2 to 14; controls were nonhandled littermates. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was examined in renal denervated (DnX; within 2 wk) or sham rats using I125-iothalamate plasma clearance. MS-DnX rats showed significantly increased GFR compared with MS-SHAM rats (3.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.2 ml/min, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas DnX had no effect in controls, indicating that renal nerves regulate GFR in MS rats. NE content was significantly increased in organ tissues from MS rats ( P < 0.05, n = 6–8), suggesting a sensitization of the renal and systemic sympathetic system. Conscious MS rats displayed a significantly greater increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to NE (2 μg/kg ip) and a greater reduction in MAP in response to mecamylamine (2 mg/kg ip, P < 0.05, n = 4) monitored by telemetry, indicating that MS rats exhibit exaggerated responses to sympathetic stimulation. In conclusion, these data indicate that MS sensitizes the renal and systemic sympathetic system ultimately impairing blood pressure regulation.
mTOR plays a critical role in p53-induced oxidative kidney cell injury in HIVAN
Authors: Rai Partab , Plagov Andrei , Lan Xiqian , Chandel Nirupama , Singh Tejinder , Lederman Rivka , Ayasolla Kamesh R. , Mathieson Peter W. , Saleem Moin A. , Husain Mohammad , Malhotra Ashwani , Chander Praveen N. , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: May 2013

Oxidative stress has been implicated to contribute to HIV-induced kidney cell injury; however, the role of p53, a modulator of oxidative stress, has not been evaluated in the development of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). We hypothesized that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may be critical for the induction of p53-mediated oxidative kidney cell injury in HIVAN. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated the effect of an mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, on kidney cell p53 expression, downstream signaling, and kidney cell injury in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway resulted in downregulation of renal tissue p53 expression, associated downstream signaling, and decreased number of sclerosed glomeruli, tubular microcysts, and apoptosed and 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)-positive (+ve) cells in Tg26 mice. mTOR inhibition not only attenuated kidney cell expression of p66ShcA and phospho-p66ShcA but also reactivated the redox-sensitive stress response program in the form of enhanced expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase. In in vitro studies, the mTOR inhibitor also provided protection against HIV-induced podocyte apoptosis. Moreover, mTOR inhibition downregulated HIV-induced podocyte (HP/HIV) p53 expression. Since HP/HIV silenced for mTOR displayed a lack of expression of p53 as well as attenuated podocyte apoptosis, this suggests that mTOR is critical for kidney cell p53 activation and associated oxidative kidney cell injury in the HIV milieu.
Bone morphogenetic protein-5 and early endothelial outgrowth cells (eEOCs) in acute ischemic kidney injury (AKI) and 5/6-chronic kidney disease
Authors: Patschan Daniel , Schwarze Katrin , Lange Andrea , Meise Nyree , Henze Elvira , Becker Jan Ulrich , Patschan Susann , Müller Gerhard A.
Published: May 2013

Early endothelial outgrowth cells (eEOCs) reproducibly have been shown to act protectively in acute ischemic kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney injury. Bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP-5) acted antifibrotically in human hypertensive nephropathy. The aim of the curent study was to analyze effects of BMP-5 treatment in an eEOC-based therapy of murine AKI and 5/6-nephrectomy. Male C57/Bl6N mice were either subjected to unilateral renal artery clamping postuninephrectomy or to 5/6-nephrectomy. Untreated or BMP-5-pretreated murine eEOCs were injected into recipient animals at the time of reperfusion (AKI) or at 2 and 5 days after 5/6-nephrectomy. Analysis of renal function and morphology was performed at 48 h and at 6 wk (AKI) or at 8 wk (5/6 model). Cellular consequences of eEOC treatment were evaluated using different in vitro assays. AKI was mitigated significantly by injecting BMP-5-pretreated eEOCs. Renal function was improved at 48 h and at 6 wk after cell therapy. In 5/6-nephrectomy, the cells failed to protect renal function, but proteinuria was reduced after administering untreated eEOCs. BMP-5 pretreatment resulted in aggravated proteinuria and renal fibrosis. In 5/6-nephrectomized animals, percentages of anti-smooth muscle actin+/CD31+ cells increased, indicating endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT). In vitro analysis revealed increased cell migration and reduced cell apoptosis/necrosis. Paracrinic activity remained unaffected. BMP-5 acts as a potent eEOC agonist in murine AKI in the short and mid to long term. Cell effects in 5/6-nephrectomy are heterogenous, but untreated cells act antiproteinurically and antifibrotically without any impact on EnMT.
Common excitatory synaptic inputs to electrically connected cortical fast-spiking cell networks
Authors: Otsuka Takeshi , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: May 2013

