bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Topologically Charged Rotating Black Hole in the Brane
Authors: Larrañaga Alexis , Grisales Claudia , Londoño Manuel
Published: September 2013

We have obtained a rotating black hole solution in the braneworld scenario by applying the Newman-Janis algorithm. The new solution carries two types of charge, one arising from the bulk Weyl tensor and one from the gauge field trapped on the brane. In order to obtain this result, we used a modified version of the algorithm in which the involved complexification is the key point. The analysis of the horizon structure of the new metric shows similarities to the Kerr-Newman solution. In particular, there is a minimal mass to which the black hole can decay through the Hawking radiation. From the thermodynamical analysis, the possibility of a degenerate horizon gives a temperature that, instead of a divergent behaviour at short scales, admits both a minimum and a maximum before cooling down towards a zero temperature remnant configuration.
Cell Shape and Cardiosphere Differentiation: A Revelation by Proteomic Profiling
Authors: Kawaguchi Nanako , Machida Mitsuyo , Hatta Kota , Nakanishi Toshio , Takagaki Yohtaroh
Published: September 2013

Stem cells (embryonic stem cells, somatic stem cells such as neural stem cells, and cardiac stem cells) and cancer cells are known to aggregate and form spheroid structures. This behavior is common in undifferentiated cells and may be necessary for adapting to certain conditions such as low-oxygen levels or to maintain undifferentiated status in microenvironments including stem cell niches. In order to decipher the meaning of this spheroid structure, we established a cardiosphere clone (CSC-21E) derived from the rat heart which can switch its morphology between spheroid and nonspheroid. Two forms, floating cardiospheres and dish-attached flat cells, could be switched reversibly by changing the cell culture condition. We performed differential proteome analysis studies and obtained protein profiles distinct between spherical forms and flat cells. From protein profiling analysis, we found upregulation of glycolytic enzymes in spheroids with some stress proteins switched in expression levels between these two forms. Evidence has been accumulating that certain chaperone/stress proteins are upregulated in concert with cellular changes including proliferation and differentiation. We would like to discuss the possible mechanism of how these aggregates affect cell differentiation and/or other cellular functions.
Additive Complex Ayurvedic Treatment in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome Compared to Conventional Standard Care Alone: A Nonrandomized Controlled Clinical Pilot Study (KAFA Trial)
Authors: Kessler Christian S. , Ostermann Thomas , Meier Larissa , Stapelfeldt Elmar , Schütte Silvia , Duda Joachim , Michalsen Andreas
Published: September 2013

Background. Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a challenging condition for health care systems worldwide. Only limited trial data is available for FMS for outcomes of complex treatment interventions of complementary and integrative (CIM) approaches.Methods. We conducted a controlled, nonrandomized feasibility study that compared outcomes in 21 patients treated with Ayurveda with those of 11 patients treated with a conventional approach at the end of a two-week inpatient hospital stay. Primary outcome was the impact of fibromyalgia on patients as assessed by the FIQ. Secondary outcomes included scores of pain intensity, pain perception, depression, anxiety, and quality of sleep. Follow-up assessments were done after 6 months.Results. At 2 weeks, there were comparable and significant improvements in the FIQ and for most of secondary outcomes in both groups with no significant in-between-group differences. The beneficial effects for both treatment groups were partly maintained for the main outcome and a number of secondary outcomes at the 6-month followup, again with no significant in-between-group differences.Discussion. The findings of this feasibility study suggest that Ayurvedic therapy is noninferior to conventional treatment in patients with severe FMS. Since Ayurveda was only used as add-on treatment, RCTs on Ayurveda alone are warranted to increase model validity. This trial is registered withNCT01389336.
Polar Liquid Crystal Elastomers Cross Linked Far from Thermodynamic Phase Transitions: Dislocation Loops in Smectic Clusters
Authors: Yusuf Yusril , Yamaguchi Shohei , Kawano Shinya , Okabe Hirotaka , Krause Simon , Finkelmann Heino , Cladis P. E. , Kai Shoichi
Published: September 2013

Nematic networks with three different concentrations of polar and nonpolar mesogens and the same concentration of a novel cross-linking agent give rise to unusual liquid single crystal elastomers (LSCEs) that are transparent monodomain nematic networks with smectic clusters. The largest spontaneous length change is observed in the sample with 70 mol% of the polar mesogen which also has the highest glass transition temperature and smectic clusters with a slowly increasing but nearly constant layer spacing on cooling from 90°C to 25°C. X-ray scattering intensity from smectic clusters with layer spacings that monotonically increase on cooling first increases to a maximum atT*~60∘C corresponding to clusters of about 30 layers. BelowT∗, the scattering intensity decreases as the number of layers in a cluster decreases. To account for this surprising nonlinear behavior that correlates with nonlinear features of the networks’ macroscopic spontaneous shape change and birefringence, a model is proposed where dislocations form in the layers atT∗. BelowT∗, more dislocations form to break down the layer structure. The possibility of dislocation formation atT∗independent of mesogenic concentrations is attributed to a conformational change in the crosslinker which is present at the same concentration in the three LSCEs.
Exploring the Possible Role of Lysine Acetylation onEntamoeba histolyticaVirulence: A Focus on the Dynamics of the Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: López-Contreras L. , Hernández-Ramírez V. I. , Lagunes-Guillén A. E. , Montaño Sarita , Chávez-Munguía B. , Sánchez-Ramírez B. , Talamás-Rohana P.
Published: September 2013

