bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered Culture Models for Studies of Tumor-Microenvironment Interactions
Authors: Infanger David W. , Lynch Maureen E. , Fischbach Claudia
Published: May 2013

Heterogeneous microenvironmental conditions play critical roles in cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance and arise from changes in tissue dimensionality, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, soluble factor signaling, oxygen as well as metabolic gradients, and exogeneous biomechanical cues. Traditional cell culture approaches are restricted in their ability to mimic this complexity with physiological relevance, offering only partial explanation as to why novel therapeutic compounds are frequently efficacious in vitro but disappoint in preclinical and clinical studies. In an effort to overcome these limitations, physical sciences–based strategies have been employed to model specific aspects of the cancer microenvironment. Although these strategies offer promise to reveal the contributions of microenvironmental parameters on tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance, they, too, frequently suffer from limitations. This review highlights physicochemical and biological key features of the tumor microenvironment, critically discusses advantages and limitations of current engineering strategies, and provides a perspective on future opportunities for engineered tumor models.
Replacing Antibodies: Engineering New Binding Proteins
Authors: Banta Scott , Dooley Kevin , Shur Oren
Published: May 2013

Nature's reliance on proteins to carry out nearly all biological processes has led to the evolution of biomolecules that exhibit a seemingly endless range of functions. Much research has been devoted toward advancing this process in the laboratory in order to create new proteins with improved or unique capabilities. The protein-engineering field has rapidly evolved from pioneering studies in engineering protein stability and activity to an application-driven powerhouse on the forefront of emerging technologies in biomedical engineering and biotechnology. A classic protein-engineering technique in the medical field has focused on manipulating antibodies and antibody fragments for various applications. New classes of alternative scaffolds have recently challenged this paradigm, and these structures have been successfully engineered for applications including targeted cancer therapy, regulated drug delivery, in vivo imaging, and a host of others. This review aims to capture recent advances in the engineering of nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds as well as some of the applications for these molecular recognition elements in the biomedical field.
Empirical Research on Sovereign Debt and Default
Authors: Tomz Michael , Wright Mark L.J.
Published: May 2013

In this article, we review the empirical literature about sovereign debt and default. As we survey the work of economists, historians, and political scientists, we also emphasize parallel developments by theorists and recommend steps to improve the correspondence between theory and data.
Biological Measures of Economic History
Authors: Steckel Richard H.
Published: May 2013

This review discusses the methodology and some findings underlying four types of biological measures used by economic historians: mortality rates, stature, body mass index, and skeletal remains. Economic historians examine a variety of sources to learn when, why, and where modern industrial societies became rich and healthy. Monetary measures, such as income and wages, are highly desirable but usually unavailable to cover the time periods and countries over which modern societies evolved. Donning interdisciplinary lenses, these historians search archives, libraries, and archaeological sources for scraps of information, often assembled for other purposes, to construct a story of the evolution of humanity’s well-being. Biological measures have the advantage of comparability across time and culture; life expectancy, for example, means about the same today as in ancient Egypt, but the same cannot be said for the purchasing power of income, wages, or wealth.
Goals, Methods, and Progress in Neuroeconomics
Authors: Camerer Colin F.
Published: May 2013

Neuroeconomics shares the main goals of microeconomics: to understand what causes choices, and the welfare properties of choice. The novel goal is linking mathematical constructs and observable behavior to mechanistic details of neural circuitry. Several complementary methods are used. An initial insight from neuroscience is that distinct systems guide choice: Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning (learning) of state-value and response-value associations, overlearned habits, and model- (or goal-) directed value that requires deliberation. These systems can differ economically from rational choice—for example, habitual choices have low utility and price elasticities, whereas model-directed values are often constructed preferences. Neuroeconomics also provides evidence of situations in which utility maximization either works well (in simple binary choice) or benefits from the introduction of behavioral constructs. Neuroeconomics is well equipped to guide the theory of how choices depend on mental states, such as fear or cognitive load. Examples include extensive studies of risk and time preference, finance, and neural decoding of private information.
The Evolution of Drosophila melanogaster as a Model for Alcohol Research
Authors: Devineni Anita V. , Heberlein Ulrike
Published: May 2013

Animal models have been widely used to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the acute and long-term effects of alcohol exposure. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster encounters ethanol in its natural habitat and possesses many adaptations that allow it to survive and thrive in ethanol-rich environments. Several assays to study ethanol-related behaviors in flies, ranging from acute intoxication to self-administration and reward, have been developed in the past 20 years. These assays have provided the basis for studying the physiological and behavioral effects of ethanol and for identifying genes mediating these effects. In this review we describe the ecological relationship between flies and ethanol, the effects of ethanol on fly development and behavior, the use of flies as a model for alcohol addiction, and the interaction between ethanol and social behavior. We discuss these advances in the context of their utility to help decipher the mechanisms underlying the diverse effects of ethanol, including those that mediate ethanol dependence and addiction in humans.
Developmental Mechanisms of Topographic Map Formation and Alignment
Authors: Cang Jianhua , Feldheim David A.
Published: May 2013