Cortical fast-spiking (FS) interneurons are electrically interconnected through gap junctions and form dendritic net structures extending over different functional columns. Here we investigated how pyramidal cells regulate FS cell network activity. Using paired recordings and glutamate puff stimulations, we found that FS cell pairs connected by electrical synapses shared common inputs from surrounding pyramidal cells more frequently than those unconnected or connected only by chemical synapses. Experimental and simulation results suggest that activity spread evoked by common inputs to electrically connected FS cells depends on network state. When cells were in the depolarized state, common inputs to electrically connected cells enhanced spike induction and induced inhibitory effects in surrounding FS cells. By contrast, in the hyperpolarized state, either sub- or suprathreshold inputs produced depolarizing potentials in nearby cells. Our results suggest that globally connected FS cell networks are locally regulated by pyramidal cells in an electrical connection- and network state-dependent manner.
Pinprick-evoked brain potentials: a novel tool to assess central sensitization of nociceptive pathways in humans
Authors: Iannetti G. D. , Baumgärtner U. , Tracey I. , Treede R. D. , Magerl W.
Published: May 2013

Although hyperalgesia to mechanical stimuli is a frequent sign in patients with inflammation or neuropathic pain, there is to date no objective electrophysiological measure for its evaluation in the clinical routine. Here we describe a technique for recording the electroencephalographic (EEG) responses elicited by mechanical stimulation with a flat-tip probe (diameter 0.25 mm, force 128 mN). Such probes activate Aδ nociceptors and are widely used to assess the presence of secondary hyperalgesia, a psychophysical correlate of sensitization in the nociceptive system. The corresponding pinprick-evoked potentials (PEPs) were recorded in 10 subjects during stimulation of the right and left hand dorsum before and after intradermal injection of capsaicin into the right hand and in 1 patient with a selective lesion of the right spinothalamic tract. PEPs in response to stimulation of normal skin were characterized by a vertex negative-positive (NP) complex, with N/P latencies and amplitudes of 111/245 ms and 3.5/11 μV, respectively. All subjects developed a robust capsaicin-induced increase in the pain elicited by pinprick stimulation of the secondary hyperalgesic area (+91.5%, P < 0.005). Such stimulation also resulted in a significant increase of the N-wave amplitude (+92.9%, P < 0.005), but not of the P wave (+6.6%, P = 0.61). In the patient, PEPs during stimulation of the hypoalgesic side were reduced. These results indicate that PEPs 1) reflect cortical activities triggered by somatosensory input transmitted in Aδ primary sensory afferents and spinothalamic projection neurons, 2) allow quantification of experimentally induced secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, and 3) have the potential to become a diagnostic tool to substantiate mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with presumed central sensitization.
Phase shift in the 24-hour rhythm of hippocampal EEG spiking activity in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Stanley David A. , Talathi Sachin S. , Parekh Mansi B. , Cordiner Daniel J. , Zhou Junli , Mareci Thomas H. , Ditto William L. , Carney Paul R.
Published: May 2013

For over a century epileptic seizures have been known to cluster at specific times of the day. Recent studies have suggested that the circadian regulatory system may become permanently altered in epilepsy, but little is known about how this affects neural activity and the daily pattern of seizures. To investigate, we tracked long-term changes in the rate of spontaneous hippocampal EEG spikes (SPKs) in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. In healthy animals, SPKs oscillated with near 24-h period; however, after injury by status epilepticus, a persistent phase shift of ∼12 h emerged in animals that later went on to develop chronic spontaneous seizures. Additional measurements showed that global 24-h rhythms, including core body temperature and theta state transitions, did not phase shift. Instead, we hypothesized that locally impaired circadian input to the hippocampus might be responsible for the SPK phase shift. This was investigated with a biophysical computer model in which we showed that subtle changes in the relative strengths of circadian input could produce a phase shift in hippocampal neural activity. MRI provided evidence that the medial septum, a putative circadian relay center for the hippocampus, exhibits signs of damage and therefore could contribute to local circadian impairment. Our results suggest that balanced circadian input is critical to maintaining natural circadian phase in the hippocampus and that damage to circadian relay centers, such as the medial septum, may disrupt this balance. We conclude by discussing how abnormal circadian regulation may contribute to the daily rhythms of epileptic seizures and related cognitive dysfunction.
Discharge properties of abductor hallucis before, during, and after an isometric fatigue task
Authors: Kelly Luke A. , Racinais Sebastien , Cresswell Andrew G.
Published: May 2013

