bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization ofTP53Gene in Human Populations Exposed to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Brasil-Costa Igor , Alencar Dayse O. , Raiol-Moraes Milene , Pessoa Igor A. , Brito Alexandre W. M. , Jati Schneyder R. , Santos Sidney E. B. , Burbano Rommel M. R. , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea K. C.
Published: March 2013

Ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by uranium, may cause mutations and consequently lead to neoplasia in human cells. TheTP53gene acts to maintain genomic integrity and constitutes an important biomarker of susceptibility. The present study investigated the main alterations observed in exons 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of theTP53gene and adjacent introns in Amazonian populations exposed to radioactivity. Samples were collected from 163 individuals. Occurrence of the following alterations was observed: (i) a missense exchange in exon 4 (Arg72Pro); (ii) 2 synonymous exchanges, 1 in exon 5 (His179His), and another in exon 6 (Arg213Arg); (iii) 4 intronic exchanges, 3 in intron 7 (C → T at position 13.436; C → T at position 13.491; T → G at position 13.511) and 1 in intron 8 (T → G at position 13.958). Alteration of codon 72 was found to be an important risk factor for cancer development (P=0.024;OR=6.48; CI: 1.29–32.64) when adjusted for age and smoking. Thus,TP53gene may be an important biomarker for carcinogenesis susceptibility in human populations exposed to ionizing radiation.
Transfected Early Growth Response Gene-1 DNA Enzyme Prevents Stenosis and Occlusion of Autogenous Vein GraftIn Vivo
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Zhang Xuesong , Wang Shi , Cheng Mingxun , Liu Chuanyu , Wang Shuqing , Hu Xinhua , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to detect the inhibitory action of the early growth response gene-1 DNA enzyme (EDRz) as a carrying agent by liposomes on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia. An autogenous vein graft model was established. EDRz was transfected to the graft vein. The vein graft samples were obtained on each time point after surgery. The expression of the EDRz transfected in the vein graft was detected using a fluorescent microscope. Early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) mRNA was measured using reverse transcription-PCR andin situhybridization. And the protein expression of Egr-1 was detected by using western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. EDRz was located at the media of the vein graft from 2 to 24 h, 7 h after grafting. The Egr-1 protein was mainly located in the medial VSMCs, monocytes, and endothelium cells during the early phase of the vein graft. The degree of VSMC proliferation and thickness of intima were obviously relieved compared with the no-gene therapy group. EDRz can reduce Egr-1 expression in autogenous vein grafts, effectively restrain VSMC proliferation and intimal hyperplasia, and prevent vascular stenosis and occlusion after vein graft.
Genotyping ofCYP2C9andVKORC1in the Arabic Population of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah M. , Ragia Georgia , Hanieh Hamza , Manolopoulos Vangelis G.
Published: March 2013

Polymorphisms in the genes encoding CYP2C9 enzyme and VKORC1 reductase significantly influence the dose variability of coumarinic oral anticoagulants (COAs). Substantial inter- and intraethnic variability exists in the frequencies ofCYP2C9∗2 and∗3 andVKORC1–1639A alleles. However, the prevalence ofCYP2C9andVKORC1genetic variants is less characterized in Arab populations. A total of 131 healthy adult subjects from the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia were genotyped for theCYP2C9∗2 and∗3 andVKORC1–1639G>A polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP method. The frequencies of theCYP2C9∗2 and∗3 andVKORC1–1639A alleles were 13.3%, 2.3%, and 42.4%, respectively, with no subjects carrying 2 defective alleles. The frequencies of theCYP2C9∗3 andVKORC1–1639A alleles were significantly lower than those reported in different Arabian populations. None of the subjects with theVKORC1–1639AA genotype were carriers ofCYP2C9∗1/∗3 genotypes that lead to sensitivity to COAs therapy. The low frequency of theCYP2C9∗3 allele combined with the absence of subjects carrying 2 defectiveCYP2C9alleles suggests that, in this specific population, pharmacogenetic COAs dosing may mostly rely uponVKORC1genotyping.
Boundary Galerkin Method of a Skew-Derivative Problem in the Exterior of an Open Arc Based on Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Sun Wei , Ma Fuming
Published: March 2013

A problem modeling Hall effect in a semiconductor film from an electrode of arbitrary shape is considered, which is a skew-derivative problem. Boundary Galerkin method for solving the problem in Sobolev spaces is developed firstly. The solution is represented in the form of the combined angular potential and single-layer potential. The final integral equations do not contain hypersingular integrals. Uniqueness and existence of the solution to the equations are proved. The weakly singular and Cauchy singular integral arising in these equations can be computed directly by truncated series of Chebyshev polynomials with their weighting function without approximation. The numerical simulation showing the high accuracy of the scheme is presented.
Improvement and Performance Evaluation for Multimedia Files Transmission in Vehicle-Based DTNs
Authors: Wu Di , Zhang Dongxia , Tan Guozhen , Sun Limin , Li Juanjuan , Liu Jiangchuan
Published: March 2013