Cytoskeleton remodeling can be regulated, among other mechanisms, by lysine acetylation. The role of acetylation on cytoskeletal and other proteins ofEntamoeba histolyticahas been poorly studied. Dynamic rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are crucial for amebic motility and capping formation, processes that may be effective means of evading the host immune response. Here we report the possible effect of acetylation on the actin cytoskeleton dynamics andin vivovirulence ofE. histolytica. Using western blot, immunoprecipitation, microscopy assays, andin silicoanalysis, we show results that strongly suggest that the increase in Aspirin-induced cytoplasm proteins acetylation reduced cell movement and capping formation, likely as a consequence of alterations in the structuration of the actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, intrahepatic inoculation of Aspirin-treated trophozoites in hamsters resulted in severe impairment of the amebic virulence. Taken together, these results suggest an important role for lysine acetylation in amebic invasiveness and virulence.
A Design of a Congestion Control Scheme Based on Multichannel in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Park Siyong , Hwang Sunmyung
Published: September 2013

We propose a congestion control scheme on wireless multichannel sensor networks. The proposed congestion control scheme consists of a congestion detection strategy and two cases of congestion control strategies. The congestion detection strategy modeled in the Morkov chain provides two thresholds that can detect two congestion conditions, or light and heavy congestion conditions. The two congestion control strategies consist of a weak congestion control strategy that can control light congestion and a strong congestion control strategy that can control heavy congestion. In addition, the proposed congestion control scheme assigns a priority to a received packet according to their transmission distance, and it differentiates the number of useable channels when congestion occurs. We can reduce energy consumption due to retransmission because packets received from long distance can use more channels in the proposed scheme.
FEMAN: Fuzzy-Based Energy Management System for Green Houses Using Hybrid Grid Solar Power
Authors: Chehri Abdellah , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: September 2013

The United Nations has designated the year 2012 as the international year of sustainable energy. Today, we are seeing a rise in global awareness of energy consumption and environmental problems. Many nations have launched different programs to reduce the energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings to seek lower-carbon energy solutions. We are talking about the future green and smart houses. The subject of smart/green houses is not one of “why,” but rather “how,” specifically: “how making the future house more energy efficient.” The use of the renewable energy, the technology and the services could help us to answer this question. Intelligent home energy management is an approach to build centralized systems that deliver application functionality as services to end-consumer applications. The objective of this work is to develop a smart and robust controller for house energy consumption with maximizing the use of solar energy and reducing the impact on the power grid while satisfying the energy demand of house appliances. We proposed a fuzzy-based energy management controller in order to reduce the consumed energy of the building while respecting a fixed comfort.
Sporadic versus Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma: A Comparative Clinicopathologic and Molecular Analysis of 48 Cases
Authors: Hung Jennifer , Hiniker Susan M. , Lucas David R. , Griffith Kent A. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Meirovitz Amichay , Thomas Dafydd G. , Chugh Rashmi , Herman Joseph M.
Published: September 2013

Angiosarcomas are aggressive tumors of vascular endothelial origin, occurring sporadically or in association with prior radiotherapy. We compared clinicopathologic and biologic features of sporadic angiosarcomas (SA) and radiation-associated angiosarcomas (RAA).Methods.From a University of Michigan institutional database, 37 SA and 11 RAA were identified. Tissue microarrays were stained for p53, Ki-67, and hTERT. DNA was evaluated for TP53 and ATM mutations.Results.Mean latency between radiotherapy and diagnosis of RAA was 11.9 years: 6.7 years for breast RAA versus 20.9 years for nonbreast RAA (P=0.148). Survival after diagnosis did not significantly differ between SA and RAA (P=0.590). Patients with nonbreast RAA had shorter overall survival than patients with breast RAA (P=0.03). The majority of SA (86.5%) and RAA (77.8%) were classified as high-grade sarcomas (P=0.609). RAA were more likely to have well-defined vasoformative areas (55.6% versus 27%,P=0.127). Most breast SA were parenchymal in origin (80%), while most breast RAA were cutaneous in origin (80%). TMA analysis showed p53 overexpression in 25.7% of SA and 0% RAA, high Ki-67 in 35.3% of SA and 44.4% RAA, and hTERT expression in 100% of SA and RAA. TP53 mutations were detected in 13.5% of SA and 11.1% RAA. ATM mutations were not detected in either SA or RAA.Conclusions.SA and RAA are similar in histology, immunohistochemical markers, and DNA mutation profiles and share similar prognosis. Breast RAA have a shorter latency period compared to nonbreast RAA and a significantly longer survival.
Circulating Levels of Soluble Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand and Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 (and Their Antagonists) in Asian Indian Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Dhir Varun , Srivastava Rajni , Aggarwal Amita
Published: September 2013