Abductor hallucis is the largest muscle in the arch of the human foot and comprises few motor units relative to its physiological cross-sectional area. It has been described as a postural muscle, aiding in the stabilization of the longitudinal arch during stance and gait. The purpose of this study was to describe the discharge properties of abductor hallucis motor units during ramp and hold isometric contractions, as well as its discharge characteristics during fatigue. Intramuscular electromyographic recordings from abductor hallucis were made in 5 subjects; from those recordings, 42 single motor units were decomposed. Data were recorded during isometric ramp contractions at 60% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), performed before and after a submaximal isometric contraction to failure (mean force 41.3 ± 15.3% MVC, mean duration 233 ± 116 s). Motor unit recruitment thresholds ranged from 10.3 to 54.2% MVC. No significant difference was observed between recruitment and derecruitment thresholds or their respective discharge rates for both the initial and postfatigue ramp contractions (all P > 0.25). Recruitment threshold was positively correlated with recruitment discharge rate ( r = 0.47, P < 0.03). All motor units attained similar peak discharge rates (14.0 ± 0.25 pulses/s) and were not correlated with recruitment threshold. Thirteen motor units could be followed during the isometric fatigue task, with a decline in discharge rate and increase in discharge rate variability occurring in the final 25% of the task (both P < 0.05). We have shown that abductor hallucis motor units discharge relatively slowly and are considerably resistant to fatigue. These characteristics may be effective for generating and sustaining the substantial level of force that is required to stabilize the longitudinal arch during weight bearing.
Continuous theta-burst stimulation to primary motor cortex reveals asymmetric compensation for sensory attenuation in bimanual repetitive force production
Authors: Therrien Amanda S. , Lyons James , Balasubramaniam Ramesh
Published: May 2013

Studies of fingertip force production have shown that self-produced forces are perceived as weaker than externally generated forces. This is due to mechanisms of sensory reafference where the comparison between predicted and actual sensory feedback results in attenuated perceptions of self-generated forces. Without an external reference to calibrate attenuated performance judgments, a compensatory overproduction of force is exhibited. It remains unclear whether the force overproduction seen in the absence of visual reference stimuli differs when forces are produced bimanually. We studied performance of two versions of a bimanual sequential force production task compared with each hand performing the task unimanually. When the task goal was shared, force series produced by each hand in bimanual conditions were found to be uncorrelated. When the bimanual task required each hand to reach a target force level, we found asymmetries in the degree of force overproduction between the hands following visual feedback removal. Unilateral continuous theta-burst stimulation of the left primary motor cortex yielded a selective reduction of force overproduction in the hand contralateral to stimulation by disrupting sensory reafference processes. While variability was lower in bimanual trials when the task goal was shared, this influence of hand condition disappeared when the target force level was to be reached by each hand simultaneously. Our findings strengthen the notion that force control in bimanual action is less tightly coupled than other mechanisms of bimanual motor control and show that this effector specificity may be extended to the processing and compensation for mechanisms of sensory reafference.
Some Operator Inequalities on Chaotic Order and Monotonicity of Related Operator Function
Authors: Yang Changsen , Liu Yanmin
Published: May 2013

We will discuss some operator inequalities on chaotic order about several operators, which are generalization of Furuta inequality and show monotonicity of related Furuta type operator function.
Annealing Effect of ZnO Seed Layer on Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/TiO2Nanostructure
Authors: Kim Woo-Young , Kim Soon-Wook , Yoo Dae-Hwang , Kim Eui Jung , Hahn Sung Hong
Published: May 2013

Zinc oxide (ZnO)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods have been synthesized via a hydrothermal method for ZnO nanorods and an electron-beam deposition for TiO2nanorods. This work examined the effect of annealing ZnO seed layer on the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/TiO2nanorods which was determined from photodecomposition of methylene blue under UV irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/TiO2nanorods was improved with increasing annealing temperature of the seed layer from 300°C to 500°C. Annealing the seed layer at 500°C showed the best photocatalytic activity resulting from high UV absorption ability, a large surface area with flower structure and copious oxygen defects which promote separation of electron-hole pairs reducing electron recombination. The prepared nanorods were characterized by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and UV-visible spectroscopy.
Two Validated Spectrofluorometric Methods for Determination of Gemifloxacin Mesylate in Tablets and Human Plasma
Authors: Atia Noha N. , Mahmoud Ashraf M. , El-Shabouri Salwa R. , El-Koussi Wesam M.
Published: May 2013