In recent years, P2P file sharing has been widely embraced and becomes the largest application of the Internet traffic. And the development of automobile industry has promoted a trend of deploying Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks over vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) for mobile content distribution. Due to the high mobility of nodes, nodes' limited radio transmission range and sparse distribution, VANETs are divided and links are interrupted intermittently. At this moment, VANETs may become Vehicle-based Delay Tolerant Network (VDTNs). Therefore, this work proposes an Optimal Fragmentation-based Multimedia Transmission scheme (OFMT) based on P2P lookup protocol in VDTNs, which can enable multimedia files to be sent to the receiver fast and reliably in wireless mobile P2P networks over VDTNs. In addition, a method of calculating the most suitable size of the fragment is provided, which is tested and verified in the simulation. And we also show that OFMT can defend a certain degree of DoS attack and senders can freely join and leave the wireless mobile P2P network. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the performance of the file delivery rate and shorten the file delivery delay compared with the existing schemes.
Nobiletin Ameliorates the Deficits in Hippocampal BDNF, TrkB, and Synapsin I Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Ying , Liu Bin-Bin , Liu Qing , Geng Di , Weng Lian-Jin , Yi Li-Tao
Published: March 2013

Background. Our previous study has demonstrated that nobiletin could reverse the behavioral alterations in stressed mice. However, the relation of its antidepressant-like action with neurotrophic molecular expression remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the antidepressant-like mechanism of nobiletin related to the neurotrophic system in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).Methods. Depressive-like anhedonia (assessed by sucrose preference) and serum corticosterone secretion were evaluated in the CUMS, followed by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB), and the downstream target synapsin I expressions in the hippocampus.Results. Anhedonia, which occurred within week 2, was rapidly ameliorated by nobiletin. While fluoxetine needed additional 2 weeks to improve the anhedonia. In addition, nobiletin administration for 5 weeks significantly ameliorated CUMS-induced increase in serum corticosterone levels. Furthermore, we also found that CUMS-induced deficits of hippocampal BDNF, TrkB, and synapsin I were ameliorated by nobiletin.Conclusions. Taken together, these findings suggest that nobiletin produces rapidly acting antidepressant-like responses in the CUMS and imply that BDNF-TrkB pathway may play an important role in the antidepressant-like effect of nobiletin.
Radiographically Occult and Subtle Fractures: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Jarraya Mohamed , Hayashi Daichi , Roemer Frank W. , Crema Michel D. , Diaz Luis , Conlin Jane , Marra Monica D. , Jomaah Nabil , Guermazi Ali
Published: March 2013

Radiographically occult and subtle fractures are a diagnostic challenge. They may be divided into (1) “high energy trauma fracture,” (2) “fatigue fracture” from cyclical and sustained mechanical stress, and (3) “insufficiency fracture” occurring in weakened bone (e.g., in osteoporosis and postradiotherapy). Independently of the cause, the initial radiographic examination can be negative either because the findings seem normal or are too subtle. Early detection of these fractures is crucial to explain the patient’s symptoms and prevent further complications. Advanced imaging tools such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and scintigraphy are highly valuable in this context. Our aim is to raise the awareness of radiologists and clinicians in these cases by presenting illustrative cases and a discussion of the relevant literature.
Wireless Sensor Network Modeling and Deployment Challenges in Oil and Gas Refinery Plants
Authors: Savazzi Stefano , Guardiano Sergio , Spagnolini Umberto
Published: March 2013

Wireless sensor networks for critical industrial applications are becoming a remarkable technological paradigm. Large-scale adoption of the wireless connectivity in the field of industrial monitoring and process control is mandatorily paired with the development of tools for the prediction of the wireless link quality to mimic network planning procedures similar to conventional wired systems. In industrial sites, the radio signals are prone to blockage due to dense metallic structures. The layout of scattering objects from the existing infrastructure influences the received signal strength observed over the link and thus the quality of service (QoS). This paper surveys the most promising wireless technologies for industrial monitoring and control and proposes a novel channel model specifically tailored to predict the quality of the radio signals in environments affected by highly dense metallic building blockage. The propagation model is based on the diffraction theory, and it makes use of the 3D model of the plant to classify the links based on the number and density of the obstructions surrounding each individual radio device. Accurate link classification opens the way to the optimization of the network deployment to guarantee full end-to-end connectivity with minimal on-site redesign. The link-quality prediction method based on the classification of propagation conditions is validated by experimental measurements in two oil refinery sites using industry standard ISA SP100.11a compliant devices operating at 2.4 GHz.
Natural Oncolytic Activity of Live-Attenuated Measles Virus against Human Lung and Colorectal Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Boisgerault Nicolas , Guillerme Jean-Baptiste , Pouliquen Daniel , Mesel-Lemoine Mariana , Achard Carole , Combredet Chantal , Fonteneau Jean-François , Tangy Frédéric , Grégoire Marc
Published: March 2013

