bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness meditation lowers muscle sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in African-American males with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Park Jeanie , Lyles Robert H. , Bauer-Wu Susan
Published: May 2014

Mindfulness meditation (MM) is a stress-reduction technique that may have real biological effects on hemodynamics but has never previously been tested in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the potential blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects of MM are unknown. We sought to determine whether MM acutely lowers BP in CKD patients, and whether these hemodynamic changes are mediated by a reduction in sympathetic nerve activity. In 15 hypertensive African-American (AA) males with CKD, we conducted a randomized, crossover study in which participants underwent 14 min of MM or 14 min of BP education (control intervention) during two separate random-order study visits. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), beat-to-beat arterial BP, heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) were continuously measured at baseline and during each intervention. A subset had a third study visit to undergo controlled breathing (CB) to determine whether a reduction in RR alone was sufficient in exacting hemodynamic changes. We observed a significantly greater reduction in systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and HR, as well as a significantly greater reduction in MSNA, during MM compared with the control intervention. Participants had a significantly lower RR during MM; however, in contrast to MM, CB alone did not reduce BP, HR, or MSNA. MM acutely lowers BP and HR in AA males with hypertensive CKD, and these hemodynamic effects may be mediated by a reduction in sympathetic nerve activity. RR is significantly lower during MM, but CB alone without concomitant meditation does not acutely alter hemodynamics or sympathetic activity in CKD.
Accelerated receptor shedding inhibits kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1)-mediated efferocytosis
Authors: Gandhi Rushi , Yi James , Ha Jihyen , Shi Hang , Ismail Ola , Nathoo Sahra , Bonventre Joseph V. , Zhang Xizhong , Gunaratnam Lakshman
Published: May 2014

Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) prevents inflammation and permits repair following tissue injury. Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a receptor for phosphatidylserine, an “eat-me” signal exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells that marks them for phagocytic clearance. KIM-1 is upregulated on proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) during ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), enabling efferocytosis by surviving PTECs. KIM-1 is spontaneously cleaved at its ectodomain region to generate a soluble fragment that serves a sensitive and specific biomarker for AKI, but the biological relevance of KIM-1 shedding is unknown. Here, we sought to determine how KIM-1 shedding might regulate efferocytosis. Using cells that endogenously and exogenously express KIM-1, we found that hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative injury or PMA treatment accelerated KIM-1 shedding in a dose-dependent manner. KIM-1 shedding was also accelerated when apoptotic cells were added. Accelerated shedding or the presence of excess soluble KIM-1 in the extracellular milieu significantly inhibited efferocytosis. We also identified that TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE or ADAM17) mediates both the spontaneous and PMA-accelerated shedding of KIM-1. While accelerated shedding inhibited efferocytosis, we found that spontaneous KIM-1 cleavage does not affect the phagocytic efficiency of PTECs. Our results suggest that KIM-1 shedding is accelerated by worsening cellular injury, and excess soluble KIM-1 competitively inhibits efferocytosis. These findings may be important in AKI when there is severe cellular injury.
Response features across the auditory midbrain reveal an organization consistent with a dual lemniscal pathway
Authors: Straka Małgorzata M. , Schmitz Samuel , Lim Hubert H.
Published: May 2014

The central auditory system has traditionally been divided into lemniscal and nonlemniscal pathways leading from the midbrain through the thalamus to the cortex. This view has served as an organizing principle for studying, modeling, and understanding the encoding of sound within the brain. However, there is evidence that the lemniscal pathway could be further divided into at least two subpathways, each potentially coding for sound in different ways. We investigated whether such an interpretation is supported by the spatial distribution of response features in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC), the part of the auditory midbrain assigned to the lemniscal pathway. We recorded responses to pure tone stimuli in the ICC of ketamine-xylazine-anesthetized guinea pigs and used three-dimensional brain reconstruction techniques to map the location of the recording sites. Compared with neurons in caudal-and-medial regions within an isofrequency lamina of the ICC, neurons in rostral-and-lateral regions responded with shorter first-spike latencies with less spiking jitter, shorter durations of spiking responses, a higher proportion of spikes occurring near the onset of the stimulus, lower thresholds, and larger local field potentials with shorter latencies. Further analysis revealed two distinct clusters of response features located in either the caudal-and-medial or the rostral-and-lateral parts of the isofrequency laminae of the ICC. Thus we report substantial differences in coding properties in two regions of the ICC that are consistent with the hypothesis that the lemniscal pathway is made up of at least two distinct subpathways from the midbrain up to the cortex.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of surround suppression in primary visual cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat
Authors: Shimegi Satoshi , Ishikawa Ayako , Kida Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Hara Sin-ichiro , Sato Hiromichi
Published: May 2014