Two new, sensitive, and selective spectrofluorometric methods were developed for the determination of gemifloxacin mesylate (GFX) in tablets and spiked human plasma. Method A was based on measurement of the enhanced fluorescence spectral behaviour of GFX in a sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) micellar system. In aqueous solution of acetate buffer pH 5.5, the fluorescence intensity of GFX was greatly enhanced about tenfold in the presence of SDS. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 402 nm after excitation at 274 nm. Method B was based on Hantzsch condensation reaction between the primary amino group of GFX with acetylacetone and formaldehyde in acetate buffer of pH 3.5 yielding a highly yellow fluorescent derivative. The reaction of GFX with acetylacetone-formaldehyde system solution resulted in bathochromic shift of both emission (476 nm) and excitation (420 nm) wavelengths. The fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the concentration over the range 10–1000 ng/ml and 100–2000 ng/ml for method A and B, respectively. The proposed methods were applied successfully for determination of GFX in its tablets and spiked plasma. Therefore, these methods can be considered of real interest for reliable and practical quality control analysis of GFX.
Estimation of Large Scalings in Images Based on Multilayer Pseudopolar Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Li Zhenhong , Yang Jianwei , Li Ming , Lan Rushi
Published: May 2013

Accurate estimation of the Fourier transform in log-polar coordinates is a major challenge for phase-correlation based motion estimation. To acquire better image registration accuracy, a method is proposed to estimate the log-polar coordinates coefficients using multilayer pseudopolar fractional Fourier transform (MPFFT). The MPFFT approach encompasses pseudopolar and multilayer techniques and provides a grid which is geometrically similar to the log-polar grid. At low coordinates coefficients the multilayer pseudopolar grid is dense, and at high coordinates coefficients the grid is sparse. As a result, large scalings in images can be estimated, and better image registration accuracy can be achieved. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Nurses' Experiences of Caring for Older Persons in Transition to Receive Homecare: Being Somewhere in between Competing Values
Authors: Hvalvik Sigrun , Dale Bjørg
Published: May 2013

Older persons in transition to need professional care in their homes will constitute a large group in municipalities in the future. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into nurses' experiences and perceptions of caring for patients in transition to receive homecare. Eleven home nurses divided into two focus groups were interviewed, and a phenomenological hermeneutical design was used. Four interpretations closely related to each other were revealed: it is essential to have an understanding of the patients' transition history; the nurse' repertoire is challenged in the transition process; care must be adapted to the patients' life world; the excellence of care is threatened by the context. The nurses strived to provide care based upon respect for the independent individual as a living whole. Their ambitions were, however, challenged and threatened by the caring context. The cooperation across organizational levels was pointed out as a critical factor with potential for improvement. This must be taken seriously to support the nurses in their endeavors to provide excellent care.
Comparative Trace Elemental Analysis in Cancerous and Noncancerous Human Tissues Using PIXE
Authors: Mulware Stephen Juma
Published: May 2013

The effect of high or low levels of trace metals in human tissues has been studied widely. There have been detectable significant variations in the concentrations of trace metals in normal and cancerous tissues suggesting that these variations could be a causative factor to various cancers. Even though essential trace metals play an important role such as stabilizers, enzyme cofactors, elements of structure, and essential elements for normal hormonal functions, their imbalanced toxic effects contribute to the rate of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and formation of complexities in the body cells which may lead to DNA damage. The induction of oxidative-induced DNA damage by ROS may lead to isolated base lesions or single-strand breaks, complex lesions like double-strand breaks, and some oxidative generated clustered DNA lesions (OCDLs) which are linked to cell apoptosis and mutagenesis. The difference in published works on the level of variations of trace metals in different cancer tissues can be attributed to the accuracy of the analytical techniques, sample preparation methods, and inability of taking uniform samples from the affected tissues. This paper reviews comparative trace elemental concentrations of cancerous and noncancerous tissues using PIXE that has been reported in the published literature.
Evaluation of the Potential Sensitization of Chlorogenic Acid: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Mingbao , Gong Wan , Chen Qian , Sun Lijuan , Wang Yingchao , Fan Xiaohui
Published: May 2013