Lung and colorectal cancers are responsible for approximately 2 million deaths each year worldwide. Despite continual improvements, clinical management of these diseases remains challenging and development of novel therapies with increased efficacy is critical to address these major public health issues. Oncolytic viruses have shown promising results against cancers that are resistant to conventional anticancer therapies. Vaccine strains of measles virus (MV) exhibit such natural antitumor properties by preferentially targeting cancer cells. We tested the ability of live-attenuated Schwarz strain of MV to specifically infect tumor cells derived from human lung and colorectal adenocarcinomas and demonstrated that live-attenuated MV exhibits oncolytic properties against these two aggressive neoplasms. We also showed that Schwarz MV was able to prevent uncontrollable growth of large, established lung and colorectal adenocarcinoma xenografts in nude mice. Moreover, MV oncolysis is associated within vivoactivation of caspase-3 in colorectal cancer model, as shown by immunohistochemical staining. Our results provide new arguments for the use of MV as an antitumor therapy against aggressive human malignancies.
LIS1 and DCX: Implications for Brain Development and Human Disease in Relation to Microtubules
Authors: Reiner Orly
Published: March 2013

Proper lamination of the cerebral cortex requires the orchestrated motility of neurons from their place of birth to their final destination. Improper neuronal migration may result in a wide range of diseases, including brain malformations, such as lissencephaly, mental retardation, schizophrenia, and autism. Ours and other studies have implicated that microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins play an important role in the regulation of neuronal polarization and neuronal migration. Here, we will review normal processes of brain development and neuronal migration, describe neuronal migration diseases, and will focus on the microtubule-associated functions of LIS1 and DCX, which participate in the regulation of neuronal migration and are involved in the human developmental brain disease, lissencephaly.
Optimizing Containment and Control of Candida parapsilosis Fungemia among Neonates in the Outbreak Setting Using a Mathematical Modeling Approach
Authors: Panackal Anil A.
Published: March 2013

Candida is the second leading cause of sepsis related death in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Using the C. parapsilosis paradigm, the endogenous and exogenous routes of infection were simulated in order to enhance prevention among neonates at highest risk. A deterministic model was constructed with transmission parameters calculated from the basic reproductive number (), derived from the mean serial interval from two published outbreaks. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed via Latin hypercube sampling. Prevention measure effects were ascertained by incorporating percent coverage and efficacies into the existing model. The colonized and infected neonatal prevalence peaked at 17.4% and 39.4%, respectively, and reduction was achieved by compartmental replacement with susceptibles. Containment of greater than 60% of the cohort had minimal effect on the effective reproductive number () unless hand hygiene compliance dropped below 40% at a fixed ratio of nurses to neonates. Antifungal prophylaxis in combination with hand hygiene and cohorting extinguished an outbreak 14 days sooner than baseline. The critical proportion () requiring prophylaxis in order to stop an outbreak increases, as rises, and the prophylaxis efficacies decrease. Internal and external sources of Candida lead to invasive disease in neonates differentially. Optimal prevention is dependent upon understanding the dynamics of this disease process under diverse circumstances.
Diet, Microbiome, and the Intestinal Epithelium: An Essential Triumvirate?
Authors: Guzman Javier Rivera , Conlin Victoria Susan , Jobin Christian
Published: March 2013

The intestinal epithelium represents a critical barrier protecting the host against diverse luminal noxious agents, as well as preventing the uncontrolled uptake of bacteria that could activate an immune response in a susceptible host. The epithelial monolayer that constitutes this barrier is regulated by a meshwork of proteins that orchestrate complex biological function such as permeability, transepithelial electrical resistance, and movement of various macromolecules. Because of its key role in maintaining host homeostasis, factors regulating barrier function have attracted sustained attention from the research community. This paper will address the role of bacteria, bacterial-derived metabolism, and the interplay of dietary factors in controlling intestinal barrier function.
Zinc and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Miao Xiao , Sun Weixia , Miao Lining , Fu Yaowen , Wang Yonggang , Su Guanfang , Liu Quan
Published: March 2013

Zinc (Zn) is an important nutrient that is involved in various physiological metabolisms. Zn dyshomeostasis is often associated with various pathogeneses of chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and related complications. Zn is present in ocular tissue in high concentrations, particularly in the retina and choroid. Zn deficiencies have been shown to affect ocular development, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and even diabetic retinopathy. However, the mechanism by which Zn deficiency increases the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy remains unclear. In addition, due to the negative effect of Zn deficiency on the eye, Zn supplementation should prevent diabetic retinopathy; however, limited available data do not always support this notion. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to summarize these pieces of available information regarding Zn prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Current theories and possible mechanisms underlying the role of Zn in the eye-related diseases are discussed. The possible factors that affect the preventive effect of Zn supplementation on diabetic retinopathy were also discussed.
Identification of Protein Complex Associated with LYT1 ofTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Lugo-Caballero C. , Ballesteros-Rodea G. , Martínez-Calvillo S. , Manning-Cela Rebeca
Published: March 2013

