bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Immunity to an Auxotrophic Mycobacterium bovis BCG-VLP Prime-Boost HIV Vaccine Candidate in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Chege Gerald K. , Burgers Wendy A. , Stutz Helen , Meyers Ann E. , Chapman Rosamund , Kiravu Agano , Bunjun Rubina , Shephard Enid G. , Jacobs William R. , Rybicki Edward P. , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: March 2013

We previously reported that a recombinant pantothenate auxotroph ofMycobacterium bovisBCG expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C Gag (rBCGpan-Gag) efficiently primes the mouse immune system for a boost with a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vaccine. In this study, we further evaluated the immunogenicity of rBCGpan-Gag in a nonhuman primate model. Two groups of chacma baboons were primed or mock primed twice with either rBCGpan-Gag or a control BCG. Both groups were boosted with HIV-1 Pr55gagvirus-like particles (Gag VLPs). The magnitude and breadth of HIV-specific cellular responses were measured using a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay, and the cytokine profiles and memory phenotypes of T cells were evaluated by polychromatic flow cytometry. Gag-specific responses were detected in all animals after the second inoculation with rBCGpan-Gag. Boosting with Gag VLPs significantly increased the magnitude and breadth of the responses in the baboons that were primed with rBCGpan-Gag. These responses targeted an average of 12 Gag peptides per animal, compared to an average of 3 peptides per animal for the mock-primed controls. Robust responses of Gag-specific polyfunctional T cells capable of simultaneously producing IFN-γ, tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were detected in the rBCGpan-Gag-primed animals. Gag-specific memory T cells were skewed toward a central memory phenotype in both CD4+and CD8+T cell populations. These data show that the rBCGpan-Gag prime and Gag VLP boost vaccine regimen is highly immunogenic, inducing a broad and polyfunctional central memory T cell response. This report further indicates the feasibility of developing a BCG-based HIV vaccine that is safe for childhood HIV immunization.
Structural Characterization of H-1 Parvovirus: Comparison of Infectious Virions to Empty Capsids
Authors: Halder Sujata , Nam Hyun-Joo , Govindasamy Lakshmanan , Vogel Michèle , Dinsart Christiane , Salomé Nathalie , McKenna Robert , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis
Published: March 2013

The structure of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) packaging H-1 parvovirus (H-1PV), which is being developed as an antitumor gene delivery vector, has been determined for wild-type (wt) virions and noninfectious (empty) capsids to 2.7- and 3.2-Å resolution, respectively, using X-ray crystallography. The capsid viral protein (VP) structure consists of an α-helix and an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel with large loop regions between the strands. The β-barrel and loops form the capsid core and surface, respectively. In the wt structure, 600 nucleotides are ordered in an interior DNA binding pocket of the capsid. This accounts for ∼12% of the H-1PV genome. The wt structure is identical to the empty capsid structure, except for side chain conformation variations at the nucleotide binding pocket. Comparison of the H-1PV nucleotides to those observed in canine parvovirus and minute virus of mice, two members of the genus
Parvovirus
, showed both similarity in structure and analogous interactions. This observation suggests a functional role, such as in capsid stability and/or ssDNA genome recognition for encapsulation. The VP structure differs from those of other parvoviruses in surface loop regions that control receptor binding, tissue tropism, pathogenicity, and antibody recognition, including VP sequences reported to determine tumor cell tropism for oncotropic rodent parvoviruses. These structures of H-1PV provide insight into structural features that dictate capsid stabilization following genome packaging and three-dimensional information applicable for rational design of tumor-targeted recombinant gene delivery vectors.
Human Cell Tropism and Innate Immune System Interactions of Human Respiratory Coronavirus EMC Compared to Those of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Zielecki Florian , Weber Michaela , Eickmann Markus , Spiegelberg Larissa , Zaki Ali Moh , Matrosovich Mikhail , Becker Stephan , Weber Friedemann
Published: March 2013

Infections with human coronavirus EMC (HCoV-EMC) are associated with severe pneumonia. We demonstrate that HCoV-EMC resembles severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in productively infecting primary and continuous cells of the human airways and in preventing the induction of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3)-mediated antiviral alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) responses. However, HCoV-EMC was markedly more sensitive to the antiviral state established by ectopic IFN. Thus, HCoV-EMC can utilize a broad range of human cell substrates and suppress IFN induction, but it does not reach the IFN resistance of SARS-CoV.
H2AX Phosphorylation Is Important for LANA-Mediated Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Episome Persistence
Authors: Jha Hem Chandra , Upadhyay Santosh Kumar , AJ Mahadesh Prasad , Lu Jie , Cai Qiliang , Saha Abhik , Robertson Erle S.
Published: March 2013