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) widely exists in many plants, which are used as medicinal substances in traditional Chinese medicine injectables (TCMIs) that have been widely applied in clinical treatments. However, it is still controversial whether CGA is responsible for TCMIs-related hypersensitivity. Several studies have been performed to evaluate its potential sensitization property, but the results were inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate its potential sensitization systematically using meta-analysis based on data extracted from literatures, searching databases of PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, CNKI, VIP, and CHINAINFO from January 1979 to October 2012, a total of 108 articles were retrieved by electronic search strategy, out of which 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. In ASA test, odds ratio of behavior changes was 4.33 (1.62, 11.60), showing significant changes after CGA treatment (P=0.004). Serum IgG, serum histamine, PLN cellularity, and IgG1 AFCs were significantly enhanced after CGA treatment (P<0.05). Totally, these results indicated that CGA could induce a positive reaction in potential sensitization, and intravenous administration of it might be a key factor for sensitization triggering, which could at least warrant more careful application of TCMIs containing CGA in clinical practices.
Oral Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Challenging Adverse Effect
Authors: Coskun Benlidayi Ilke , Guzel Rengin
Published: May 2013

Oral bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed antiresorptive drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, there are several adverse effects associated with oral bisphosphonates including the bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). With a better understanding of this side effect, reported incidences for BRONJ in oral bisphosphonate users have increased in time. The pathogenesis of BRONJ has not been well determined. Several risk factors such as dentoalveolar surgery, therapy duration, and concomitant steroid usage have been linked to BRONJ. Conservative and surgical methods can be preferred in the treatment. Preventative measures are of great importance for the patients at high risk. In this paper, osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to oral bisphosphonates was reviewed in order to increase awareness as well as to renew the current knowledge.
Ant-Associated Beetle Fauna in Bulgaria: A Review and New Data
Authors: Lapeva-Gjonova Albena
Published: May 2013

The rich myrmecofauna in Bulgaria, comprising about 170 species, constitutes favorable settings for a diverse associated fauna. An attempt to summarize the fragmented faunal data on this ecological group in Bulgaria, together with inclusion of new data, has resulted in a comprehensive list of 121 beetle species from 14 families, obligate or facultative ant related. The extent of current knowledge on the various beetle families, host specificity, the nature of relations between guests and their ant hosts, and the regional characteristics of the myrmecophilous fauna are discussed.
Predual ofQKSpaces
Authors: Zhou Jizhen
Published: May 2013

A necessary and sufficient condition is given for a positive measureμon𝔻to be aK-Carleson measure. We give the predual ofQKspaces in terms of this condition.
Electroacupuncture-Induced Dynamic Processes of Gene Expression Levels of Endogenous Opioid Peptide Precursors and Opioid Receptors in the CNS of Goats
Authors: Cheng Li-Li , Ding Ming-Xing , Wei Jia , Wu Yi-Qiang , Qiu Zheng-Ying , Chen Jian-Guo , Liu Dong-Ming , Hu Chang-Min , Hu Man-Li , Shah Zahir , Wang Qiong
Published: May 2013

In order to investigate the dynamic processes of mRNA levels of proenkephalin, proopiomelanocortin, prodynorphin, and opioid receptors (δ-,μ-, andκ-receptor) induced by electroacupuncture (EA) in the central nerve system, goats were stimulated by EA of 60 Hz for 0.5 h at a set of Baihui, Santai, Ergen, and Sanyangluo points. The pain threshold was measured using the method of potassium iontophoresis. The mRNA levels of the three opioid peptide precursors and three opioid receptors were determined with quantitative real-time PCR and the levels of Met-enkephalin with SABC immunohistochemistry at 0.5 h before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after EA. The results showed that the pain threshold correlated (P<0.01) with Met-enkephalin immunoactivities in the measured nuclei and areas of goats. The analgesic aftereffect lasted for 12 h at least. The mRNA levels of the three opioid peptide precursors and three opioid receptors began to increase at 0 h, reached the peak during the time from 4 h to 6 h or at 12 h, and remained higher at 24 h after EA was discontinued. These results suggested that the initiation of gene expression of opioid peptides and the three receptors may be associated with EA-induced analgesic aftereffect.
The Multifaceted Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Stephenson J. A. , Al-Taan O. , Arshad A. , Morgan B. , Metcalfe M. S. , Dennison A. R.
Published: May 2013