Brain connections are organized into topographic maps that are precisely aligned both within and across modalities. This alignment facilitates coherent integration of different categories of sensory inputs and allows for proper sensorimotor transformations. Topographic maps are established and aligned by multistep processes during development, including interactions of molecular guidance cues expressed in gradients; spontaneous activity-dependent axonal and dendritic remodeling; and sensory-evoked plasticity driven by experience. By focusing on the superior colliculus, a major site of topographic map alignment for different sensory modalities, this review summarizes current understanding of topographic map development in the mammalian visual system and highlights recent advances in map alignment studies. A major goal looking forward is to reveal the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying map alignment and to understand the physiological and behavioral consequences when these mechanisms are disrupted at various scales.
Extrarenal Vitamin D Activation and Interactions Between Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin D Analogs
Authors: Jones Glenville
Published: May 2013

Our understanding of the mechanism of action of vitamin D has been broadened by the discovery of the extrarenal 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) in various vitamin D target tissues around the body and the implications of this for the putative paracrine actions of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This review updates our current knowledge of the cytochrome P450–mediated steps of vitamin D activation (CYP2R1, CYP27B1) and inactivation (CYP24A1, CYP3A4) and the newest physiological roles of vitamin D. The review goes on to examine how well exogenously supplied vitamin D compounds, whether dietary vitamin D2 supplements or prescribed vitamin D analogs, substitute for their natural counterparts; how in some cases vitamin D can be used in conjunction with vitamin D analogs; and the overall impact of these supplements and drugs on the components of the vitamin D signal transduction machinery.
Human Genetic Variation Influences Vitamin C Homeostasis by Altering Vitamin C Transport and Antioxidant Enzyme Function
Authors: Michels Alexander J. , Hagen Tory M. , Frei Balz
Published: May 2013

New evidence for the regulation of vitamin C homeostasis has emerged from several studies of human genetic variation. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding sodium-dependent vitamin C transport proteins are strongly associated with plasma ascorbate levels and likely impact tissue cellular vitamin C status. Furthermore, genetic variants of proteins that suppress oxidative stress or detoxify oxidatively damaged biomolecules, i.e., haptoglobin, glutathione-S-transferases, and possibly manganese superoxide dismutase, affect ascorbate levels in the human body. There also is limited evidence for a role of glucose transport proteins. In this review, we examine the extent of the variation in these genes, their impact on vitamin C status, and their potential role in altering chronic disease risk. We conclude that future epidemiological studies should take into account genetic variation in order to successfully determine the role of vitamin C nutriture or supplementation in human vitamin C status and chronic disease risk.
Vitamin E Trafficking in Neurologic Health and Disease
Authors: Ulatowski Lynn , Manor Danny
Published: May 2013

Vitamin E was identified almost a century ago as a botanical compound necessary for rodent reproduction. Decades of research since then established that of all members of the vitamin E family, α-tocopherol is selectively enriched in human tissues, and it is essential for human health. The major function of α-tocopherol is thought to be that of a lipid-soluble antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage to biological components. As such, α-tocopherol is necessary for numerous physiological processes such as permeability of lipid bilayers, cell adhesion, and gene expression. Inadequate levels of α-tocopherol interfere with cellular function and precipitate diseases, notably ones that affect the central nervous system. The extreme hydrophobicity of α-tocopherol poses a serious thermodynamic barrier for proper distribution of the vitamin to target tissues and cells. Although transport of the vitamin shares some steps with that of other lipids, selected tissues evolved dedicated transport mechanisms involving the α-tocopherol transfer protein (αTTP). The critical roles of this protein and its ligand are underscored by the debilitating pathologies that characterize human carriers of mutations in the TTPA gene.
Quantifying Diet for Nutrigenomic Studies
Authors: Tucker Katherine L. , Smith Caren E. , Lai Chao-Qiang , Ordovas Jose M.
Published: May 2013

The field of nutrigenomics shows tremendous promise for improved understanding of the effects of dietary intake on health. The knowledge that metabolic pathways may be altered in individuals with genetic variants in the presence of certain dietary exposures offers great potential for personalized nutrition advice. However, although considerable resources have gone into improving technology for measurement of the genome and biological systems, dietary intake assessment remains inadequate. Each of the methods currently used has limitations that may be exaggerated in the context of gene × nutrient interaction in large multiethnic studies. Because of the specificity of most gene × nutrient interactions, valid data are needed for nutrient intakes at the individual level. Most statistical adjustment efforts are designed to improve estimates of nutrient intake distributions in populations and are unlikely to solve this problem. An improved method of direct measurement of individual usual dietary intake that is unbiased across populations is urgently needed.
Policy Instruments for Water Quality Protection
Authors: Shortle James , Horan Richard D.
Published: May 2013