The DNA damage response (DDR) of host cells is utilized by a number of viruses to establish and propagate their genomes in the infected cells. We examined the expression of the DDR genes during Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The genes were mostly downregulated, except H2AX, which was upregulated during infection. H2AX is important for gammaherpesvirus infectivity, and its phosphorylation at serine 139 is crucial for maintenance of latency during mouse gamma-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) infection. We now also observed phosphorylation of H2AX at serine 139 during KSHV infection. H2AX is a histone H2A isoform shown to interact with the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by KSHV. Here, we show that LANA directly interacted with H2AX through domains at both its N and C termini. The phosphorylated form of H2AX (γH2AX) was shown to colocalize with LANA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that a reduction in H2AX levels resulted in reduced binding of LANA with KSHV terminal repeats (TRs). Binding preferences of H2AX and γH2AX along the KSHV episome were examined by whole-episome ChIP analysis. We showed that γH2AX had a higher relative binding activity along the TR regions than that of the long unique region (LUR), which highlighted the importance of H2AX phosphorylation during KSHV infection. Furthermore, knockdown of H2AX resulted in decreased KSHV episome copy number. Notably, the C terminus of LANA contributed to phosphorylation of H2AX. However, phosphorylation was not dependent on the ability of LANA to drive KSHV-infected cells into S-phase. Thus, H2AX contributes to association of LANA with the TRs, and phosphorylation of H2AX is likely important for its increased density at the TRs.
ON COMPATIBILITY OF UNCERTAIN MULTIPLICATIVE LINGUISTIC PREFERENCE RELATIONS AND ITS APPLICATION TO GROUP DECISION MAKING
Authors: ZHOU LIGANG , CHEN HUAYOU
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work is to develop a new compatibility for the uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations and determine the optimal weights of decision makers (DMs), which are very suitable to deal with group decision making (GDM) problems involving uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations. First, the concepts of compatibility degree and compatibility index for the two uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations are proposed. Then we prove the property that the synthetic uncertain linguistic preference relation is of acceptable compatibility under the condition that uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations given by DMs are all of acceptable compatibility with a specific linguistic preference relation, which is the scientific basis of using the uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations in the GDM. Next, in order to determine the weights of decision makers, we construct an optimal model based on the criterion of minimizing the compatibility index. Finally, we develop an application of the optimal weights approach compared with the equal weights approach where we analyze a GDM regarding the selection of investment.
FORMATION OF FUZZY IF-THEN RULES AND MEMBERSHIP FUNCTION USING ENHANCED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: GANESHKUMAR P. , RANI C. , DEEPA S. N.
Published: March 2013

This paper proposes an Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) for extracting optimal rule set and tuning membership function for fuzzy logic based classifier model. The standard PSO is more sensitive to premature convergence due to lack of diversity in the swarm and can easily get trapped into local minima when it is used for data classification. To overcome this issue, BLX-α crossover and Non-uniform mutation from Genetic Algorithm (GA) are incorporated in addition to standard velocity and position updating of PSO. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using ten publicly available bench mark data sets. From the simulation study, it is found that the proposed approach enhances the convergence and generates a comprehensible fuzzy classifier system with high classification accuracy for all the data sets. Statistical analysis of the test result shows the suitability of the proposed method over other approaches reported in the literature.
D-TERM DYNAMICAL SUSY BREAKING
Authors: ITOYAMA HIROSHI , MARU NOBUHITO
Published: March 2013

We consider an [Formula: see text] supersymmetric U(N) gauge theory with an adjoint chiral multiplet. By developing a self-consistent Hartree-Fock approximation to the leading order which is reminiscent of that of the BCS/NJL in the superconductivity/chiral symmetry, we show that the [Formula: see text] supersymmetry is spontaneously broken, giving a mixed Majorana-Dirac mass term for gaugino due to the nonvanishing D-term VEV and F-term one induced by D-term.
STOKES PHENOMENA AND QUANTUM INTEGRABILITY IN NON-CRITICAL STRING/M THEORY
Authors: CHAN CHUAN-TSUNG , IRIE HIROTAKA , YEH CHI-HSIEN
Published: March 2013

Non-critical string/M theory is a solvable model which has been studied to reveal various non-perturbative aspects of string theory with providing new key concepts to the next developments of string theory. Here we show some recent progress in study of Stokes phenomenon in non-critical string theory of the multi-cut two-matrix models. In particular, we argue that it is Stokes phenomenon which allows us to know concepts of non-perturbative completion with analytic study of string-theory landscape from the first principle.
GENERALIZED LIE TRANSPORTED STRING IN T-FOLD WITH GENERALIZED KILLING VECTOR
Authors: KIKUCHI TORU , OKADA TAKASHI , SAKATANI YUHO
Published: March 2013

After constructing the [Formula: see text]-brane background, which is a T-fold in string theory, from a D7-brane via U-duality, we derived the fundamental string solution rotating around it. Reflecting that the [Formula: see text] background is not axisymmetric, the string solution also changes its shape during its rotation. However, we found that the [Formula: see text] background is indeed axisymmetric in the sense of doubled geometry, by explicitly finding a generalized Killing vector. Moreover, the string charge density vector is found to be generalized Lie transported along the generalized Killing vector.
Examining the relationship between exercise tolerance and isoproterenol-based cardiac reserve in murine models of heart failure
Authors: Richards Daniel A. , Bao Weike , Rambo Mary V. , Burgert Mark , Jucker Beat M. , Lenhard Stephen C.
Published: March 2013