To carry out the intracellular phase of its life cycle,Trypanosoma cruzimust infect a host cell. Although a few molecules have been reported to participate in this process, one known protein is LYT1, which promotes lysis under acidic conditions and is involved in parasite infection and development. Alternative transcripts from a singleLYT1gene generate two proteins with differential functions and compartmentalization. Single-gene products targeted to more than one location can interact with disparate proteins that might affect their function and targeting properties. The aim of this work was to study the LYT1 interaction map using coimmunoprecipitation assays with transgenic parasites expressing LYT1 products fused to GFP. We detected several proteins of sizes from 8 to 150 kDa that bind to LYT1 with different binding strengths. By MS-MS analysis, we identified proteins involved in parasite infectivity (trans-sialidase), development (kDSPs and histones H2A and H2B), and motility and protein traffic (dynein andα- andβ-tubulin), as well as protein-protein interactions (TPR-protein and kDSPs) and several hypothetical proteins. Our approach led us to identify the LYT1 interaction profile, thereby providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to parasite stage development and pathogenesis ofT. cruziinfection.
The Effect of High-Dose Insulin Analog Initiation Therapy on Lipid Peroxidation Products and Oxidative Stress Markers in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Tuzcu Hazal , Aslan Ibrahim , Aslan Mutay
Published: March 2013

Effect of high-dose insulin analog initiation therapy was evaluated on lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twenty-four T2DM patients with HbA1c levels above 10% despite ongoing therapy with sulphonylurea and metformin were selected. Former treatment regimen was continued for the first day followed by substitution of sulphonylurea therapy with different insulin analogs. Glycemic profiles were determined over 72 hours by Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS), and blood/urine samples were collected at 24 and 72 hours. Insulin analog plus metformin treatment significantly reduced glucose variability. Plasma and urine lipid peroxidation were markedly decreased following insulin analog plus metformin treatment. No correlation existed between glucose variability and levels of plasma and urine oxidative stress markers. Likewise, changes in mean blood glucose from baseline to end point showed no significant correlation with changes in markers of oxidative stress. On the contrary, decreased levels of oxidative stress markers following treatment with insulin analogs were significantly correlated with mean blood glucose levels. In conclusion, insulin plus metformin resulted in a significant reduction in oxidative stress markers compared with oral hypoglycemic agents alone. Data from this study suggests that insulin analogs irrespective of changes in blood glucose exert inhibitory effects on free radical formation.
The Brigade Renderer: A Path Tracer for Real-Time Games
Authors: Bikker Jacco , van Schijndel Jeroen
Published: March 2013

We present the Brigade renderer: an efficient system that uses the path tracing algorithm to produce images for real-time games. We describe the architecture of the Brigade renderer, and provide implementation details. We describe two games that have been created using Brigade.
Anti-Bladder-Tumor Effect of Baicalein fromScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi and Its ApplicationIn Vivo
Authors: Wu Jin-Yi , Tsai Kun-Wei , Li Yi-Zhen , Chang Yi-Sheng , Lai Yi-Chien , Laio Yu-Han , Wu Jiann-Der , Liu Yi-Wen
Published: March 2013

Some phytochemicals with the characteristics of cytotoxicity and/or antimetastasis have generated intense interest among the anticancer studies. In this study, a natural flavonoid baicalein was evaluated in bladder cancerin vitroandin vivo. Baicalein inhibits 5637 cell proliferation. It arrests cells in G1 phase at 100 μM and in S phase below 75 μM. The protein expression of cyclin B1 and cyclin D1 is reduced by baicalein. Baicalein-induced p-ERK plays a minor role in cyclin B1 reduction. Baicalein-inhibited p65NF-κB results in reduction of cell growth. Baicalein-induced pGSK(ser9) has a little effect in increasing cyclin B1/D1 expression instead. The translation inhibitor cycloheximide blocks baicalein-reduced cyclin B1, suggesting that the reduction is caused by protein synthesis inhibition. On the other hand, neither cycloheximide nor proteasome inhibitor MG132 completely blocks baicalein-reduced cyclin D1, suggesting that baicalein reduces cyclin D1 through protein synthesis inhibition and proteasomal degradation activation. In addition, baicalein also inhibits cell invasion by inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression and activity. In mouse orthotopic bladder tumor model, baicalein slightly reduces tumor size but with some hepatic toxicity. In summary, these results demonstrate the anti-bladder-tumor properties of the natural compound baicalein which shows a slight anti-bladder-tumor effectin vivo.
Gene Entropy-Fractal Dimension Informatics with Application to Mouse-Human Translational Medicine
Authors: Holden T. , Cheung E. , Dehipawala S. , Ye J. , Tremberger G. , Lieberman D. , Cheung T.
Published: March 2013

DNA informatics represented by Shannon entropy and fractal dimension have been used to form 2D maps of related genes in various mammals. The distance between points on these maps for corresponding mRNA sequences in different species is used to study evolution. By quantifying the similarity of genes between species, this distance might be indicated when studies on one species (mouse) would tend to be valid in the other (human). The hypothesis that a small distance from mouse to human could facilitate mouse to human translational medicine success is supported by the studied ESR-1, LMNA, Myc, and RNF4 sequences. ID1 and PLCZ1 have larger separation. The collinearity of displacement vectors is further analyzed with a regression model, and the ID1 result suggests a mouse-chimp-human translational medicine approach. Further inference was found in the tumor suppression gene, p53, with a new hypothesis of including the bovine PKM2 pathways for targeting the glycolysis preference in many types of cancerous cells, consistent with quantum metabolism models. The distance between mRNA and protein coding CDS is proposed as a measure of the pressure associated with noncoding processes. The Y-chromosome DYS14 in fetal micro chimerism that could offer protection from Alzheimer's disease is given as an example.
ULPD and CPTL Pull-Up Stages for Differential Cascode Voltage Switch Logic
Authors: Srinivasulu Avireni , Rajesh Madugula
Published: March 2013