We examine policy instruments for ambient water quality protection. One objective is to illustrate the unique and complex informational challenges that must be addressed in constructing instruments that are effective and efficient for point and nonpoint sources. A second objective is to describe developments in real-world policies. Crucial to solving contemporary water quality challenges and improving the efficiency of water quality protection are reducing nonpoint pollution and efficiently integrating point management and nonpoint management. Accordingly, particular attention is given to instruments for nonpoint sources and to instruments that integrate point and nonpoint management. Our review of the literature in this area indicates that practical approaches will necessarily be second best but that careful instrument design and coordinated control across all sources can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of water pollution control.
Valuing Reductions in Environmental Risks to Children’s Health
Authors: Gerking Shelby , Dickie Mark
Published: May 2013

This article reviews the economics literature dealing with valuation of reduced environmental risks to children’s health. We describe conceptual models together with results from a number of empirical studies. The conceptual models analyze valuation issues from the perspective of parents; treat health risk as endogenously determined; and demonstrate that in equilibrium, marginal willingness to pay to reduce risk for the child relative to marginal willingness to pay to reduce risk for the parent should equal the ratio of marginal risk reduction costs. Empirical studies treat both mortality and morbidity associated with exposure to environmental health risks. These studies generally find that parents are willing to pay more for absolute risk reductions for their children than they are willing to pay for corresponding risk reductions for themselves. Possible reasons for this outcome along with suggestions for further research are discussed.
White-Collar Crime: A Review of Recent Developments and Promising Directions for Future Research
Authors: Simpson Sally S.
Published: May 2013

White-collar crime is one of the least understood and arguably most consequential of all crime types. This review highlights and assesses recent (primarily during the past decade) contributions to white-collar crime theory (with special emphasis on critical, choice, and organizational theories of offending), new evidence regarding the sentencing and punishment of white-collar offenders, and controversies surrounding crime prevention and control policies. Several promising new directions for white-collar crime research are identified, as are methodological and data deficiencies that limit progress.
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 regulates TNF and TNFR1 levels in inflammation and liver regeneration in mice
Authors: McMahan Ryan S. , Riehle Kimberly J. , Fausto Nelson , Campbell Jean S.
Published: May 2013

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-converting enzyme, is a key metalloproteinase and physiological convertase for a number of putative targets that play critical roles in cytokine and growth factor signaling. These interdependent pathways are essential components of the signaling network that links liver function with the compensatory growth that occurs during liver regeneration following 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) or chemically induced hepatotoxicity. Despite identification of many soluble factors needed for efficient liver regeneration, very little is known about how such ligands are regulated in the liver. To directly study the role of ADAM17 in the liver, we employed two cell-specific ADAM17 knockout (KO) mouse models. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a robust stimulus for TNF release, we found attenuated levels of circulating TNF in myeloid-specific ADAM17 KO mice (ADAM17 m-KO) and, unexpectedly, in mice with hepatocyte-specific ADAM17 deletion (ADAM17 h-KO), indicating that ADAM17 expression in both cell types plays a role in TNF shedding. After 2/3 PH, induction of TNF, TNFR1, and amphiregulin (AR) was significantly attenuated in ADAM17 h-KO mice, implicating ADAM17 as the primary sheddase for these factors in the liver. Surprisingly, the extent and timing of hepatocyte proliferation were not affected after PH or carbon tetrachloride injection in ADAM17 h-KO or ADAM17 m-KO mice. We conclude that ADAM17 regulates TNF, TNFR1, and AR in the liver, and its expression in both hepatocytes and myeloid cells is important for TNF regulation after LPS injury or 2/3 PH, but is not required for liver regeneration.
Enteric nervous system development: migration, differentiation, and disease
Authors: Lake Jonathan I. , Heuckeroth Robert O.
Published: May 2013

The enteric nervous system (ENS) provides the intrinsic innervation of the bowel and is the most neurochemically diverse branch of the peripheral nervous system, consisting of two layers of ganglia and fibers encircling the gastrointestinal tract. The ENS is vital for life and is capable of autonomous regulation of motility and secretion. Developmental studies in model organisms and genetic studies of the most common congenital disease of the ENS, Hirschsprung disease, have provided a detailed understanding of ENS development. The ENS originates in the neural crest, mostly from the vagal levels of the neuraxis, which invades, proliferates, and migrates within the intestinal wall until the entire bowel is colonized with enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs). After initial migration, the ENS develops further by responding to guidance factors and morphogens that pattern the bowel concentrically, differentiating into glia and neuronal subtypes and wiring together to form a functional nervous system. Molecules controlling this process, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor RET, endothelin (ET)-3 and its receptor endothelin receptor type B, and transcription factors such as SOX10 and PHOX2B, are required for ENS development in humans. Important areas of active investigation include mechanisms that guide ENCDC migration, the role and signals downstream of endothelin receptor type B, and control of differentiation, neurochemical coding, and axonal targeting. Recent work also focuses on disease treatment by exploring the natural role of ENS stem cells and investigating potential therapeutic uses. Disease prevention may also be possible by modifying the fetal microenvironment to reduce the penetrance of Hirschsprung disease-causing mutations.
Effect of healthy aging on renal vascular responses to local cooling and apnea
Authors: Patel Hardikkumar M. , Mast Jessica L. , Sinoway Lawrence I. , Muller Matthew D.
Published: May 2013