The loss of cardiac reserve is, in part, responsible for exercise intolerance in late-stage heart failure (HF). Exercise tolerance testing (ETT) has been performed in mouse models of HF; however, treadmill performance and at-rest cardiac indexes determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rarely correlate. The present study adopted a stress-MRI technique for comparison with ETT in HF models, using isoproterenol (ISO) to evoke cardiac reserve responses. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly subjected to myocardial infarction (MI), transverse aortic constriction (TAC), or sham surgery under general anesthesia. Mice underwent serial ETT on a graded treadmill with follow-up ISO stress-MRI. TAC mice showed consistent exercise intolerance, with a 16.2% reduction in peak oxygen consumption vs. sham at 15-wk postsurgery (WPS). MI and sham mice had similar peak oxygen consumption from 7 WPS onward. Time to a respiratory exchange ratio of 1.0 correlated with ETT distance ( r = 0.64; P < 0.001). The change in ejection fraction under ISO stress was reduced in HF mice at 4 WPS [10.1 ± 3.9% change (Δ) and 8.9 ± 3.5%Δ in MI and TAC, respectively, compared with 32.0 ± 3.5%Δ in sham; P < 0.001]. However, cardiac reserve differences between surgery groups were not observed at 16 WPS in terms of ejection fraction or cardiac output. In addition, ETT did not correlate with cardiac indexes under ISO stress. In conclusion, ISO stress was unable to reflect consistent differences in ETT between HF and healthy mice, suggesting cardiac-specific indexes are not the sole factors in defining exercise intolerance in mouse HF models.
Effect of acute hyaluronidase treatment of the glycocalyx on tracer-based whole body vascular volume estimates in mice
Authors: VanTeeffelen Jurgen W. G. E. , Brands Judith , Janssen Ben J. A. , Vink Hans
Published: March 2013

The endothelial glycocalyx forms a hyaluronan-containing interface between the flowing blood and the endothelium throughout the body. By comparing the systemic distribution of a small glycocalyx-accessible tracer vs. a large circulating plasma tracer, the size-selective barrier properties of the glycocalyx have recently been utilized to estimate whole body glycocalyx volumes in humans and animals, but a comprehensive validation of this approach has been lacking at the moment. In the present study, we compared, in anesthetized, ventilated C57Bl/6 mice, the whole body distribution of small (40 kDa) dextrans (Texas Red labeled; Dex40) vs. that of intermediate (70 kDa) and large (500 kDa) dextrans (both FITC labeled; Dex70 and Dex500, respectively) using tracer dilution and vs. that of circulating plasma, as derived from the dilution of fluorescein-labeled red blood cells and large-vessel hematocrit. The contribution of the glycocalyx was evaluated by intravenous infusion of a bolus of the enzyme hyaluronidase. In saline-treated control mice, distribution volume (in ml) differed between tracers ( P < 0.05; ANOVA) in the following order: Dex40 (0.97 ± 0.04) > Dex70 (0.90 ± 0.04) > Dex500 (0.81 ± 0.10) > plasma (0.71 ± 0.02), resulting in an inaccessible vascular volume, i.e., compared with the distribution volume of Dex40, of 0.03 ± 0.01, 0.15 ± 0.04, and 0.31 ± 0.05 ml for Dex70, Dex500, and plasma, respectively. In hyaluronidase-treated mice, Dex70 and Dex40 volumes were not different from each other, and inaccessible vascular volumes for Dex500 (0.03 ± 0.03) and plasma (0.14 ± 0.05) were smaller ( P < 0.05) than those in control animals. Clearance of Dex70 and Dex500 from the circulation was enhanced ( P < 0.05) in hyaluronidase-treated vs. control mice. These results indicate that the glycocalyx contributes to size-dependent differences in whole body vascular distribution of plasma solutes in mice. Whole body vascular volume measurements based on the differential distribution of glycocalyx-selective tracers appear appropriate for the detection of generalized glycocalyx degradation in experimental animals and humans.
IL-6 is not essential for exercise-induced increases in glucose uptake
Authors: O'Neill Hayley M. , Palanivel Rengasamy , Wright David C. , MacDonald Tara , Lally James S. , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Steinberg Gregory R.
Published: March 2013

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases glucose uptake in resting skeletal muscle. IL-6 is released from skeletal muscle during exercise; however; it is not known whether this IL-6 response is important for exercise-induced increases in skeletal muscle glucose uptake. We report that IL-6 knockout (KO) mice, 4 mo of age, have similar body weight to wild-type (WT), and, under resting conditions, oxygen consumption, food intake, substrate utilization, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity are not different. Maximal exercise capacity is also similar to WT. We investigated substrate utilization and glucose clearance in vivo during steady-state treadmill running at 70% of maximal running speed and found that WT and IL-6 KO mice had similar rates of substrate utilization, muscle glucose clearance, and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase T172. These data provide evidence that IL-6 does not play a major role in regulating substrate utilization or skeletal muscle glucose uptake during steady-state endurance exercise.
Active, passive, and motor imagery paradigms: component analysis to assess neurovascular coupling
Authors: Salinet Angela S. M. , Robinson Thompson G. , Panerai Ronney B.
Published: March 2013