Two new structures for Differential Cascode Voltage Switch Logic (DCVSL) pull-up stage are proposed. In conventional DCVSL structure, low-to-high propagation delay is larger than high-to-low propagation delay this could be brought down by using DCVSL-R. Promoting resistors in DCVSL-R structure increase the parasitic effects and unavoidable delay and it also occupies more area on the chip (Turker et al., 2011). In order to minimize these problems, a new Ultra-Low-Power Diode (ULPD) structures in place of resistors have been suggested. This provides the minimum parasitic effects and reduces area on the chip. Second proposed circuit uses Complementary Pass Transistor Logic (CPTL) structure, which provides complementary outputs. This contributes an alternate circuit for conventional DCVSL structure. The performances of the proposed circuits are examined using Cadence and the model parameters of a 180 nm CMOS process. The simulation results of these two circuits are compared and presented. These circuits are found to be suitable for VLSI implementation.
The Atom-Bond Connectivity Index of Catacondensed Polyomino Graphs
Authors: Chen Jinsong , Liu Jianping , Li Qiaoliang
Published: March 2013

LetG=(V,E)be a graph. The atom-bond connectivity (ABC) index is defined as the sum of weights((du+dv−2)/dudv)1/2over all edgesuvofG, wheredudenotes the degree of a vertexuofG. In this paper, we give the atom-bond connectivity index of the zigzag chain polyomino graphs. Meanwhile, we obtain the sharp upper bound on the atom-bond connectivity index of catacondensed polyomino graphs withhsquares and determine the corresponding extremal graphs.
Loss-Averse Inventory and Borrowing Decisions with Constraints on Working Capital in Fashion and Textiles Industry
Authors: Ma Lijun , Xue Weili , Zhao Yingxue , Lin Xudong
Published: March 2013

Traditional inventory models focus on operational decisions and inventory control. Quite few models consider the financial constraint and decision bias such as loss aversion, which are the reality in today's business environment, especially for the fashion and textiles industry. In this paper we study the inventory control problem for a loss-averse retailer with financial constraint for operations in a periodic review setting in a finite horizon. We characterize the optimal inventory control policies with self-financing or with borrowing as capital-dependent base-stock policies. We demonstrate with numerical examples that the optimal base-stock level is nonincreasing in the accumulated wealth and the loss-aversion indicator.
Gan-Lu-Yin Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Murine WEHI-3 Leukemia Cells and Tumor Growth in BALB/C Allograft Tumor Model
Authors: Liu Fon-Chang , Pan Chun-Hsu , Lai Ming-Tsung , Chang Shu-Jen , Chung Jing-Gung , Wu Chieh-Hsi
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to explore the antitumor effect of Gan-Lu-Yin (GLY), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, on leukemia. Ethanolic extract of GLY was applied to evaluate its regulatory mechanisms in proliferation, migration, and differentiation of WEHI-3 leukemic cells as well as antitumor effect on BALB/c mice model. The results showed that GLY markedly reduced cell proliferation and migration with induced differentiation of WEHI-3 cells. The expression level of phosphorylated FAK, Akt, ERK1/2, and Rb was decreased p21 expression while level was increased in WEHI-3 treated with GLY. The results of cell cycle analysis revealed that GLY treatment could markedly induce G1 phase arrest and decrease cell population in S phase. Moreover, experimental results demonstrated that GLY decreased the protein expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. GLY treatment also reduced WEHI-3 leukemic infiltration in liver and spleen and tumor growth in animal model. Accordingly, GLY demonstrated an inhibitory effect on tumor growth with a regulatory mechanism partially through inhibiting FAK, Akt, and ERK expression in WEHI-3 cells. GLY may provide a promising antileukemic approach in the clinical application.
Factors Associated with Readmission of Patients at a University Hospital Psychiatric Ward in Iran
Authors: Barekatain Majid , Maracy Mohammad Reza , Hassannejad Razeyeh , Hosseini Reihane
Published: March 2013

Objectives. Readmission has a major role in the reduction of the quality of life and the increase in the years of lost life. The main objectives of this study were to answer to the following research questions. (a) What was the readmission rate? (b) What were the social, demographic, and clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the Psychiatric Emergency Service at Nour University Hospital, affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran? (c) What were the effective factors on readmission?Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total number of 3935 patients who were admitted to Isfahan University Hospital Psychiatric Ward in Isfahan, Iran, from 2004 to 2010. Gender, age, marital status, education, self-report history of previous admission, type of psychiatric disorder, substance misuse, suicide, and the length of the current psychiatric disorder were collected from the registered medical files of patients. The data were analysed using the negative binomial regression model.Results. We found that factors such as psychiatric anxiety disorder, bipolar I, bipolar II, psychotic disorder, depression, and self report history of previous admission were statistically significant in the number of readmissions using the negative binomial model.Conclusion. Readmission to the psychiatric ward is mainly predictable by the type of diagnosis and psychosocial supports.
Mathematical Modeling of Double-Skin Facade in Northern Area of China
Authors: Huifen Zou , Yingchao Fei , Fuhua Yang , Hao Tang , Ying Zhang , Sheng Ye
Published: March 2013