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid have been shown to have multiple beneficial antitumour actions that affect the essential alterations that dictate malignant growth. In this review we explore the putative mechanisms of action of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in cancer protection in relation to self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to growth-inhibitory signals, apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasion, and how these will hopefully translate from bench to bedside.
An Immunohistochemistry Study of Sox9, Runx2, and Osterix Expression in the Mandibular Cartilages of Newborn Mouse
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhao Xiaopeng , Zhang Zhiguang , Chen Weiwei , Zhang Xinli
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the spacial expression pattern and functional significance of three key transcription factors related to bone and cartilage formation, namely, Sox9, Runx2, and Osterix in cartilages during the late development of mouse mandible. Immunohistochemical examinations of Sox9, Runx2, and Osterix were conducted in the mandibular cartilages of the 15 neonatal C57BL/6N mice. In secondary cartilages, both Sox9 and Runx2 were weakly expressed in the polymorphic cell zone, strongly expressed in the flattened cell zone and throughout the entire hypertrophic cell zone. Similarly, both transcriptional factors were weakly expressed in the uncalcified Meckel’s cartilage while strongly expressed in the rostral cartilage. Meanwhile, Osterix was at an extremely low level in cells of the flattened cell zone and the upper hypertrophic cell zone in secondary cartilages. Surprisingly, Osterix was intensely expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes in the center of the uncalcified Meckel’s cartilage while moderately expressed in part of hypertrophic chondrocytes in the rostral process. Consequently, it is suggested that Sox9 is a main and unique positive regulator in the hypertrophic differentiation process of mandibular secondary cartilages, in addition to Runx2. Furthermore, Osterix is likely responsible for phenotypic conversion of Meckel’s chondrocytes during its degeneration.
Life-Cycle Analyses of Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions of Natural Gas-Based Alternative Vehicle Fuels in China
Authors: Ou Xunmin , Zhang Xiliang
Published: May 2013

Tsinghua life-cycle analysis model (TLCAM) has been used to examine the primary fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for natural gas- (NG-) based alternative vehicle fuels in China. The results show that (1) compress NG- and liquid NG-powered vehicles have similar well-to-wheels (WTW) fossil energy uses to conventional gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles, but differences emerge with the distance of NG transportation. Additionally, thanks to NG having a lower carbon content than petroleum, CNG- and LNG-powered vehicles emit 10–20% and 5–10% less GHGs than gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles, respectively; (2) gas-to-liquid- (GTL-) powered vehicles involve approximately 50% more WTW fossil energy uses than conventional gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles, primarily because of the low efficiency of GTL production. Nevertheless, since NG has a lower carbon content than petroleum, GTL-powered vehicles emit approximately 30% more GHGs than conventional-fuel vehicles; (3) The carbon emission intensity of the LNG energy chain is highly sensitive to the efficiency of NG liquefaction and the form of energy used in that process.
Functional Dyspepsia in Review: Pathophysiology and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management due to Coexisting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Yarandi Shadi S. , Christie Jennifer
Published: May 2013

Functional dyspepsia is a common disorder which imposes significant diagnostic and treatment challenges for patients and physicians. The most recent update of the diagnostic criteria subdivides functional dyspepsia into two subcategories based on the main symptom of epigastric pain or postmeal fullness. As we discuss in this review, several studies have shown significant overlap in symptoms and pathophysiology between functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and the spectrum of reflux disorders. This overlap in symptoms can be informative in helping us to understand the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. The addition of diagnostic testing such as pH impedance manometry of the distal esophagus to the current common diagnostic tests might be helpful in distinguishing between functional dyspepsia and reflux disease. Importantly, various treatment modalities may be more effective than others if the main symptom is burning rather than pain or postmeal fullness rather than early satiation.
An Anomalous Configuration of Coronary Artery: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Singh Rajani
Published: May 2013

Anatomical variations in relation to coronary artery and its branches will help cardiac surgeons for refining imaging techniques and coronary artery bypass grafting. A heart was detected with multiple anomalies of coronary arteries in a cadaver. The anomalies of coronary arteries in terms of origin, number of ostia, courses, and presence of myocardial bridges were described, and related clinical implications were highlighted in the present study. The knowledge of variant anatomy may be of paramount importance to anatomists for variant anatomy and to cardiac surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment of cardiac ailments including radiologists to refine image interpretation.
Chinese Herbal Formula Huo-Luo-Xiao-Ling Dan Protects against Bone Damage in Adjuvant Arthritis by Modulating the Mediators of Bone Remodeling
Authors: Nanjundaiah Siddaraju M. , Lee David Y.-W. , Berman Brian M. , Moudgil Kamal D.
Published: May 2013