Sympathetically mediated renal vasoconstriction may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in older adults, but empirical data in support of this concept are lacking. In 10 young (26 ± 1 yr) and 11 older (67 ± 2 yr) subjects, we quantified acute hemodynamic responses to three sympathoexcitatory stimuli: local cooling of the forehead, cold pressor test (CPT), and voluntary apnea. We hypothesized that all stimuli would increase mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and renal vascular resistance index (RVRI) and that aging would augment these effects. Beat-by-beat MAP, heart rate (HR), and renal blood flow velocity (from Doppler) were measured in the supine posture, and changes from baseline were compared between groups. In response to 1°C forehead cooling, aging was associated with an augmented MAP (20 ± 3 vs. 6 ± 2 mmHg) and RVRI (35 ± 6 vs. 16 ± 9%) but not HR. In older adults, there was a positive correlation between the cold-induced pressor response and forehead pain (R = 0.726), but this effect was not observed in young subjects. The CPT raised RVRI in both young (56 ± 13%) and older (45 ± 8%) subjects, but this was not different between groups. Relative to baseline, end-expiratory apnea increased RVRI to a similar extent in both young (46 ± 14%) and older (41 ± 9%) subjects. During sympathetic activation, renal vasoconstriction occurred in both groups. Forehead cooling caused an augmented pressor response in older adults that was related to pain perception.
MMP inhibition as a potential method to augment the healing of skeletal muscle and tendon extracellular matrix
Authors: Davis Max E. , Gumucio Jonathan P. , Sugg Kristoffer B. , Bedi Asheesh , Mendias Christopher L.
Published: May 2013

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of skeletal muscle and tendon is composed of different types of collagen molecules that play important roles in the transmission of forces throughout the body, and in the repair and regeneration of injured tissues. Fibroblasts are the primary cells in muscle and tendon that maintain, repair, and modify the ECM in response to mechanical loading, injury, and inactivity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that digest collagen and other structural molecules, which are synthesized and excreted by fibroblasts. MMPs are required for baseline ECM homeostasis, but disruption of MMP regulation due to injury or disease can alter the normal ECM architecture and prevent proper force transmission. Chronic injuries and diseases of muscles and tendons can be severely debilitating, and current therapeutic modalities to enhance healing are quite limited. This review will discuss the mechanobiology of MMPs, and the potential use of MMP inhibitors to improve the treatment of injured and diseased skeletal muscle and tendon tissue.
Role of neuronal nitric oxide in the inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle of healthy rats
Authors: Jendzjowsky Nicholas G. , DeLorey Darren S.
Published: May 2013

Isoform-specific nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) contributions to NO-mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle are incompletely understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of neuronal NOS (nNOS) in the inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle of healthy rats. We hypothesized that acute pharmacological inhibition of nNOS would augment sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle, demonstrating that nNOS is primarily responsible for NO-mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction. Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 13) were anesthetized and instrumented with an indwelling brachial artery catheter, femoral artery flow probe, and lumbar sympathetic chain stimulating electrodes. Triceps surae muscles were stimulated to contract rhythmically at 60% of maximal contractile force. In series 1 ( n = 9), the percent change in femoral vascular conductance (%FVC) in response to sympathetic stimulations delivered at 2 and 5 Hz was determined at rest and during muscle contraction before and after selective nNOS blockade with S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC, 0.6 mg/kg iv) and subsequent nonselective NOS blockade with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 5 mg/kg iv). In series 2 ( n = 4), l-NAME was injected first, and then SMTC was injected to determine if the effect of l-NAME on constrictor responses was influenced by selective nNOS inhibition. Sympathetic stimulation decreased FVC at rest (−25 ± 7 and −44 ± 8%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively) and during contraction (−7 ± 3 and −19 ± 5%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively). The decrease in FVC in response to sympathetic stimulation was greater in the presence of SMTC at rest (−32 ± 6 and −49 ± 8%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively) and during contraction (−21 ± 4 and −28 ± 4%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively). l-NAME further increased ( P < 0.05) the sympathetic vasoconstrictor response at rest (−47 ± 4 and −60 ± 6%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively) and during muscle contraction (−33 ± 3 and −40 ± 6%FVC at 2 and 5 Hz, respectively). The effect of l-NAME was not altered by the order of nNOS inhibition. These data demonstrate that NO derived from nNOS and endothelial NOS contribute to the inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle.
Consequences of age-related splanchnic sequestration of leucine on interorgan glutamine metabolism in old rats
Authors: Jourdan Marion , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Cynober Luc , Aussel Christian
Published: May 2013