Background. Bone loss in ankylosing spondylitis may be related to inflammation. Data from previous studies on circulating levels of sRANKL, OPG, MMP3, and TIMP is inconsistent; thus this study is planned to look at this aspect in Asian Indian patients.Methods. Cross-sectional study included patients with ankylosing spondylitis and age- and gender-similar controls. Serum levels of sRANKL, OPG, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 were measured by ELISA.Results. Included 85 patients (M : F = 82 : 3) having mean age (±SD)33.0±10.0years and disease duration11.3±7.3years. BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ESR were4.0±2.2,3.9±2.8,3.0±2.8,and59.2±31.2,respectively. Patients had higher mean (±SD) OPG level (649.7±286.8,389.3±244.8 pg/mL,P<0.001). However, there was no difference in sRANKL (349.2±872.0,554.7±1850.1,P=ns). Serum MMP-3 (91.4±84.7,55.9±37.1 ng/mL,P<0.01) and TIMP-1 (520.6±450.7,296.5±114.2 ng/mL,P<0.001) levels were higher in patients; however, there was no difference in MMP-3/TIMP-1 ratio.Conclusion. Circulating levels of OPG were higher; however, there was no difference in sRANKL in Asian Indian ankylosing spondylitis patients. Although both MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were raised, their ratio was not different from that of controls.
A Novel Kinetic Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Dopamine in Biological and Pharmaceutical Samples
Authors: Shishehbore M. Reza , Asgharpoor Adel , Nasirizadeh N.
Published: September 2013

A sensitive and accurate method for quantitative determination of dopamine was introduced. The proposed method is based on inhibitory effect of dopamine on the oxidation of thionine by bromate in acidic media. The change in absorbance was followed spectrophotometrically at 601 nm. The dependence of sensitivity on the reaction variables was investigated and optimized to obtain the maximum sensitivity. Under optimum experimental conditions, calibration curve was linear over the range 0.2–103.3 μg mL−1 of dopamine. The relative standard deviations (n = 6) of 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 30.0 μg mL−1 of dopamine were 1.13, 1.02, 0.99, and 0.97%, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.057 μg mL−1 of dopamine. The effect of diverse species was also investigated. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of dopamine in pharmaceutical and biological samples.
Characterisation of Zinc Oxide and Cadmium Oxide Nanostructures Obtained from the Low Temperature Thermal Decomposition of Inorganic Precursors
Authors: Kalpanadevi K. , Sinduja C. R. , Manimekalai R.
Published: September 2013

Low temperature syntheses of zinc oxide and cadmium oxide nanoparticles are reported in this paper. The inorganic precursor complexes were prepared and characterised by hydrazine and metal analyses, infrared spectral analysis, and thermal analysis. Using appropriate annealing conditions, zinc oxide and cadmium oxide nanoparticles of average particle sizes around 13 nm and 30 nm were synthesised from the precursors by a simple thermal decomposition route. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised for their size and structure using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques.
Association between Rash and a Positive Drug Response Associated with Vinorelbine in a Patient with Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma
Authors: Mohammad Mustafa M. , Syrigos Kostas N. , Saif M. Wasif
Published: September 2013

Vinorelbine (Navelbine, VRL) is commonly used for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and has been shown to be effective in patients with recurrent primary peritoneal carcinoma. Of VRL’s major side effects, skin rash is uncommon, and, if it does occur, it is usually localized to site of injection. In this case report, a 71-year-old Hispanic female with primary peritoneal carcinoma received single agent VRL as fourth-line regimen, which she tolerated very well except for a skin rash related to VRL. The rash continued to progress throughout 6 cycles of VRL, and follow-up CT/PET scan demonstrated complete metabolic and radiological responses. We, therefore, believe that this rash was linked to VRL administration and correlated with response to therapy. Rash has been recognized as a useful surrogate marker with targeted agents such as cetuximab and erlotinib; to the best of our knowledge, this case report describes the first patient with a possible drug rash and its association with a positive outcome. This case report incites interest in further investigation of similar cases to support this observation, since there is a lack of reports of skin rash with VRL therapy.
Older Persons’ Experiences of Depressive Ill-Health and Family Support
Authors: Lyberg Anne , Holm Anne Lise , Lassenius Erna , Berggren Ingela , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to explore experiences of the meaning of family support among older persons with depressive ill-health. Data were collected from twenty-nine participants through semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretative hermeneutic and reflective methodology. The findings revealed a main theme, hovering between feelings of belongingness and aloneness in relationships with family members, based on two themes: a sense of being worthy and a sense of being unworthy. Experiences of support and lack of support from family members were not opposites but connected in internal relationships and can be pictured as a movement on a continuum of ambiguity. Family support promotes the emotional needs of older persons with depressive ill-health to be confirmed. The family plays a vital role, not always by direct assistance, but indirectly by supporting the older person’s own “guiding principles” for managing her/his situation. The feelings of aloneness as well as shame and guilt at poor or absent family responsiveness should be adequately addressed. Innovative nursing care can lead to improvement by focusing on acquiescence to the older person’s life situation.
Prevalence of Chronic Headache in Croatia
Authors: Vuković-Cvetković Vlasta , Plavec Davor , Lovrenčić-Huzjan Arijana
Published: September 2013