The association between neural activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) has been used to assess neurovascular coupling (NVC) in health and diseases states, but little attention has been given to the contribution of simultaneous changes in peripheral covariates. We used an innovative approach to assess the contributions of arterial blood pressure (BP), PaCO2, and the stimulus itself to changes in CBF velocities (CBFv) during active (MA), passive (MP), and motor imagery (MI) paradigms. Continuous recordings of CBFv, beat-to-beat BP, heart rate, and breath-by-breath end-tidal CO2(EtCO2) were performed in 17 right-handed subjects before, during, and after motor-cognitive paradigms performed with the right arm. A multivariate autoregressive-moving average model was used to calculate the separate contributions of BP, EtCO2, and the neural activation stimulus (represented by a metronome on-off signal) to the CBFv response during paradigms. Differences were found in the bilateral CBFv responses to MI compared with MA and MP, due to the contributions of stimulation ( P < 0.05). BP was the dominant contributor to the initial peaked CBFv response in all paradigms with no significant differences between paradigms, while the contribution of the stimulus explained the plateau phase and extended duration of the CBFv responses. Separating the neural activation contribution from the influences of other covariates, it was possible to detect differences between three paradigms often used to assess disease-related NVC. Apparently similar CBFv responses to different motor-cognitive paradigms can be misleading due to the contributions from peripheral covariates and could lead to inaccurate assessment of NVC, particularly during MI.
Inhibition of hydrogen sulfide restores normal breathing stability and improves autonomic control during experimental heart failure
Authors: Del Rio Rodrigo , Marcus Noah J. , Schultz Harold D.
Published: March 2013

Cardiovascular autonomic imbalance and breathing instability are major contributors to the progression of heart failure (CHF). Potentiation of the carotid body (CB) chemoreflex has been shown to contribute to these effects. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) recently has been proposed to mediate CB hypoxic chemoreception. We hypothesized that H2S synthesis inhibition should decrease CB chemoreflex activation and improve breathing stability and autonomic function in CHF rats. Using the irreversible inhibitor of cystathione γ-lyase dl-propargylglycine (PAG), we tested the effects of H2S inhibition on resting breathing patterns, the hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses, and the hypoxic sensitivity of CB chemoreceptor afferents in rats with CHF. In addition, heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) were calculated as an index of autonomic function. CHF rats, compared with sham rats, exhibited increased breath interval variability and number of apneas, enhanced CB afferent discharge and ventilatory responses to hypoxia, decreased HRV, and increased low-frequency SBPV. Remarkably, PAG treatment reduced the apnea index by 90%, reduced breath interval variability by 40–60%, and reversed the enhanced hypoxic CB afferent and chemoreflex responses observed in CHF rats. Furthermore, PAG treatment partially reversed the alterations in HRV and SBPV in CHF rats. Our results show that PAG treatment restores breathing stability and cardiac autonomic function and reduces the enhanced ventilatory and CB chemosensory responses to hypoxia in CHF rats. These results support the idea that PAG treatment could potentially represent a novel pathway to control sympathetic outflow and breathing instability in CHF.
Proteins and Mechanisms Regulating Gap-Junction Assembly, Internalization, and Degradation
Authors: Thévenin Anastasia F. , Kowal Tia J. , Fong John T. , Kells Rachael M. , Fisher Charles G. , Falk Matthias M.
Published: March 2013

Gap junctions (GJs) are the only known cellular structures that allow a direct cell-to-cell transfer of signaling molecules by forming densely packed arrays or “plaques” of hydrophilic channels that bridge the apposing membranes of neighboring cells. The crucial role of GJ-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) for all aspects of multicellular life, including coordination of development, tissue function, and cell homeostasis, has been well documented. Assembly and degradation of these membrane channels is a complex process that includes biosynthesis of the connexin (Cx) subunit proteins (innexins in invertebrates) on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, oligomerization of compatible subunits into hexameric hemichannels (connexons), delivery of the connexons to the plasma membrane (PM), head-on docking of compatible connexons in the extracellular space at distinct locations, arrangement of channels into dynamic spatially and temporally organized GJ channel plaques, as well as internalization of GJs into the cytoplasm followed by their degradation. Clearly, precise modulation of GJIC, biosynthesis, and degradation are crucial for accurate function, and much research currently addresses how these fundamental processes are regulated. Here, we review posttranslational protein modifications (e.g., phosphorylation and ubiquitination) and the binding of protein partners (e.g., the scaffolding protein ZO-1) known to regulate GJ biosynthesis, internalization, and degradation. We also look closely at the atomic resolution structure of a GJ channel, since the structure harbors vital cues relevant to GJ biosynthesis and turnover.
Quality of Life in Patients with Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Shutto Yoshiko , Yamabe Hideaki , Shimada Michiko , Fujita Takeshi , Nakamura Norio
Published: March 2013

Aim. The goal of the study was to investigate quality of life (QOL) in adult patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and to test the relationship of QOL with the level of self‐care. Materials and Methods. We distributed two questionnaires to 30 outpatients with MCNS. The MOS 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36v2) was used to examine health‐related QOL in comparison with normative data from the general Japanese population and a population with two chronic diseases. SF‐36v2 consists of 36 questions classified into 8 subscales. We also used the Self‐Care Behavior Scale for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which consists of 31 questions with 4 subscales. Results. The SF‐36v2 social functioning subscale was most impaired and bodily pain was least affected in patients with MCNS. The self‐care subscales of information/communication and positive behavior had positive correlations with the QOL subscales of mental health (P<0.05) and vitality (P<0.05). The correlation between social functioning and information/communication was close to significant (P=0.051). Conclusion. In MCNS, social functioning was particularly impaired. Our results suggest that better self‐care can have a positive impact on QOL in patients with MCNS.
A Simple Numerical Method for Pricing an American Put Option
Authors: Kim Beom Jin , Ma Yong-Ki , Choe Hi Jun
Published: March 2013