Dietary leucine (Leu) serves as a nitrogen donor for de novo glutamine (Gln) synthesis in muscle. However, aging is characterized by an increase in the splanchnic extraction of Leu (SPELeu), i.e., splanchnic sequestration (SSLeu), which may affect muscle Gln metabolism and its subsequent homeostasis at the whole-body level. The aim of the work was to assess the effect of age-related SSLeu on Gln metabolism in the muscle, gut, liver, kidney, and Gln exchanges among these organs during fed conditions. Young-adult (3-mo-old) or aged (24-mo-old), male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied during fed condition [infusion of amino acids (AA) into the duodenum from time 0 min (T0) to T60] under anesthesia. L-[5-15N]Gln and L[1-13C]Leu were infused into the jugular vein and L-[5,5,5-2H3]Leu into the duodenum. At T60, blood samples were taken from carotid artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, renal vein, and inferior vena cava for tracer-tracee ratio and AA level measurements. SSLeu was observed in old rats and was negatively correlated with muscle Gln production ( r = −0.501, P < 0.01). In addition, reduced Gln muscle release in old rats was accompanied by reduced Gln uptake by the gut and kidney. However, net Gln balance across organs was not different between young adult and old rats. During fed conditions in old rats, muscle Gln production and release are reduced in relation to the observed, increased SPELeu and reduced renal and intestinal Gln uptake to maintain whole-body Gln homeostasis. Our results demonstrate the existence of an age-related change of interorgan Gln metabolism, which may be, in part, driven by SSLeu.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorβ/δand B-Cell Lymphoma-6 in Regulation of Genes Involved in Metastasis and Migration in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Coleman Jeffrey D. , Thompson Jerry T. , Smith Russell W. , Prokopczyk Bogdan , Vanden Heuvel John P.
Published: May 2013

PPARβ/δis a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various cellular functions via induction of target genes directly or in concert with its associated transcriptional repressor,BCL-6. Matrix remodeling proteinases are frequently over-expressed in pancreatic cancer and are involved with metastasis. The present study tested the hypothesis thatPPARβ/δis expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and that its activation could regulateMMP-9, decreasing cancer cells ability to transverse the basement membrane. In human pancreatic cancer tissue there was significantly higher expression ofMMP-9andPPARβ/δ, and lower levels ofBCL-6mRNA.PPARβ/δactivation reduced the TNFα-induced expression of various genes implicated in metastasis and reduced the invasion through a basement membrane in cell culture models. Through the use of short hairpin RNA inhibitors ofPPARβ/δ,BCL-6, andMMP-9, it was evident thatPPARβ/δwas responsible for the ligand-dependent effects whereasBCL-6dissociation upon GW501516 treatment was ultimately responsible for decreasingMMP-9expression and hence invasion activity. These results suggest thatPPARβ/δplays a role in regulating pancreatic cancer cell invasion through regulation of genes via ligand-dependent release ofBCL-6and that activation of the receptor may provide an alternative therapeutic method for controlling migration and metastasis.
Ψ-Stability of Nonlinear Volterra Integro-Differential Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Li Lianzhong , Han Maoan , Xin Xue  , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2013

We give some sufficient conditions forΨ-uniform stability of the trivial solutions of a nonlinear differential system and of nonlinear Volterra integro-differential systems with time delay.
Ectopic Thoracic Kidney and End-Stage Renal Disease in a 38-Year-Old Nigerian
Authors: Ekrikpo U. E. , Effa E. E. , Akpan E. E.
Published: May 2013

This patient is a 38-year-old housewife who presented with a one-month history of difficulty, in breathing, chest pain and bilateral leg swelling and had a blood pressure of 260/150 mmHg, features of malignant hypertension and hypertensive heart disease. Chest CT scan revealed a chest location of the left kidney. She also had elevated serum urea and creatinine and proteinuria (++). The right kidney was normally located with loss of corticomedullary differentiation. She is on maintenance haemodialysis and is being worked up for possible left nephrectomy.
The Gauge Integral Theory in HOL4
Authors: Shi Zhiping , Gu Weiqing , Li Xiaojuan , Guan Yong , Ye Shiwei , Zhang Jie , Wei Hongxing
Published: May 2013

The integral is one of the most important foundations for modeling dynamical systems. The gauge integral is a generalization of the Riemann integral and the Lebesgue integral and applies to a much wider class of functions. In this paper, we formalize the operational properties which contain the linearity, monotonicity, integration by parts, the Cauchy-type integrability criterion, and other important theorems of the gauge integral in higher-order logic 4 (HOL4) and then use them to verify an inverting integrator. The formalized theorem library has been accepted by the HOL4 authority and will appear in HOL4 Kananaskis-9.
Evaluation of the Hypoglycemic Properties ofAnacardium humileAqueous Extract
Authors: Urzêda Márcio A. , Marcussi Silvana , Silva Pereira Luciana L. , França Suzelei C. , Pereira Ana Maria S. , Pereira Paulo S. , da Silva Saulo L. , Guimarães César L. S. , Calderon Leonardo A. , Stábeli Rodrigo G. , Soares Andreimar M. , Couto Lucélio B.
Published: May 2013