Background. Chronic headache describes the presence of headache for >15 days per month on average for >3 months and fulfills the rest of the IHS criteria. The prevalence of chronic headache is within the range of 0.5–7.3% worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the 1-year prevalence of chronic headache in adult Croatian population.Methods. The data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of an adult population (>18 years of age) sample. Randomly selected patients from the general population in four Croatian cities were asked to fulfill a self-completed questionnaire. The prevalence of chronic headache was calculated in the sample representing 3 383 769 Croatian adults.Results. The total sample included 1542 responders among which 616 were with headache. The 1-year prevalence of chronic headache was 2.4%, and 0.9% of responders declared having headache 30 days per month. According to these results, 81 192 adult inhabitants in Croatia suffer from chronic headache.Conclusions. The prevalence of chronic headache in Croatia is comparable to other countries worldwide. These patients require special attention and should be offered multidisciplinary medical support.
Removal of Polyvinyl Alcohol Using Photoelectrochemical Oxidation Processes Based on Hydrogen Peroxide Electrogeneration
Authors: Huang Kai-Yu , Wang Chih-Ta , Chou Wei-Lung , Shu Chi-Min
Published: September 2013

This study investigates the removal efficiency of PVA from aqueous solutions using UV irradiation in combination with the production of electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at a polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon fiber (ACF) cathode. Three cathode materials (i.e., platinum, graphite, and ACF) were fed with oxygen and used for the electrogeneration of H2O2. The amount of electrogenerated H2O2produced using the ACF cathode was five times greater than that generated using the graphite cathode and nearly 24 times greater than that from platinum cathode. Several parameters were evaluated to characterize the H2O2electrogeneration, such as current density, oxygen flow rate, solution pH, and the supporting electrolyte used. The optimum current density, oxygen flow rate, solution pH, and supporting electrolyte composition were found to be 10 mA cm−2, 500 cm3 min−1, pH 3, and Na2SO4, respectively. The PVA removal efficiencies were achieved under these conditions 3%, 16%, and 86% using UV, H2O2electrogeneration, and UV/H2O2electrogeneration, respectively. A UV light intensity of 0.6 mW cm−2was found to produce optimal PVA removal efficiency in the present study. A simple kinetic model was proposed which confirmed pseudo-first-order reaction. Reaction rate constant (kap) was found to depend on the UV light intensity.
Radiation and Chemical Reaction Effects on Unsteady Double Diffusive Convective Flow past an Oscillating Surface with Constant Heat Flux
Authors: Jain Arpita
Published: September 2013

This paper presents an analysis of combined heat and mass transfer flow past an oscillating vertical plate under the action of radiation effects and chemical reaction when heat is supplied to the plate at constant rate. The governing equations are solved in closed form by Laplace-transform technique. The results are obtained for temperature, concentration, velocity, skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The effects of various parameters on flow variables are illustrated graphically, and the physical aspects of the problem are discussed.
Antihyperglycemic Effects of Short Term Resveratrol Supplementation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Movahed Ali , Nabipour Iraj , Lieben Louis Xavier , Thandapilly Sijo Joseph , Yu Liping , Kalantarhormozi Mohammadreza , Rekabpour Seyed Javad , Netticadan Thomas
Published: September 2013

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of resveratrol in lowering blood glucose in the presence of standard antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded parallel clinical trial. A total of 66 subjects with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to intervention group which was supplemented with resveratrol at a dose 1 g/day for 45 days and control group which received placebo tablets. Body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin A1c, insulin, homeostatic assessments for insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and markers of liver and kidney damage were measured at baseline and after 45 days of resveratrol or placebo supplementation. Resveratrol treatment significantly decreased systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin A1c, insulin, and insulin resistance, while HDL was significantly increased, when compared to their baseline levels. On the other hand, the placebo group had slightly increased fasting glucose and LDL when compared to their baseline levels. Liver and kidney function markers were unchanged in the intervention group. Overall, this study showed that resveratrol supplementation exerted strong antidiabetic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Differentiated Evaluation of Extract-Specific Evidence onCimicifuga racemosa's Efficacy and Safety for Climacteric Complaints
Authors: Beer A.-M. , Neff A.
Published: September 2013

Past reviews onCimicifuga racemosa(CR) without differentiation between extracts, quality, and indication altogether led to inconsistent data. Therefore, for the first time, we meet the requirements of the system's logic of evidence-based phytotherapy by taking into consideration extracts, pharmaceutical quality (reflected in a regulatory status as medicinal product), and indication. A literature search for clinical studies examining CR's efficacy and safety for menopausal complaints was conducted. The results were sorted by type of extract, regulatory status, and indication. Accordingly, Oxford Levels of Evidence (LOE) and Grades of Recommendation (GR) were determined. CR extracts demonstrated a good to very good safety in general, on estrogen-sensitive organs and the liver. However, only registered CR medicinal products were able to prove their efficacy. Best evidence was provided by the isopropanolic CR extract (iCR): the multitude of studies including more than 11,000 patients demonstrated consistent confirmatory evidence of LOE 1b (LOE 1a for safety) leading to GR A. The studies on the ethanolic extract BNO 1055 including more than 500 patients showed exploratory evidence of LOE 2b resulting in GR B. A positive benefit-risk profile is stated and limited toCimicifuga racemosaproducts holding a marketing authorisation for treating climacteric complaints.
Delayed Postoperative Epidural Hematoma Presenting Only with Vesicorectal Disturbance
Authors: Kamoda Hiroto , Ishikawa Tetsuhiro , Miyagi Masayuki , Eguchi Yawara , Orita Sumihisa , Suzuki Miyako , Sakuma Yoshihiro , Oikawa Yasuhiro , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Inoue Gen , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: September 2013