We present a simple numerical method to find the optimal exercise boundary in an American put option. We formulate an intermediate function with the fixed free boundary that has Lipschitz character near optimal exercise boundary. Employing it, we can easily determine the optimal exercise boundary by solving a quadratic equation in time-recursive way. We also present several numerical results which illustrate a comparison to other methods.
Spectral Analysis on Time-Course Expression Data: Detecting Periodic Genes Using a Real-Valued Iterative Adaptive Approach
Authors: Agyepong Kwadwo S. , Hsu Fang-Han , Dougherty Edward R. , Serpedin Erchin
Published: March 2013

Time-course expression profiles and methods for spectrum analysis have been applied for detecting transcriptional periodicities, which are valuable patterns to unravel genes associated with cell cycle and circadian rhythm regulation. However, most of the proposed methods suffer from restrictions and large false positives to a certain extent. Additionally, in some experiments, arbitrarily irregular sampling times as well as the presence of high noise and small sample sizes make accurate detection a challenging task. A novel scheme for detecting periodicities in time-course expression data is proposed, in which a real-valued iterative adaptive approach (RIAA), originally proposed for signal processing, is applied for periodogram estimation. The inferred spectrum is then analyzed using Fisher’s hypothesis test. With a proper -value threshold, periodic genes can be detected. A periodic signal, two nonperiodic signals, and four sampling strategies were considered in the simulations, including both bursts and drops. In addition, two yeast real datasets were applied for validation. The simulations and real data analysis reveal that RIAA can perform competitively with the existing algorithms. The advantage of RIAA is manifested when the expression data are highly irregularly sampled, and when the number of cycles covered by the sampling time points is very reduced.
Primary Congenital Lymphedema Complicated by Hydrops Fetalis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Singh Paul , Connell Matthew
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Primary congenital lymphedema is a rare disorder associated with insufficient development of lymphatic vessels. Usually most patients present with lower extremity edema seen sonographically. Rarely primary congenital lymphedema may be associated with severe lymphatic dysfunction resulting in hydrops fetalis.Case. A 27-year-old primigravida with a family history of leg swelling throughout multiple generations was diagnosed early in the third trimester with hydrops fetalis. Delivery was undertaken at 32 weeks for nonreassuring fetal status and the infant expired at approximately 45 minutes of life. Primary congenital lymphedema was confirmed via molecular testing of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 gene.Discussion. The diagnosis of PCL is suspected prenatally when ultrasound findings coincide with a positive family history of chronic lower limb lymphedema. Isolated PCL is rarely associated with significant complications. Rarely, however, widespread lymphatic dysplasia may occur, possibly resulting in nonimmune hydrops fetalis.
Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Properties of Tofu (Curdle Soymilk) against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Yakubu Ndatsu , Oboh Ganiyu , Olalekan Amuzat Aliyu
Published: March 2013

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of tofu using acetaminophen to induce liver damage in albino rats were evaluated. Tofus were prepared using calcium chloride, alum, and steep water as coagulants. The polyphenols of tofu were extracted and their antioxidant properties were determined. The weight gain and feed intake of the rats were measured. The analysis of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and the concentrations of albumin, total protein, cholesterol, and bilirubin were analyzed. The result reveals that the antioxidant property of both soluble and bound polyphenolic extracts was significantly higher in all tofus, but the steep water coagulated tofu was recorded higher. Rats fed with various tofus and acetaminophen had their serum ALP, ALT, AST, and LDH activities; total cholesterol; and bilirubin levels significantly (P<0.05) reduced, and total protein and albumin concentrations increased when compared with basal diet and acetaminophen administered group. Therefore, all tofus curdled with various coagulants could be used to prevent liver damage caused by oxidative stress.
Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma and the Danger of Misdiagnosis: Report of a Case
Authors: Neofytou Kyriakos , Chrysochos Andreas , Charalambous Nikolas , Dietis Menelaos , Petridis Christos , Andreou Charalampos , Petrou Athanasios
Published: March 2013

Malignant hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare malignant tumor of vascular origin. Nonspecific symptoms and the absence of experience of surgeons, radiologists, and histopathologists due to the rarity of HEHE make the diagnosis of this entity very challenging. Misdiagnosis is not a rare event, and the consequences of such an event are catastrophic. We report a case of a patient suffering from HEHE in which the initial diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of normal laboratory values, liver function tests, tumor markers along with the absence of a chronic liver disease, or any other predisposing factors for HCC, was in contrast with the diagnosis of HCC. Clinical suspicion drove us to the repetition of a liver biopsy and the reevaluation of the sample by a more experience histopathology department in liver tumors. The last biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HEHE, and the patient escaped any unnecessary treatment for a nonexisting HCC.
Systemic Ghrelin Administration Alters Serum Biomarkers of Angiogenesis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Khazaei M. , Tahergorabi Z.
Published: March 2013