Huo-luo-xiao-ling dan (HLXL) is an herbal mixture that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory disorders. Despite the availability of potent conventionally used drugs for RA, their limited efficacy in a proportion of patients coupled with their high cost and severe adverse effects has necessitated the search for novel therapeutics for this debilitating disease. Further, the control of both inflammation and bone damage is essential for effective management of arthritis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of HLXL against arthritic bone damage in adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of RA. Our results show that HLXL treatment suppressed inflammatory arthritis and reduced bone and cartilage damage in the joints of arthritic Lewis rats. HLXL-induced protection against bone damage was mediated primarily via inhibition of mediators of osteoclastic bone remodeling (e.g., receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand; RANKL), skewing of RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in favor of antiosteoclastic activity, reduction in the number of osteoclasts in the arthrodial joint's bone, and inhibition of cytokine production and MMP activity. Our results suggest that HLXL might offer a promising alternative/adjunct treatment for both inflammation and bone damage in RA.
Object Shape Recognition Using Wavelet Descriptors
Authors: Abou Nabout Adnan
Published: May 2013

The wavelet transform is a well-known signal analysis method in several engineering disciplines. In image processing and pattern recognition, the wavelet transform is used in many applications for image coding as well as feature extraction purposes. It can be used to describe a given object shape by wavelet descriptors (WD). Thus, it is used to recognize objects according to their contour shape by deriving a number of WD and comparing them with the WD of stored contour patterns. For our method, we use a periodical angle function derived from an extracted object contour. In order to apply the WD, the Mexican Hat can be used as the mother wavelet. In this paper, the method of object shape recognition using wavelet descriptors is described coherently and includes details relating to the method of applying the periodical angle function and the derivation of the formulas for the Haar as well as Mexican Hat wavelet descriptors. To evaluate the results of object recognition when using wavelet descriptors taking into account the dependence on the starting point, the paper describes a sufficient method for the comparison of wavelet descriptors using the minimum distance matrix.
The Meanings and Prospects of Primo Vascular System from the Viewpoint of Historical Context
Authors: Jeon Jongwook , Lee Sanghun
Published: May 2013

The aim of this overview is to evaluate the primo vascular system research in the context of the history of meridian theory and the modern meanings of it. The 12 meridian systems were naturally presupposed in the conventional study of the meridians and acupuncture. But the excavations of Mawang-tui old documents and Sichuan Mianyang wooden puppet revealed the primordial concepts of meridians uncolored by the numerological cosmology of Han era. Further, the meridian map of horse, cow and hawk show another resemblance to the primordial type of meridians. Modern meridian theory has been challenged by the material based scientific theory and the primo vascular theory presents the most radical answer for it. It aims to reveal the anatomical entity of meridians. However, the study of primo vascular system is unexpectedly opening the new horizon of scientific integration of East and West beyond the mere searching for anatomical entity of meridians. Conclusions we have drawn from the historical reviews are, (1) the surface structure of the body reflects the physiopathological changes of inside the body, (2) by stimulating specific sites on the surface, it is possible to acquire therapeutic effects of certain symptoms, and (3) numbers and locations of meridian acupoints are variable among traditional meridian theories.
Curcumin Protects Neuron against Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Inflammation through Improving PPAR-Gamma Function
Authors: Liu Zun-Jing , Liu Wei , Liu Lei , Xiao Cheng , Wang Yu , Jiao Jing-Song
Published: May 2013