The antihyperglycemic effects of several plant extracts and herbal formulations which are used as antidiabetic formulations have been described and confirmed to date. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the aqueous extract ofAnacardium humile. Although the treatment of diabetic animals withA. humiledid not alter body weight significantly, a reduction of the other evaluated parameters was observed. Animals treated withA. humiledid not show variation of insulin levels, possibly triggered by a mechanism of blood glucose reduction. Levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) decreased in treated animals, suggesting a protective effect on liver. Levels of cholesterol were also reduced, indicating the efficacy of the extract in reestablishing the balance of nutrients. Moreover, a kidney protection may have been achieved due to the partial reestablishment of blood glucose homeostasis, while no nephrotoxicity could be detected forA. humile. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness ofA. humileextracts in the treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Therefore,A. humileaqueous extract, popularly known and used by diabetic patients, induced an improvement in the biochemical parameters evaluated during and following treatment of diabetic rats. Thus, a better characterization of the medicinal potential of this plant will be able to provide a better understanding of its mechanisms of action in these pathological processes.
On the Study of Second-Order Wave Theory and Its Convergence for a Two-Fluid System
Authors: Liu Chi-Min , Hwung Hwung-Hweng , Yang Ray-Yeng
Published: May 2013

Second-order solutions of internal and surface waves in a two-fluid system are theoretically analyzed in this study. Using the perturbation technique, the derivation of second-order solutions for internal waves is revisited, and the results are expressed in one-by-one forms instead of a matrix form. Second-order solutions arising from the interactions of two arbitrary linear waves of different frequencies contain the sum-frequency (superharmonic) and the difference-frequency (subharmonic) components, which are separately examined. Internal Stokes wave being a special case of present solutions is firstly investigated. Next, the convergence of second-order theory and the second-order effects on wave profiles are analyzed. For general cases, the effects of the thickness ratio of two fluids and the ratio of wavenumbers of two first-order waves on second-order wave characteristics, which include transfer functions and particle velocities, are also examined. Moreover, most existing theories for the one-fluid and two-fluid systems can be deduced from present solutions.
Neonatal Immune Adaptation of the Gut and Its Role during Infections
Authors: Tourneur Emilie , Chassin Cecilia
Published: May 2013

The intestinal tract is engaged in a relationship with a dense and complex microbial ecosystem, the microbiota. The establishment of this symbiosis is essential for host physiology, metabolism, and immune homeostasis. Because newborns are essentially sterile, the first exposure to microorganisms and environmental endotoxins during the neonatal period is followed by a crucial sequence of active events leading to immune tolerance and homeostasis. Contact with potent immunostimulatory molecules starts immediately at birth, and the discrimination between commensal bacteria and invading pathogens is essential to avoid an inappropriate immune stimulation and/or host infection. The dysregulation of these tight interactions between host and microbiota can be responsible for important health disorders, including inflammation and sepsis. This review summarizes the molecular events leading to the establishment of postnatal immune tolerance and how pathogens can avoid host immunity and induce neonatal infections and sepsis.
Preparation of Organic Zn-Phthalocyanine-Based Semiconducting Materials and Their Optical and Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Hajri Amira , Touaiti Sarra , Jamoussi Bassem
Published: May 2013

In order to increase the species of organic semiconductors, new Zn-phthalocyanines-based organic materials were synthesized and characterized. The new compounds have been characterized by 1H and 13C using NMR, FTIR, and UV-Vis. The absorption, fluorescence, and electrochemical properties were also studied. Green photoluminescence was observed in dilute solutions. In solid thin films, π-π* interactions influenced the optical properties, and redshifted photoluminescence spectra were obtained; red emissions for ZnPAL (647 nm) and ZnPTr (655 nm) were found. By cyclic voltammetry, the electrochemical band gap was estimated to be 1.94 and 1.17 eV for ZnPAl and ZnPTr, respectively. Single-layer diode devices of an indium tin oxide/Zn-phthalocyanine/aluminum configuration were fabricated and showed relatively low turn-on voltages (3.3 V for ZnPAl and 3 V for ZnPTr).
Immunohistochemical and Molecular Characterization of the Human Periosteum
Authors: Frey Sönke Percy , Jansen Hendrik , Doht Stefanie , Filgueira Luis , Zellweger Rene
Published: May 2013

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cell of the human periosteum using immunohistological and molecular methods. Methods. Phenotypic properties and the distribution of the cells within the different layers were investigated with immunohistochemical staining techniques and RT‐PCR, focussing on markers for stromal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and immune cells. Results. Immunohistochemical results revealed that all stained cells were located in the cambium layer and that most cells were positive for vimentin. The majority of cells consisted of stromal stem cells and osteoblastic precursor cells. The density increased towards the deeper layers of the cambium. In addition, cells positive for markers of the osteoblast, chondrocyte, and osteoclast lineages were found. Interestingly, there were MHC class II‐expressing immune cells suggesting the presence of dendritic cells. Using lineage‐specific primer pairs RT‐PCR confirmed the immunofluorescence microscopy results, supporting that human periosteum serves as a reservoir of stromal stem cells, as well as cells of the osteoblastic, and the chondroblastic lineage, osteoclasts, and dendritic cells. Conclusion. Our work elucidates the role of periosteum as a source of cells with a high regenerative capacity. Undifferentiated stromal stem cells as well as osteoblastic precursor cells are dominating in the cambium layer. A new outlook is given towards an immune response coming from the periosteum as MHC II positive immune cells were detected.
Reduction of Contaminants (Physical, Chemical, and Microbial) in Domestic Wastewater through Hybrid Constructed Wetland
Authors: Sehar Shama , Aamir Rabia , Naz Iffat , Ali Naeem , Ahmed Safia
Published: May 2013