Introduction. Ghrelin is a gastrointestinal endocrine peptide that was initially identified as the endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor; however, recently, the cardiovascular effect of this peptide has been indicated. In this study, we investigated the effect of ghrelin administration on serum biomarkers of angiogenesis including leptin, nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its soluble receptor (VEGF receptor 1 or sFlt-1) in control- and diet-induced obese mice. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, normal diet (ND) or control, ND + ghrelin, high-fat-diet (HFD) or obese and HFD + ghrelin (n=6/group). Obese and control groups received either HFD or ND for 15 weeks. Then, the ghrelin was injected subcutaneously 100 µg/kg twice daily for 10 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for blood glucose, serum insulin, VEGF, sFlt-1, NO, and leptin measurements. Results. The obese animals had higher serum NO and leptin concentrations without changes in serum VEGF and sFlt-1 levels compared to control. Administration of ghrelin significantly increased serum VEGF and decreased serum leptin and NO concentrations in HFD group. Conclusion. Since ghrelin changes serum biomarkers of angiogenesis, it seems that it gets involved during states with abnormal angiogenesis.
Influence of Carbon Layer on the Properties of Ni-Based Ohmic Contact to n-Type 4H-SiC
Authors: Kuchuk A. , Kladko V. , Adamus Z. , Wzorek M. , Borysiewicz M. , Borowicz P. , Barcz A. , Golaszewska K. , Piotrowska A.
Published: March 2013

Nickel-based contacts with additional interfacial layer of carbon, deposited on n-type 4H-SiC, were annealed at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1000°C and the evolution of the electrical and structural properties were analyzed by I-V measurements, SIMS, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. Ohmic contact is formed after annealing at 800°C and minimal specific contact resistance of about 2.0×10-4 Ω cm2 has been achieved after annealing at 1000°C. The interfacial carbon is amorphous in as-deposited state and rapidly diffuses and dissolves in nickel forming graphitized carbon. This process activates interfacial reaction between Ni and SiC at lower temperature than usual and causes the formation of ohmic contact at relatively low temperature. However, our results show that the specific contact resistance as well as interface quality of contacts was not improved, if additional layer of carbon is placed between Ni and SiC.
Active Case Finding of Pulmonary Tuberculosis through Screening of Respiratory Symptomatics Using Sputum Microscopy: Is It Time to Change the Paradigm?
Authors: del Portillo-Mustieles Eva Carolina , Laniado-Laborín Rafael
Published: March 2013

Background.One of the main strategies for the early detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is through the screening of individuals with symptoms compatible with PTB. Although this is programmatic strategy for active case finding, its yield is not well known.Objective.To determine the yield of pulmonary tuberculosis active case finding through the screening of respiratory symptomatic (RS) patients at a general hospital.Methods.RS patients were defined as subjects complaining of cough and/or sputum for a period of 2 or more weeks. Outpatients and their companions were approached while they waited in the outpatient care areas of the hospital to detect RS. Two samples from different days or 2 samples taken 2 hours apart on the same day were collected.Results.122 RS patients were identified. Fifty-seven patients (46.7%) had at least one sputum sample analyzed. Three patients presented a positive smear and 2 were culture positive; neither had upper airway symptoms. None of the patients with productive cough and upper airway symptoms had a positive smear (). Only 19 (33.3%) returned to the laboratory to retrieve their results.Conclusion.Current strategy to screen RS patients based only on clinical data has a low compliance. Specific strategies to increase compliance (removal of barriers, incentives, etc.) should be implemented.
5,7-Dihydroxyflavone Enhances the Apoptosis-Inducing Potential of TRAIL in Human Tumor Cells via Regulation of Apoptosis-Related Proteins
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Ye Tingmei , Cai Xueting , Yang Jie , Lu Wuguang , Hu Chunping , Wang Zhigang , Wang Xiaoning , Cao Peng
Published: March 2013