Cerebral ischemia is the most common cerebrovascular disease worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that curcumin had beneficial effect to attenuate cerebral ischemic injury. However, it is unclear how curcumin protects against cerebral ischemic injury. In the present study, using rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model, we found that curcumin was a potent PPARγagonist in that it upregulated PPARγexpression and PPARγ-PPRE binding activity. Administration of curcumin markedly decreased the infarct volume, improved neurological deficits, and reduced neuronal damage of rats. In addition, curcumin suppressed neuroinflammatory response by decreasing inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2, NO, COX-2, and iNOS induced by cerebral ischemia of rats. Furthermore, curcumin suppressed IκB degradation that was caused by cerebral ischemia. The present data also showed that PPARγinteracted with NF-κB-p65 and thus inhibited NF-κB activation. All the above protective effects of curcumin on cerebral ischemic injury were markedly attenuated by GW9662, an inhibitor of PPARγ. Our results as described above suggested that PPARγinduced by curcumin may play a critical role in protecting against brain injury through suppression of inflammatory response. It also highlights the potential of curcumin as a therapeutic agent against cerebral ischemia.
Plasmonic Circular Nanostructure for Enhanced Light Absorption in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chiu Nan-Fu , Hou Cheng-Hung , Cheng Chih-Jen , Tsai Feng-Yu
Published: May 2013

This study attempts to enhance broadband absorption in advanced plasmonic circular nanostructures (PCN). Experimental results indicate that the concentric circular metallic gratings can enhance broadband optical absorption, due to the structure geometry and the excitation of surface plasmon mode. The interaction between plasmonic enhancement and the absorption characteristics of the organic materials (P3HT:PCBM and PEDOT:PSS) are also examined. According to those results, the organic material's overall optical absorption can be significantly enhanced by up to~51% over that of a planar device. Additionally, organic materials are enhanced to a maximum of 65% for PCN grating pitch = 800 nm. As a result of the PCN's enhancement in optical absorption, incorporation of the PCN into P3HT:PCBM-based organic solar cells (OSCs) significantly improved the performance of the solar cells: short-circuit current increased from 10.125 to 12.249 and power conversion efficiency from 3.2% to 4.99%. Furthermore, optimizing the OSCs architectures further improves the performance of the absorption and PCE enhancement.
miR-149 Inhibits Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells EMT by Targeting FOXM1
Authors: Ke Yang , Zhao Weiyong , Xiong Jie , Cao Rubo
Published: May 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implied to play crucial roles for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC cells). Here we found that the expression of miR-149, downregulated in lung cancer, was inversely correlated with invasive capability and the EMT phenotype of NSCLC cells. miR-149 inhibited EMT in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-149 directly targeted Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), and FOXM1 was involved in the EMT induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells. Overexpression of FOXM1 restored EMT process inhibited by miR-149. Our work suggested that miR-149 might be an EMT suppressor in NSCLC cells.
Mechanical Properties of Palm Fibre Reinforced Recycled HDPE
Authors: Aldousiri B. , Alajmi M. , Shalwan A.
Published: May 2013

Recently, recycled thermoplastic polymers become an alternative resource for manufacturing industrial products. However, they have low mechanical properties compared to the thermosets. In this paper, an attempt has been made to enhance the mechanical properties of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) with chopped strand mat (CSM) glass fibres as a synthetic reinforcement and with short oil palm fibres as a biodegradable (natural) reinforcement. The effects of volume fraction of both synthetic and natural fibres on tensile, compression, hardness, and flexural properties of the HDPE were investigated. The failure mechanism of the composite was studied with the aid of optical microscopy. Tensile properties of the HDPE composites are greatly affected by the weight fraction of both the synthetic and the natural fibres. The higher strength of the composites was exhibited when at higher weight fraction of both natural and syntactic fibres which was about 50 MPa. Date palm fibre showed good interfacial adhesion to the HDPE despite the untreated condition used. On the other hand, treatment of the fibres is recommended for higher tensile performance of the composites.
A Prototype-Based Gate-Level Cycle-Accurate Methodology for SoC Performance Exploration and Estimation
Authors: Su Ching-Lung , Chen Tse-Min , Wu Kuo-Hsuan
Published: May 2013

A prototype-based SoC performance estimation methodology was proposed for consumer electronics design. Traditionally, prototypes are usually used in system verification before SoC tapeout, which is without accurate SoC performance exploration and estimation. This paper attempted to carefully model the SoC prototype as a performance estimator and explore the environment of SoC performance. The prototype met the gate-level cycle-accurate requirement, which covered the effect of embedded processor, on-chip bus structure, IP design, embedded OS, GUI systems, and application programs. The prototype configuration, chip post-layout simulation result, and the measured parameters of SoC prototypes were merged to model a target SoC design. The system performance was examined according to the proposed estimation models, the profiling result of the application programs ported on prototypes, and the timing parameters from the post-layout simulation of the target SoC. The experimental result showed that the proposed method was accompanied with only an average of 2.08% of error for an MPEG-4 decoder SoC at simple profile level 2 specifications.