This paper focuses on the operation principles of the double-skin facade (DSF) in winter of severe cold area. The paper discussed the main influence factors of building energy consumption, including the heat storage cavity spacing, the air circulation mode, the building envelope, and the building orientation. First, we studied the relationship among the thermal storage cavity spacing, the temperature distribution in the cavity of the DSF, and the indoor temperature. Then, we discussed the influence on the ambient temperature in the building exerted by the air circulation system of the double-skin facade. Finally, we analyzed the influence on the whole building energy consumption of the DSF buildings under the situation of different building envelopes and different building orientations. Based on the results of the numerical simulation, the paper put forward an operation strategy analysis of the DSF buildings in severe cold area, in order to achieve the purpose of building energy saving.
Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity of Compounds from  Zea maysL.
Authors: Kim Tae Hyeon , Kim Jin Kyu , Kang Young-Hee , Lee Jae-Yong , Kang Il Jun , Lim Soon Sung
Published: March 2013

Aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors have a considerable therapeutic potential against diabetes complications and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Through bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOH extract of the kernel from purple corn (Zea maysL.), 7 nonanthocyanin phenolic compounds (compound1–7) and 5 anthocyanins (compound8–12) were isolated. These compounds were investigated by rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) inhibitory assays. Kinetic analyses of recombinant human aldose reductase (rhAR) were performed, and intracellular galactitol levels were measured. Hirsutrin, one of 12 isolated compounds, showed the most potent RLAR inhibitory activity (IC50, 4.78 μM). In the kinetic analyses using Lineweaver-Burk plots of 1/velocity and 1/substrate concentration, hirsutrin showed competitive inhibition against rhAR. Furthermore, hirsutrin inhibited galactitol formation in rat lens and erythrocytes sample incubated with a high concentration of galactose; this finding indicates that hirsutrin may effectively prevent osmotic stress in hyperglycemia. Therefore, hirsutrin derived fromZea maysL. may be a potential therapeutic agent against diabetes complications.
h-Stability of Linear Matrix Differential Systems
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Liu Xiaowei
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the stability problem of linear matrix differential systems and gives some sufficient conditions ofh-stability for linear matrix system and its associated perturbed system by using the Kronecker product of matrices. An example is also worked out to illustrate our results.
Short-Term Outcomes of KeraSys Patch Graft for Glaucoma Drainage Devices: A Case Series
Authors: Nagi Kundandeep S. , Cumba Ricardo J. , Bell Nicholas P. , Blieden Lauren S. , Chuang Alice Z. , Mankiewicz Kimberly A. , Nguyen Donna , Feldman Robert M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose. Tube-related exposure is a known complication of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery. Our objective is to report the early (approximately 1 year) tube exposure rate of implants covered with a keraSys (IOP Inc., Costa Mesa, CA, USA) tissue reinforcement graft.Patients and Methods. A retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series of 42 eyes with GDD implantation with keraSys patch grafts was performed. Main outcome measurements included patch-related complications: patch exposure, tube exposure, wound dehiscence, and patch migration.Results. Forty-two eyes were followed for an average of15.24±10.44months (range 1.0–32.3 months). Four (10%) eyes experienced patch-related complications: two with exposure 8 months postoperatively, one with exposure 13 months postoperatively, and one with exposure 4 weeks postoperatively.Conclusion. The effectiveness of the keraSys patch graft is limited by the higher than expected early exposure rate found in this case series. These results should be confirmed in other studies.
Real and Complex Rank for Real Symmetric Tensors with Low Ranks
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Bernardi Alessandra
Published: March 2013

We study the case of a real homogeneous polynomial whose minimal real and complex decompositions in terms of powers of linear forms are different. We prove that if the sum of the complex and the real ranks of is at most , then the difference of the two decompositions is completely determined either on a line or on a conic or two disjoint lines.
Efficient Algorithm for Isotropic and Anisotropic Total Variation Deblurring and Denoising
Authors: Shi Yuying , Chang Qianshun
Published: March 2013

A new deblurring and denoising algorithm is proposed, for isotropic total variation-based image restoration. The algorithm consists of an efficient solver for the nonlinear system and an acceleration strategy for the outer iteration. For the nonlinear system, the split Bregman method is used to convert it into linear system, and an algebraic multigrid method is applied to solve the linearized system. For the outer iteration, we have conducted formal convergence analysis to determine an auxiliary linear term that significantly stabilizes and accelerates the outer iteration. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our algorithm for deblurring and denoising problems is efficient.
Efficacy of Modified Ban Xia Xie Xin Decoction on Functional Dyspepsia of Cold and Heat in Complexity Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhao Luqing , Zhang Shengsheng , Wang Zhengfang , Wang Chuijie , Huang Suiping , Shen Hong , Wei Wei , Wang Hongbing , Wu Bing
Published: March 2013