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer, because it preferentially induces apoptosis in numerous cancer cells with little or no effect on normal cells. 5,7-Dihydroxyflavone is a dietary flavonoid commonly found in many plants. Here we show that the combined treatment with 5,7-dihydroxyflavone and TRAIL at subtoxic concentrations induced strong apoptotic response in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells, acute leukemia Jurkat T cells, and cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. We further investigated the mechanisms by which 5,7-dihydroxyflavone augments TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. 5,7-Dihydroxyflavone up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, attenuated the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and IAPs, and reduced the phosphorylation levels of Akt and STAT3, weakening the anti-apoptotic signals thus facilitating the process of apoptosis. Moreover, 5,7-dihydroxyflavone and TRAIL were well tolerated in mice, and the combination of 5,7-dihydroxyflavone and TRAIL reduced tumor burdenin vivoin a HepG2 tumor xenograft model. Interestingly, 5,7-dihydroxyflavone-mediated sensitization to TRAIL-induced cell death was not observed in normal human hepatocytes L-O2. These results suggest that the 5,7-dihydroxyflavone in combination with TRAIL might be used for cancer prevention and/or therapy.
Optimization on Preparation Condition of Propolis Flavonoids Liposome by Response Surface Methodology and Research of Its Immunoenhancement Activity
Authors: Yuan Ju , Lu Yu , Abula Saifuding , Hu Yuanliang , Liu Jiaguo , Fan Yunpeng , Zhao Xiaojuan , Wang Deyun , Liu Xu , Liu Cui
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study is to prepare propolis flavonoids liposome (PFL) and optimize the preparation condition and to investigate further whether liposome could promote the immunoenhancement activity of propolis flavonoids (PF). PFL was prepared with ethanol injection method, and the preparation conditions of PFL were optimized with response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, the immunoenhancement activity of PFL and PFin vitrowas determined. The result showed that the optimal preparation conditions for PFL by response surface methodology were as follows: ratio of lipid to drug (w/w) 9.6 : 1, ratio of soybean phospholipid to cholesterol (w/w) 8.5 : 1, and speed of injection 0.8 mL·min−1. Under these conditions, the experimental encapsulation efficiency of PFL was 91.67 ± 0.21%, which was close to the predicted value. Therefore, the optimized preparation condition is very reliable. Moreover, the results indicated that PFL could not only significantly promote lymphocytes proliferation singly or synergistically with PHA, but also increase expression level of IL-2 and IFN-γmRNA. These indicated that liposome could significantly improve the immunoenhancement activity of PF. PFL demonstrates the significant immunoenhancement activity, which provides the theoretical basis for the further experimentin vivo.
The Influence of the Ammonolysis Temperature on the Photocatalytic Activity ofβ-TaON
Authors: Yoon Songhak , Maegli Alexandra E. , Matam Santhosh Kumar , Trottmann Matthias , Hisatomi Takashi , Leroy Céline Marie , Grätzel Michael , Pokrant Simone , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: March 2013

Phase-pure tantalum oxynitride (β-TaON) powders were synthesized by thermal ammonolysis of Ta2O5powders. X-ray diffraction revealed an enlargement of the unit cell and an increase of the crystallite size with increasing ammonolysis temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed reduced particle sizes forβ-TaON synthesized at 800 and compared to the precursor oxide. With increasing nitridation temperature the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area was reduced and the nitrogen content increased. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a bandgap energy of 2.6–2.4 eV. The highest oxygen evolution rate of 220 μmol·g−1·h−1was achieved forβ-TaON synthesized at . The factors determining the photocatalytic activity ofβ-TaON powders were found to be the specific surface area and defects in theβ-TaON.
Vitronectin Absorbed on Nanoparticles Mediate Cell Viability/Proliferation and Uptake by 3T3 Swiss Albino Mouse Fibroblasts: In Vitro Study
Authors: Rosso F. , Marino G. , Grimaldi A. , Cafiero G. , Chiellini E. , Chiellini F. , Barbarisi M. , Barbarisi A.
Published: March 2013

We study the interaction of 3T3 Swiss albino mouse fibroblasts with polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and investigate cellular behaviour in terms of viability/cytotoxicity, cell cycle, NPs uptake, MAP kinase (ERK1/2), and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation. After incubation of NPs with cell culture media, western blot analysis showed that Vitronectin is retained by NPs, while Fibronectin is not detected. From cytotoxicity studies (MTT and BrdU methods) an LD50 of about 1.5 mg/mL results for NPs. However, NPs in the range 0.01–0.30 mg/mL are able to trigger a statistically significant increase in proliferation and cell cycle progression in dose and time depending manner. Also, biochemical evaluation of ERK1/2 and FAK clearly shows an increasing phosphorylation in a dose and time depending manner. Finally, we found by transmission electron microscopy that NPs are internalised by cells. Competitively blocking VN-integrin receptors with echistatin (1 μg/mL) results in a decrease of viability/proliferation, cell cycle progression, cellular uptake, and FAK/ERK activation showing the involvement of Vitronectin receptors in signal transduction. In conclusion, our results show that cell surface NPs interactions are mediated by absorbed plasma proteins (i.e., Vitronectin) that represent an external stimuli, switched to the nucleus by FAK enzyme, which in turn modulate fibroblasts viability/proliferation.
A Novel Evaluation Method for Building Construction Project Based on Integrated Information Entropy with Reliability Theory
Authors: Bai Xiao-ping , Zhang Xi-wei
Published: March 2013

Selecting construction schemes of the building engineering project is a complex multiobjective optimization decision process, in which many indexes need to be selected to find the optimum scheme. Aiming at this problem, this paper selects cost, progress, quality, and safety as the four first‐order evaluation indexes, uses the quantitative method for the cost index, uses integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies for progress, quality, and safety indexes, and integrates engineering economics, reliability theories, and information entropy theory to present a new evaluation method for building construction project. Combined with a practical case, this paper also presents detailed computing processes and steps, including selecting all order indexes, establishing the index matrix, computing score values of all order indexes, computing the synthesis score, sorting all selected schemes, and making analysis and decision. Presented method can offer valuable references for risk computing of building construction projects.
A Semiautomatic Segmentation Algorithm for Extracting the Complete Structure of Acini from Synchrotron Micro-CT Images
Authors: Xiao Luosha , Sera Toshihiro , Koshiyama Kenichiro , Wada Shigeo
Published: March 2013