The current research was focused mainly on the designing and construction of efficient laboratory scale hybrid constructed wetland (HCW) for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Parameters like COD, BOD5, PO4, SO4, NO3, NO2, and pathogenic indicator microbes were monitored after hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days. Treatment efficiency of HCW kept on increasing with the increase in hydraulic retention time. Maximum efficiency of HCW was observed with a 20-day HRT, that is, 97.55, 97.5, 89.35, 80.75, 96.04, 91.52, and 98.6% reduction from the zero time value for COD, BOD5, PO4, SO4, NO3, NO2, and fecal coliforms, respectively. After 20 days' time, the treated water was free of almost all nutrients and microbial pollutants. Hence, increasing hydraulic retention time was found to ameliorate the operational competence of HCW. Thus HCW can serve as a promising technology for wastewater treatment and can be scaled up for small communities in the developing countries.
Assessing the Metabolic Effects of Aromatherapy in Human Volunteers
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Wu Yani , Chen Tianlu , Yao Lei , Liu Jiajian , Pan Xiaolan , Hu Yixue , Zhao Aihua , Xie Guoxiang , Jia Wei
Published: May 2013

Aromatherapy, a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses essential oils through inhalation, is believed to enhance physical and spiritual conditions. Although clinical studies suggest that the use of essential oils may have therapeutic potential, evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions remains poor, with a particular lack of studies employing rigorous analytical methods that capture its identifiable impact on human biology. Here, we report a comprehensive metabolomics study that reveals metabolic changes in people after exposed to aroma inhalation for 10 continuous days. In this study, the metabolic alterations in urine of 31 females with mild anxiety symptoms exposed to aerial diffusion of aromas were measured by GC-TOF-MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analyses. A significant alteration of metabolic profile in subjects responsive to essential oil was found, which is characterized by the increased levels of arginine, homocysteine, and betaine, as well as decreased levels of alcohols, carbohydrates, and organic acids in urine. Notably, the metabolites from tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and gut microbial metabolism were significantly altered. This study demonstrates that the metabolomics approach can capture the subtle metabolic changes resulting from exposure to essential oils, which may lead to an improved mechanistic understanding of aromatherapy.
Dyeing Studies with Eucalyptus, Quercetin, Rutin, and Tannin: A Research on Effect of Ferrous Sulfate Mordant
Authors: Mongkholrattanasit Rattanaphol , Klaichoi Charoon , Rungruangkitkrai Nattadon , Punrattanasin Nattaya , Sriharuksa Kamolkan , Nakpathom Monthon
Published: May 2013

Natural dyes from Eucalyptus leaf extract, quercetin, rutin, and tannin were applied to silk fabric by pad-batch and pad-dry techniques under different conditions. Ferrous sulfate was used as a mordant. The dyeing properties were evaluated by measuring K/S and CIELAB values. In addition, the different fastness properties were evaluated. The effect of dyes at different concentration levels with respect to their colour strength was also studied.
Chinese Medicine Formula Lingguizhugan Decoction Improves Beta-Oxidation and Metabolism of Fatty Acid in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Rat Model of Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Li-Li , Zou Lu , Li Dong-Fei , Wen Hong-Zhu , Zheng Pei-Yong , Xing Lian-Jun , Song Hai-Yan , Tang Xu-Dong , Ji Guang
Published: May 2013

Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used to treat obesity and hyperlipidemia in recent years, but the related mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid metabolism by LGZG are not clear yet. Here, we reported the effectiveness and possible mechanisms of LGZG on rats with fatty liver disease induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrated that LGZG significantly attenuated HFD-induced fatty liver disease, as measured by body weight, liver index, epididymal fat pad-body weight ratio (EFP/BW), liver injury, and hepatic triglycerides (TG) probably through increasing serum thyroid hormone levels, improving beta-oxidation (via modulation of TRβ1 and CPT1A expression), metabolism and transport (through modulation of SREBP-1c, ACSL and ApoB100 expression) of fatty acid. In addition, we discovered the herbal combination with the properties of warming yang to relieve water retention in the formula and proposed the biological basis of LGZG conventional effect via further study on disassembled formula. This study, for the first time, revealed the mechanisms through which LGZG regulates lipid metabolism. Furthermore, our study suggested that it might be feasible to understand the scientific implications of TCM from the perspective of classic formulas’ conventional efficacy.
Functional Recovery after Scutellarin Treatment in Transient Cerebral Ischemic Rats: A Pilot Study with18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose MicroPET
Authors: Li Jin-hui , Lu Jing , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2013