Background. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used in China and elsewhere to treat patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). However, controlled studies supporting the efficacy of such treatment are lacking.Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of modified Ban xia xie xin decoction in patients with FD of cold and heat in complexity syndrome.Methods. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients from five centers. Patients with FD of cold and heat in complexity syndrome(n=101)were randomly assigned to groups given either CHM modified Ban Xia Xie Xin decoction or placebo in a 2 : 1 ratio. Herbal or placebo granules were dissolved in 300 mL of boiled water cooled to 70°C. Patients in both groups were administered 150 mL (50°C) twice daily. The trial included a 4-week treatment period and a 4-week followup period. The primary outcomes were dyspepsia symptom scores, measured by the total dyspepsia symptom scale and the single dyspepsia symptom scale at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8.Results. Compared with patients in the placebo group, patients in the CHM group showed significant improvements according to the total and single dyspepsia symptom scores obtained from patients(P<0.01)and investigators(P<0.01).Conclusions. CHM modified Ban Xia Xie Xin decoction appears to offer symptomatic improvement in patients with FD of cold and heat in complexity syndrome.Trial Registration. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-TRC-10001074.
Perioperative Dynamics of TLR2, TLR4, and TREM-1 Expression in Monocyte Subpopulations in the Setting of On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Golovkin A. S. , Matveeva V. G. , Kudryavtsev I. V. , Chernova M. N. , Bayrakova Y. V. , Shukevich D. L. , Grigoriev E. V.
Published: March 2013

Hypercytokinemia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Monocytes are the main source of cytokines in the early inflammatory phase. Simultaneous stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM-1) activating receptor on monocytes results in the amplification of the inflammatory signal and multiple increase in proinflammatory cytokine production. The dynamics of those receptors expression on monocyte surface of patients with uncomplicated SIRS course followed coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) was studied. The increase in TLR2 and TREM-1 expression on the first day after CABG induces proinflammatory and amplification potentials of monocytes in that period. The decrease in TLR2 surface expression on the seventh day compared to the preoperative values can be regarded as a mechanism limiting inflammatory response. The highest level of TLR2, TLR4, and TREM-1 surface expression was observed in CD14hiCD16+monocyte subpopulation, confirming its proinflammatory profile.
Mycobacterial Infection of the Gallbladder Masquerading as Gallbladder Cancer with a False Positive Pet Scan
Authors: Majid Adeeb , Raju Ravish Sanghi , Trochsler Markus , Kanhere Harsh A. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: March 2013

Isolated mycobacterial infection of gall bladder is an extremely rare entity. Only anecdotal reports are evident in the literature. A preoperative diagnosis of mycobacterial infection of gallbladder is therefore very difficult. The case of a 72-year-old male who underwent surgery for suspected gallbladder cancer is presented. The diagnosis of cancer was based on radiological findings and an abnormal uptake of fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) on positron emission tomography (PET) scan whilst being followed up for colorectal cancer. He underwent cholecystectomy and gallbladder bed resection. Histopathology was consistent with mycobacterial infection of the gallbladder.
Collaborating with the Enemy: Function of Macrophages in the Development of Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Eljaszewicz Andrzej , Wiese Małgorzata , Helmin-Basa Anna , Jankowski Michal , Gackowska Lidia , Kubiszewska Izabela , Kaszewski Wojciech , Michalkiewicz Jacek , Zegarski Wojciech
Published: March 2013

Due to the profile of released mediators (such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, etc.), neoplastic cells modulate the activity of immune system, directly affecting its components both locally and peripherally. This is reflected by the limited antineoplastic activity of the immune system (immunosuppressive effect), induction of tolerance to neoplastic antigens, and the promotion of processes associated with the proliferation of neoplastic tissue. Most of these responses are macrophages dependent, since these cells show proangiogenic properties, attenuate the adaptive response (anergization of naïve T lymphocytes, induction of Treg cell formation, polarization of immune response towards Th2, etc.), and support invasion and metastases formation. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a predominant component of leukocytic infiltrate, “cooperate” with the neoplastic tissue, leading to the intensified proliferation and the immune escape of the latter. This paper characterizes the function of macrophages in the development of neoplastic disease.
A Study on -Quasi-Cauchy Sequences
Authors: Çakalli Hüseyin , Kaplan Huseyin
Published: March 2013

Recently, the concept of -ward continuity was introduced and studied. In this paper, we prove that the uniform limit of -ward continuous functions is -ward continuous, and the set of all -ward continuous functions is a closed subset of the set of all continuous functions. We also obtain that a real function defined on an interval is uniformly continuous if and only if (()) is -quasi-Cauchy whenever () is a quasi-Cauchy sequence of points in .
Existence of Iterative Cauchy Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: March 2013

Our main aim in this paper is to use the technique of nonexpansive operators in more general iterative and noniterative fractional differential equations (Cauchy type). The noninteger case is taken in sense of the Riemann-Liouville fractional operators. Applications are illustrated.
The Improvement of The Endogenous Antioxidant Property of Stone Fish (Actinopyga lecanora) Tissue Using Enzymatic Proteolysis
Authors: Bordbar Sara , Ebrahimpour Afshin , Abdul Hamid Azizah , Abdul Manap Mohd Yazid , Anwar Farooq , Saari Nazamid
Published: March 2013