Pulmonary acinus is the largest airway unit provided with alveoli where blood/gas exchange takes place. Understanding the complete structure of acinus is necessary to measure the pathway of gas exchange and to simulate various mechanical phenomena in the lungs. The usual manual segmentation of a complete acinus structure from their experimentally obtained images is difficult and extremely time-consuming, which hampers the statistical analysis. In this study, we develop a semiautomatic segmentation algorithm for extracting the complete structure of acinus from synchrotron micro-CT images of the closed chest of mouse lungs. The algorithm uses a combination of conventional binary image processing techniques based on the multiscale and hierarchical nature of lung structures. Specifically, larger structures are removed, while smaller structures are isolated from the image by repeatedly applying erosion and dilation operators in order, adjusting the parameter referencing to previously obtained morphometric data. A cluster of isolated acini belonging to the same terminal bronchiole is obtained without floating voxels. The extracted acinar models above 98% agree well with those extracted manually. The run time is drastically shortened compared with manual methods. These findings suggest that our method may be useful for taking samples used in the statistical analysis of acinus.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles by Perturbing a Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian System
Authors: Xiong Yanqin , Han Maoan
Published: March 2013

This paper concerns limit cycle bifurcations by perturbing a piecewise linear Hamiltonian system. We first obtain all phase portraits of the unperturbed system having at least one family of periodic orbits. By using the first-order Melnikov function of the piecewise near-Hamiltonian system, we investigate the maximal number of limit cycles that bifurcate from a global center up to first order ofε.
Water‐Triggered Dimensional Swelling of Cellulose Nanofibril Films: Instant Observation Using Optical Microscope
Authors: Qing Yan , Wu Yiqiang , Cai Zhiyong , Li Xianjun
Published: March 2013

To understand the swelling behavior of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) films, the dimensional variation of untreated and phenol formaldehyde modified CNF (CNF/PF) films soaked in distilled water was examined in situ with microscopic image recording combined with pixel calculation. Results showed that a dramatic thickness increase exhibited in both CNF and CNF/PF films, despite being at different swelling levels. Compared to thickness swelling, however, the width expansion for these films is negligible. Such significant difference in dimensional swelling for CNF and PF modified films is mainly caused by nanofibril deposition and their mesostructure. However, addition of PF modifier has a positive effect on the constraint of water absorption and thickness swelling, which is strongly dependent on PF loadings.
Reduced Dynamic Models in Epithelial Transport
Authors: Hernández Julio A.
Published: March 2013

Most models developed to represent transport across epithelia assume that the cell interior constitutes a homogeneous compartment, characterized by a single concentration value of the transported species. This conception differs significantly from the current view, in which the cellular compartment is regarded as a highly crowded media of marked structural heterogeneity. Can the finding of relatively simple dynamic properties of transport processes in epithelia be compatible with this complex structural conception of the cell interior? The purpose of this work is to contribute with one simple theoretical approach to answer this question. For this, the techniques of model reduction are utilized to obtain a two-state reduced model from more complex linear models of transcellular transport with a larger number of intermediate states. In these complex models, each state corresponds to the solute concentration in an intermediate intracellular compartment. In addition, the numerical studies reveal that it is possible to approximate a general two-state model under conditions where strict reduction of the complex models cannot be performed. These results contribute with arguments to reconcile the current conception of the cell interior as a highly complex medium with the finding of relatively simple dynamic properties of transport across epithelial cells.
Postoperative Complications Leading to Death after Coagulum Pyelolithotomy in a Tetraplegic Patient: Can We Prevent Prolonged Ileus, Recurrent Intestinal Obstruction due to Adhesions Requiring Laparotomies, Chest Infection Warranting Tracheostomy, and Mechanical Ventilation?
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Soni Bakul , Singh Gurpreet , Hughes Peter
Published: March 2013

A 22-year-old male sustained C-6 tetraplegia in 1992. In 1993, intravenous pyelography revealed normal kidneys. Suprapubic cystostomy was performed. He underwent open cystolithotomy in 2004 and 2008. In 2009, computed tomography revealed bilateral renal calculi. Coagulum pyelolithotomy of left kidney was performed. Pleura and peritoneum were opened. Peritoneum could not be closed. Following surgery, he developed pulmonary atelectasis; he required tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. He did not tolerate nasogastric feeding. CT of abdomen revealed bilateral renal calculi and features of proximal small bowel obstruction. Laparotomy revealed small bowel obstruction due to dense inflammatory adhesions involving multiple small bowel loops which protruded through the defect in sigmoid mesocolon and fixed posteriorly over the area of previous intervention. All adhesions were divided. The wide defect in mesocolon was not closed. In 2010, this patient again developed vomiting and distension of abdomen. Laparotomy revealed multiple adhesions. He developed chest infection and required ventilatory support again. He developed pressure sores and depression. Later abdominal symptoms recurred. This patient’s general condition deteriorated and he expired in 2011.Conclusion. Risk of postoperative complications could have been reduced if minimally invasive surgery had been performed instead of open surgery to remove stones from left kidney. Suprapubic cystostomy predisposed to repeated occurrence of stones in urinary bladder and kidneys. Spinal cord physicians should try to establish intermittent catheterisation regime in tetraplegic patients.