We present a rare case of delayed onset of epidural hematoma after lumbar surgery whose only presenting symptom was vesicorectal disturbance. A 68-year-old man with degenerative spinal stenosis underwent lumbar decompression and instrumented posterolateral spine fusion. The day after his discharge following an unremarkable postoperative course, he presented to the emergency room complaining of difficulty in urination. An MRI revealed an epidural fluid collection causing compression of the thecal sac. The fluid was evacuated, revealing a postoperative hematoma. After removal of the hematoma, his symptoms disappeared immediately, and his urinary function completely recovered. Most reports have characterized postoperative epidural hematoma as occurring early after operation and accompanied with neurological deficits. But it can happen even two weeks after spinal surgery with no pain. Surgeons thus may need to follow up patients for at least a few weeks because some complications, such as epidural hematomas, could take that long to manifest themselves.
Study on Semi-Parametric Statistical Model of Safety Monitoring of Cracks in Concrete Dams
Authors: Gu Chongshi , Qin Dong , Li Zhanchao , Zheng Xueqin
Published: September 2013

Cracks are one of the hidden dangers in concrete dams. The study on safety monitoring models of concrete dam cracks has always been difficult. Using the parametric statistical model of safety monitoring of cracks in concrete dams, with the help of the semi-parametric statistical theory, and considering the abnormal behaviors of these cracks, the semi-parametric statistical model of safety monitoring of concrete dam cracks is established to overcome the limitation of the parametric model in expressing the objective model. Previous projects show that the semi-parametric statistical model has a stronger fitting effect and has a better explanation for cracks in concrete dams than the parametric statistical model. However, when used for forecast, the forecast capability of the semi-parametric statistical model is equivalent to that of the parametric statistical model. The modeling of the semi-parametric statistical model is simple, has a reasonable principle, and has a strong practicality, with a good application prospect in the actual project.
Responses of Growth Performance and Proinflammatory Cytokines Expression to Fish Oil Supplementation in Lactation Sows’ and/or Weaned Piglets’ Diets
Authors: Luo Jie , Huang Feiruo , Xiao Chenglin , Fang Zhengfeng , Peng Jian , Jiang Siwen
Published: September 2013

The study was conducted to investigate whether dietary fish oil could influence growth of piglets via regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. A split-plot experimental design was used with sow diet effect in the main plots and differing piglet diet effect in the subplot. The results showed that suckling piglets from fish oil fed dams grew rapidly (P<0.05) than control. It was also observed that these piglets had higher ADG, feed intake, and final body weight (P<0.05) during postweaning than those piglets from lard fed dams. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease (P<0.01) in the expression of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-αinlongissimus dorsimuscle. In contrast, there was a tendency (P<0.10) towards lower ADG and higher feed : gain in weaned piglets receiving fish oil compared with those receiving lard. Meanwhile, splenic proinflammatory cytokines expression was increased (P<0.01) in piglets receiving fish oil during postweaning period. The results suggested that 7% fish oil addition to sows' diets alleviated inflammatory response via decreasing the proinflammatory cytokines expression in skeletal muscle and accelerated piglet growth. However, 7% fish oil addition to weaned piglets' diets might decrease piglet growth via increasing splenic proinflammatory cytokines expression.
Screening of Genes Specifically Expressed in Males ofFenneropenaeus chinensisand Their Potential as Sex Markers
Authors: Li Shihao , Li Fuhua , Xie Yusu , Wang Bing , Wen Rong , Zhang Chengsong , Yu Kuijie , Xiang Jianhai
Published: September 2013

The androgenic gland (AG), playing an important role in sex differentiation of male crustacean, is a target candidate to understand the mechanism of male development and to mine male-specific sex markers. An SSH library (designated as male reproduction-related tissues—SSH library, MRT-SSH library for short) was constructed using cDNA from tissues located at the basal part of the 5th pereiopods, including AG and part of spermatophore sac, as tester, and the cDNA from the basal part of the 4th pereiopods of these male shrimp as driver. 402 ESTs from the SSH library were sequenced and assembled into 48 contigs and 104 singlets. Twelve contigs and 14 singlets were identified as known genes. The proteins encoded by the identified genes were categorized, according to their proposed functions, into neuropeptide hormone and hormone transporter, RNA posttranscriptional regulation, translation, cell growth and death, metabolism, genetic information processing, signal transduction/transport, or immunity-related proteins. Eleven highly expressed contigs in the SSH library were selected for validation of the MRT-SSH library and screening sex markers of shrimp. One contig, specifically expressed in male shrimp, had a potential to be developed as a transcriptomic sex marker in shrimp.
Differences in Expression and Function in the Atrium versus Ventricle of the Sodium-Calcium Exchanger in the Embryonic Chicken Heart
Authors: Polo-Parada Luis , Modgi Amol A.
Published: September 2013