The stone fish (Actinopyga lecanora) ethanolic and methanolic tissue extracts were investigated for total phenolic contents (TPCs) as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Both extracts showed low amount of phenolics (20.33 to 17.03 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g dried sample) and moderate antioxidant activity (39% to 34%  DPPH•radical scavenging activity and 23.95 to 22.30 mmol/100 mL FeSO4FRAP value). Enzymatic proteolysis was carried out in order to improve the antioxidant activity using six commercially available proteases under their optimum conditions. The results revealed that the highest increase in antioxidant activity up to 85% was obtained for papain-generated proteolysate, followed by alcalase (77%), trypsin (75%), pepsin (68%), bromelain (68%), and flavourzyme (50%) as measured by DPPH•radical scavenging activity, whilst for the FRAP value, the highest increase in the antioxidant activity up to 39.2 mmol/100 mL FeSO4was obtained for alcalase-generated proteolysate, followed by papain (29.5 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), trypsin (23.2 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), flavourzyme (24.7 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), bromelain (22.9 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), and pepsin (20.8 mmol/100 mL FeSO4). It is obvious that proteolysis of stone fish tissue by proteolytic enzymes can considerably enhance its antioxidant activity.
Current Bancroftian Filariasis Elimination on Thailand-Myanmar Border: Public Health Challenges toward Postgenomic MDA Evaluation
Authors: Bhumiratana Adisak , Intarapuk Apiradee , Koyadun Surachart , Maneekan Pannamas , Sorosjinda-Nunthawarasilp Prapa
Published: March 2013

From regional and global perspectives, Thailand has progressed toward lymphatic filariasis transmission-free zone in almost entire endemic provinces, being verified by WHO by the end of 2012 after the 5-year implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole as part of the National Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PELF) (2002–2006) and a 4-year expansion of post-MDA surveillance (2007–2010). However, Thai PELF has been challenging sensitive situations of not only border crossings of local people on Thailand-Myanmar border where focal distribution of forest- and forest fringe-related border bancroftian filariasis (BBF) is caused by nocturnally subperiodic Wuchereria bancrofti in local people living in pockets of endemic villages, but also intense cross-border migrations of Mon and Tanintharyi workers from Myanmar to Thailand who harbor nocturnally periodic W. bancrofti microfilaremic infection causing the emergence of imported bancroftian filariasis (IBF). Thus, this paper discusses the apparent issues and problems pertaining to epidemiological surveillance and postgenomic MDA evaluation for 2010–2020 convalescent BBF and IBF. In particular, the population migration linked to fitness of benzimidazole-resistant W. bancrofti population is a topic of interest in this region whether the resistance is associated with pressure of the MDA 2 drugs and the vulnerabilities epidemiologically observed in complex BBF or IBF settings.
Utility Values for Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma Health States from the General Public in the United Kingdom
Authors: Guest Julian F. , Sladkevicius Erikas , Gough Nicholas , Linch Mark , Grimer Robert
Published: March 2013

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare type of cancer generally treated with palliative chemotherapy when in the advanced stage. There is a lack of published health utility data for locally advanced “inoperable”/metastatic disease (ASTS), essential for calculating the cost-effectiveness of current and future treatments. This study estimated time trade-off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) preference values associated with four ASTS health states (progressive disease, stable disease, partial response, complete response) among members of the general public in the UK (n=207). The four health states were associated with decreases in preference values from full health. Complete response was the most preferred health state (mean utility of 0.60 using TTO). The second most preferred health state was partial response followed by stable disease (mean utilities were 0.51 and 0.43, respectively, using TTO). The least preferred health state was progressive disease (mean utility of 0.30 using TTO). The utility value for each state was significantly different from one another (P<0.001). This study demonstrated and quantified the impact that different treatment responses may have on the health-related quality of life of patients with ASTS.
Evaluation of Multiplex PCR with Enhanced Spore Germination for Detection ofClostridium difficilefrom Stool Samples of the Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Chankhamhaengdecha Surang , Hadpanus Piyapong , Aroonnual Amornrat , Ngamwongsatit Puriya , Chotiprasitsakul Darunee , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Janvilisri Tavan
Published: March 2013

Clostridium difficileposes as the most common etiologic agent of nosocomial diarrhea. Although there are many diagnostic methods to detectC. difficiledirectly from stool samples, the nucleic acid-based approach has been largely performed in several laboratories due to its high sensitivity and specificity as well as rapid turnaround time. In this study, a multiplex PCR was newly designed with recent accumulated nucleotide sequences. The PCR testing with variousC. difficileribotypes, otherClostridiumspp., and non-Clostridiumstrains revealed 100% specificity with the ability to detect as low as ~22 genomic copy number per PCR reaction. Different combinations of sample processing were evaluated prior to multiplex PCR for the detection ofC. difficilein fecal samples from hospitalized patients. The most optimal condition was the non-selective enrichment at 37∘C for 1 h in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with taurocholate, followed by the multiplex PCR. The detection limit after sample processing was shown as being 5 spores per gram of fecal sample. Two hundred and thirty-eight fecal samples collected from the University affiliated hospital were analyzed by the enrichment multiplex PCR procedure. The results suggested that the combination of sample processing with the high-performance detection method would be applicable for routine diagnostic use in clinical setting.