Objective. To investigate neuroprotective effects of scutellarin (Scu) in a rat model of cerebral ischemia with use of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) micro positron emission tomography (microPET).Method. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to establish cerebral ischemia. Rats were divided into 5 groups: sham operation, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion untreated (CIRU) group, Scu-25 group (Scu 25 mg/kg/d), Scu-50 group (Scu 50 mg/kg/d), and nimodipine (10 mg/Kg/d). The treatment groups were given for 2 weeks. The therapeutic effects in terms of cerebral infarct volume, neurological deficit scores, and cerebral glucose metabolism were evaluated. Levels of vascular density factor (vWF), glial marker (GFAP), and mature neuronal marker (NeuN) were assessed by immunohistochemistry.Results. The neurological deficit scores were significantly decreased in the Scu-50 group compared to the CIRU group (P<0.001).18F-FDG accumulation in the ipsilateral cerebral infarction increased steadily over time in Scu-50 group compared with CIRU group (P<0.01) and Scu-25 group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated Scu-50 enhanced neuronal maturation.Conclusion.18F-FDG microPET imaging demonstrated metabolic recovery after Scu-50 treatment in the rat model of cerebral ischemia. The neuroprotective effects of Scu on cerebral ischemic injury might be associated with increased regional glucose activity and neuronal maturation.
Oleanolic Acid Diminishes Liquid Fructose-Induced Fatty Liver in Rats: Role of Modulation of Hepatic Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c-Mediated Expression of Genes Responsible for De Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis
Authors: Liu Changjin , Li Ying , Zuo Guowei , Xu Wenchun , Gao Huanqing , Yang Yifan , Yamahara Johji , Wang Jianwei , Li Yuhao
Published: May 2013

Oleanolic acid (OA), contained in more than 1620 plants and as an aglycone precursor for naturally occurred and synthesized triterpenoid saponins, is used in China for liver disorders in humans. However, the underlying liver-protecting mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that treatment of rats with OA (25 mg/kg/day, gavage, once daily) over 10 weeks diminished liquid fructose-induced excess hepatic triglyceride accumulation without effect on total energy intake. Attenuation of the increased vacuolization and Oil Red O staining area was evident on histological examination of liver in OA-treated rats. Hepatic gene expression profile demonstrated that OA suppressed fructose-stimulated overexpression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-(SREBP-) 1/1c mRNA and nuclear protein. In accord, overexpression of SREBP-1c-responsive genes responsible for fatty acid synthesis was also downregulated. In contrast, overexpressed nuclear protein of carbohydrate response element-binding protein and its target genes liver pyruvate kinase and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein were not altered. Additionally, OA did not affect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma- and -alpha and their target genes. It is concluded that modulation of hepatic SREBP-1c-mediated expression of the genes responsible for de novo fatty acid synthesis plays a pivotal role in OA-elicited diminishment of fructose-induced fatty liver in rats.
Energy Efficiency Maximization through Cooperative Transmit and Receive Antenna Selection for Multicell MU-MIMO System
Authors: Dong Yanjie , Zhang Yinghai , Wang Weidong , Cui Gaofeng , Yu Yang
Published: May 2013

The capacity of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system is highly related to the number of active antennas. But as the active antenna number increases, the MIMO system will consume more energy. To maximize the energy efficiency of MIMO system, we propose an antenna selection scheme which can maximize the energy efficiency of BS cluster. In the scheme, ergodic energy efficiency is derived according to large scale channel state information (CSI). Based on this ergodic energy efficiency, we introduce a cost function varied with the number of antennas, in which the effect to the energy efficiency of both the serving BS and the neighbor BS is considered. With this function, we can transform the whole system optimization problem to a sectional optimization problem and obtain a suboptimal antenna set using a heuristic algorithm. Simulation results verify that the proposed approach performs better than the comparison schemes in terms of network energy efficiency and achieves 98% network energy efficiency of the centralized antenna selection scheme. Besides, since the proposed scheme does not need the complete CSI of the neighbor BS, it can effectively reduce the signaling overhead.
Vibration Control of Buildings Using Magnetorheological Damper: A New Control Algorithm
Authors: Aly Aly Mousaad
Published: May 2013

This paper presents vibration control of a building model under earthquake loads. A magnetorheological (MR) damper is placed in the building between the first floor and ground for seismic response reduction. A new control algorithm to command the MR damper is proposed. The approach is inspired by a quasi-bang-bang controller; however, the proposed technique gives weights to control commands in a fashion that is similar to a fuzzy logic controller. Several control algorithms including decentralized bang-bang controller, Lyapunov controller, modulated homogeneous friction controller, maximum energy dissipation controller, and clipped-optimal controller are used for comparison. The new controller achieved the best reduction in maximum interstory drifts and maximum absolute accelerations over all the control algorithms presented. This reveals that the proposed controller with the MR damper is promising and may provide the best protection to the building and its contents.