Heart function is well known to be dependent on intrinsic electrical activity. This electrical activity is primarily mediated by a combination of interactions among various ionic channels and transporters. In this study, we demonstrate that the Na+-Ca2+exchanger (NCX) is equally present in both atrial and ventricular cells at early stages of development (st. 13). However, ventricular cells exhibit an increase in NCX messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels during later stages of development, while levels in atrial cells remain constant. We demonstrate that the current density of the NCX increases with development in the ventricle but remains constant in the atrial cells. Furthermore we demonstrate that the NCX has a major role in shaping the cardiac action potential at early stages mainly in ventricular cells (st. 14) than later mainly in the atrial cells (st. 30).
Synthesis of a Novel Thiazolidinedione and Evaluation of Its Modulatory Effect on IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-22 Production in PBMCs from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: da Rocha Junior Laurindo Ferreira , de Melo Rêgo Moacyr Jesus Barreto , Cavalcanti Mariana Brayner , Pereira Michelly Cristiny , Pitta Marina Galdino da Rocha , de Oliveira Priscilla Stela Santana , Gonçalves Sayonara Maria Calado , Duarte Angela Luzia Branco Pinto , de Lima Maria do Carmo Alves , Pitta Ivan da Rocha , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha
Published: September 2013

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease frequently characterized by chronic synovitis of multiple joints. The pathogenesis of RA is complex and involves many proinflammatory cytokines as Th17 related ones. PPARγis a nuclear receptor activator that represses proinflammatory gene expression. Thus, this work aimed to synthetize a new thiazolidinedione (TZD) analogue based on a well-known anti-inflammatory and PPARγagonist activity of this ring and evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity. After chemical structure confirmation, the compound named 5-(5-bromo-2-methoxy-benzylidene)-3-(2-nitro-benzyl)-thiazolidine-2,4-dione TM17 was submitted to cytokine releasing inhibition and PPARγgenetic modulation assays. The new compound showed no toxicity on human and murine cells, decreasing IL-6 secretion by murine splenocytes and reducing IL-17A, IL-22, and IFN-γexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with RA. TM17 was more efficient in modulating the mRNA expression of PPARγthan its well-used TZD agonist rosiglitazone. Surprisingly, TM17 was efficient on IL-17A and IFN-γreduction, like the positive control methylprednisolone, and presented a better effect on IL-22 levels. In conclusion, PBMCs obtained from RA patients under TM17 treatment present a significant reduction in IL-17A, IL-22, and IFN-γlevels, but not IL-6 when compared with nontreated cells, as well as increase PPARγmRNA expression in absence of stimulus addressing it as a promising molecule in RA treatment.
Insight into Biological Apatite: Physiochemical Properties and Preparation Approaches
Authors: Liu Quan , Huang Shishu , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka , Chen Zhuofan , Pan Haobo
Published: September 2013

Biological apatite is an inorganic calcium phosphate salt in apatite form and nano size with a biological derivation. It is also the main inorganic component of biological hard tissues such as bones and teeth of vertebrates. Consequently, biological apatite has a wide application in dentistry and orthopedics by using as dental fillers and bone substitutes for bone reconstruction and regeneration. Given this, it is of great significance to obtain a comprehensive understanding of its physiochemical and biological properties. However, upon the previous studies, inconsistent and inadequate data of such basic properties as the morphology, crystal size, chemical compositions, and solubility of biological apatite were reported. This may be ascribed to the differences in the source of raw materials that biological apatite are made from, as well as the effect of the preparation approaches. Hence, this paper is to provide some insights rather than a thorough review of the physiochemical properties as well as the advantages and drawbacks of various preparation methods of biological apatite.
Applications of Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control for a Gyroscope System
Authors: Chen Shih-Chung , Kuo Chao-Lin , Lin Chia-Hung , Hsu Chih-Hung , Tsui Chien-Kuo
Published: September 2013

The study proposed the application of the fuzzy sliding mode for a gyroscope system status control. The state response analysis of the gyroscope system revealed highly nonlinear and chaotic subharmonic motions of2Tduring state formation. The current study discussed the use of tracking control on the sliding mode control and fuzzy sliding mode control of a gyroscope control system. Consequently, the gyroscope system drives from chaotic motion to periodic motion. The numerical simulation results confirm that the proposed controller provides good system stability and convergence without chattering phenomena.
Preventative and Therapeutic Probiotic Use in Allergic Skin Conditions: Experimental and Clinical Findings
Authors: Özdemir Öner , Göksu Erol Azize Yasemin
Published: September 2013

Probiotics are ingested live microbes that can modify intestinal microbial populations in a way that benefits the host. The interest in probiotic preventative/therapeutic potential in allergic diseases stemmed from the fact that probiotics have been shown to improve intestinal dysbiosis and permeability and to reduce inflammatory cytokines in human and murine experimental models. Enhanced presence of probiotic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota is found to correlate with protection against allergy. Therefore, many studies have been recently designed to examine the efficacy of probiotics, but the literature on the allergic skin disorders is still very scarce. Here, our objective is to summarize and evaluate the available knowledge from randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials of probiotic use in allergic skin conditions. Clinical improvement especially in IgE-sensitized eczema and experimental models such as atopic dermatitis-like lesions (trinitrochlorobenzene and picryl chloride sensitizations) and allergic contact dermatitis (dinitrofluorobenzene sensitization) has been reported. Although there is a very promising evidence to recommend the addition of probiotics into foods, probiotics do not have a proven role in the prevention or the therapy of allergic skin disorders. Thus, being aware of possible measures, such as probiotics use, to prevent/heal atopic diseases is essential for the practicing allergy specialist.
Presynaptic Glycine Receptors Increase GABAergic Neurotransmission in Rat Periaqueductal Gray Neurons
Authors: Choi Kwi-Hyung , Nakamura Michiko , Jang Il-Sung
Published: September 2013

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is involved in the central regulation of nociceptive transmission by affecting the descending inhibitory pathway. In the present study, we have addressed the functional role of presynaptic glycine receptors in spontaneous glutamatergic transmission. Spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) were recorded in mechanically dissociated rat PAG neurons using a conventional whole-cell patch recording technique under voltage-clamp conditions. The application of glycine (100 µM) significantly increased the frequency of sEPSCs, without affecting the amplitude of sEPSCs. The glycine-induced increase in sEPSC frequency was blocked by 1 µM strychnine, a specific glycine receptor antagonist. The results suggest that glycine acts on presynaptic glycine receptors to increase the probability of glutamate release from excitatory nerve terminals. The glycine-induced increase in sEPSC frequency completely disappeared either in the presence of tetrodotoxin or Cd2+, voltage-gated Na+, or Ca2+channel blockers, suggesting that the activation of presynaptic glycine receptors might depolarize excitatory nerve terminals. The present results suggest that presynaptic glycine receptors can regulate the excitability of PAG neurons by enhancing glutamatergic transmission and therefore play an important role in the regulation of various physiological functions mediated by the PAG.
Advances in Neuroprotective Ingredients of Medicinal Herbs by Using Cellular and Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: More Sandeep Vasant , Kumar Hemant , Kang Seong Mook , Song Soo-Yeol , Lee Kippeum , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: September 2013

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder, which is neuropathologically identified by age-dependent neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Development of symptomatic treatments has been partly successful for PD research, but there remain a number of inadequacies in therapeutic strategies for the disease. The pathogenesis of PD remains intricate, and the present anti-PD treatments appears to be clinically insufficient. Comprehensive research on discovery of novel drug candidates has demonstrated that natural products, such as medicinal herbs, plant extracts, and their secondary metabolites, have great potential as therapeutics with neuroprotective activity in PD. Recent preclinical studies suggest that a number of herbal medicines and their bioactive ingredients can be developed into optimum pharmaceuticals for treating PD. In many countries, traditional herbal medicines are used to prevent or treat neurodegenerative disorders, and some have been developed as nutraceuticals or functional foods. Here we focus on recent advances of the evidence-linked neuroprotective activity of bioactive ingredients of herbal origin in cellular and animal models of PD research.
Maximum Likelihood Estimator of AUC for a Bi-Exponentiated Weibull Model
Authors: Chang Fazhe , Qian Lianfen
Published: September 2013

For a Bi-Exponentiated Weibull model, the authors obtain a general AUC formula and derive the maximum likelihood estimator of AUC and its asymptotic property. A simulation study is carried out to illustrate the finite sample size performance.
Neuroimaging Features of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient with AIDS Successfully Treated for Neurocryptococcosis
Authors: da Silva Antônio O. F. , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: September 2013

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly reduced the incidence and progression of HIV-associated cryptococcosis. However, an early complication of HAART is the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), which may affect the CNS. The authors report a patient successfully treated for cryptococcosis and HIV who presented a late manifestation of IRIS. Neuroimaging aspects and management of CNS-IRIS in this patient are discussed in this paper.
Increasing Antenatal Care and HIV Testing among Rural Pregnant Women with Conditional Cash Transfers to Self-Help Groups: An Evaluation Study in Rural Mysore, India
Authors: Madhivanan Purnima , NiranjanKumar Bhavana , Shaheen Reshma , Jaykrishna Poornima , Ravi Kavitha , Gowda Savitha , Srinivas Vijaya , Arun Anjali , Krupp Karl
Published: September 2013

Background. We describe a one-year evaluation study comparing SCIL intervention of mobile provision of integrated ANC/ HIV testing with an enhanced (SCIL+) intervention of community mobilization strategy providing conditional cash transfers (CCT) to women’s SHG for identifying and accompanying pregnant women to mobile clinics. Methods. Twenty pairs of villages matched on population, socioeconomic status, access to medical facilities, and distance from Mysore city were divided between SCIL and SCIL+ interventions. The primary study outcome was the proportion of total pregnancies in these villages who received ANC and HIV testing. Results. Between April 2011 and March 2012, 552 pregnant women participated in SCIL or SCIL+ interventions. Among women who were pregnant at the time of intervention delivery, 181 of 418 (43.3%) women pregnant at the time of intervention delivery received ANC in the SCIL arm, while 371 of 512 (72.5%) received ANC in the SCIL+ arm (P<0.001); 175 (97%) in the SCIL and 366 (98.6%) in the SCIL+ arm consented to HIV testing (P<0.001). HIV prevalence of 0.6% was detected among SCIL clinic, and 0.9% among attending SCIL+ clinic attendees. Conclusion. Provision of CCT to women’s microeconomic SHG appears to significantly increase uptake of ANC/HIV testing services in rural Mysore villages.
Increased Serum ox-LDL Levels Correlated with Lung Function, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in COPD
Authors: Shen Yongchun , Yang Ting , Guo Shujin , Li Xiao'ou , Chen Lei , Wang Tao , Wen Fuqiang
Published: September 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with abnormal inflammation and high oxidative stress. Studies suggest that oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is involved in diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. However, no data on the possible relationship between COPD and ox-LDL are available. This study compared serum levels of ox-LDL in 48 COPD patients and 32 health controls and correlated them with lung function, systematic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Serum levels of ox-LDL, C-reactive protein (CRP), and oxidative stress (measured by reactive oxygen species, ROS) were analyzed using commercial kits. Mean levels of serum ox-LDL were significantly higher in COPD patients than in controls (18.62±7.56versus12.57±5.90 mU/L,P<0.05). Serum levels of CRP and ROS were also significantly higher in COPD patients. Serum levels of ox-LDL in COPD patients correlated inversely with FEV1% predicted, an index of lung function (r=−0.347,P=0.016), while they correlated positively with CRP and ROS levels. These results suggest that serum levels of ox-LDL are increased in COPD patients and that these levels are associated with lung function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in COPD. Future studies are needed to determine whether and how ox-LDL plays a role in COPD.
Integrin α3β1 Can Function to Promote Spontaneous Metastasis and Lung Colonization of Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Bo , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Herndon Mary E. , Sun Yihan , Gustafson-Wagner Elisabeth , Teoh-Fitzgerald Melissa , Domann Frederick E. , Henry Michael D. , Stipp Christopher S.
Published: September 2013

Significant evidence implicates α3β1 integrin in promoting breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis-associated cell behaviors in vitro and in vivo. However, the extent to which α3β1 is actually required for breast cancer metastasis remains to be determined. We used RNA interference to silence α3 integrin expression by approximately 70% in 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cells, a model of aggressive, metastatic breast cancer. Loss of α3 integrin reduced adhesion, spreading, and proliferation on laminin isoforms, and modestly reduced the growth of orthotopically implanted cells. However, spontaneous metastasis to lung was strikingly curtailed. Experimental lung colonization after tail vein injection revealed a similar loss of metastatic capacity for the α3-silenced (α3si) cells, suggesting that critical, α3-dependent events at the metastatic site could account for much of α3β1′s contribution to metastasis in this model. Reexpressing α3 in the α3si cells reversed the loss of metastatic capacity, and silencing another target, the small GTPase RhoC, had no effect, supporting the specificity of the effect of silencing α3. Parental, α3si, and α3-rescued cells, all secreted abundant laminin α5 (LAMA5), an α3β1 integrin ligand, suggesting that loss of α3 integrin might disrupt an autocrine loop that could function to sustain metastatic growth. Analysis of human breast cancer cases revealed reduced survival in cases where α3 integrin and LAMA5 are both overexpressed.

Implications: α3 integrin or downstream effectors may be potential therapeutic targets in disseminated breast cancers, especially when laminin α5 or other α3 integrin ligands are also over-expressed. Mol Cancer Res; 12(1); 143–54. ©2013 AACR.
KH902, a Recombinant Human VEGF Receptor Fusion Protein, Reduced the Level of Placental Growth Factor in Alkali Burn Induced-Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Zhou Ai-Yi , Bai Yu-Jing , Zhao Min , Yu Wen-Zhen , Li Xiao-Xin
Published: September 2013

Aims: To investigate the expression of placental growth factor (PIGF) in alkali burn-induced murine corneal neovascularization (NV); to evaluate the effects of KH902, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor decoy, on prevention and regression of new vessels growths in the cornea; and to determine the influence of KH902 on the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and PIGF in alkali burn-induced corneal NV. Methods: Mouse corneal NV was induced by alkali burn. The expression of PIGF was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To evaluate the effects of KH902, corneal NV was observed and photographed every 3 days for a total of 28 days after the alkali burn. The percentage of NV area was measured and compared with that of the control group. The VEGF and PIGF levels in the cornea were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: PIGF was expressed during the alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization. On day 3 (D3), day 6 (D6) and day 9 (D9) after chemical cauterization, the length of the longest new vessel and the neovascularization areas in the KH902-treated groups were significantly smaller than those of the PBS-treated group (p < 0.05). The areas of established corneal NV of the KH902-treated groups regressed with time, but the control groups showed no natural regression. The VEGF and PIGF levels of the cornea in the treated groups were significantly decreased compared to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PIGF may be involved in alkali burn-induced corneal NV. KH902 significantly inhibited new vessel growth and promoted the regression of established vessels in a mouse model of corneal NV, and it also reduced the levels of VEGF and PIGF in the cornea.