In the primary visual cortex (V1), a neuronal response to stimulation of the classical receptive field (CRF) is predominantly suppressed by a stimulus presented outside the CRF (extraclassical receptive field, ECRF), a phenomenon referred to as ECRF suppression. To elucidate the neuronal mechanisms and origin of ECRF suppression in V1 of anesthetized cats, we examined the temporal properties of the spatial extent and orientation specificity of ECRF suppression in V1 and the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), using stationary-flashed sinusoidal grating. In V1, we found three components of ECRF suppression: 1) local and fast, 2) global and fast, and 3) global and late. The local and fast component, which resulted from within 2° of the boundary of the CRF, started no more than 10 ms after the onset of the CRF response and exhibited low specificity for the orientation of the ECRF stimulus. These spatiotemporal properties corresponded to those of geniculate ECRF suppression, suggesting that the local and fast component of V1 is inherited from the LGN. In contrast, the two global components showed rather large spatial extents ∼5° from the CRF boundary and high specificity for orientation, suggesting that their possible origin is the cortex, not the LGN. Correspondingly, the local component was observed in all neurons of the thalamocortical recipient layer, while the global component was biased toward other layers. Therefore, we conclude that both subcortical and cortical mechanisms with different spatiotemporal properties are involved in ECRF suppression.
Visual impairment by surrounding noise is due to interactions among stimuli in the higher-order visual cortex
Authors: Kumano Hironori , Uka Takanori
Published: May 2014

Observers have difficulty identifying a target in their peripheral vision in the presence of surrounding stimuli. Although hypotheses addressing this phenomenon have been proposed, such as the integration of stimuli and surround suppression in the higher-order visual cortex, no direct comparisons of the psychophysical and neuronal sensitivities have been performed. Here we measured the performance of monkeys with a variant of the direction discrimination task using a center/surround bipartite random-dot stimulus while simultaneously recording from isolated neurons from the middle temporal visual area (MT). The psychophysical threshold increased with the addition of a task-irrelevant noise annulus that surrounded the task-relevant motion stimuli. The neuronal threshold of MT neurons also increased at a spatial scale similar to the psychophysical threshold. This suggests that the impaired ability in our task resulted from impairment in the MT area. Importantly, reduced neuronal performance was due to both a reduced response to preferred motion and an enhanced response to nonpreferred motion. These observations suggest that impairment caused by surrounding noise results from interactions between stimuli and noise and not from a reduction in the response of visual neurons.
Quantifying Cerebellum Grey Matter and White Matter Perfusion Using Pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Sarkar Subhendra N. , Purdy David E. , Briggs Richard W.
Published: May 2014

To facilitate quantification of cerebellum cerebral blood flow (CBF), studies were performed to systematically optimize arterial spin labeling (ASL) parameters for measuring cerebellum perfusion, segment cerebellum to obtain separate CBF values for grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM), and compare FAIR ASST to PICORE. Cerebellum GM and WM CBF were measured with optimized ASL parameters using FAIR ASST and PICORE in five subjects. Influence of volume averaging in voxels on cerebellar grey and white matter boundaries was minimized by high-probability threshold masks. Cerebellar CBF values determined by FAIR ASST were 43.8 ± 5.1 mL/100 g/min for GM and 27.6 ± 4.5 mL/100 g/min for WM. Quantitative perfusion studies indicated that CBF in cerebellum GM is 1.6 times greater than that in cerebellum WM. Compared to PICORE, FAIR ASST produced similar CBF estimations but less subtraction error and lower temporal, spatial, and intersubject variability. These are important advantages for detecting group and/or condition differences in CBF values.
Safety of Intravenous Application of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Preparations in Oncology: An Observational Study
Authors: Steele Megan L. , Axtner Jan , Happe Antje , Kröz Matthias , Matthes Harald , Schad Friedemann
Published: May 2014

Background. Traditional mistletoe therapy in cancer patients involves subcutaneous applications of Viscum album L. preparations, with doses slowly increasing based on patient responses. Intravenous infusion of high doses may improve therapeutic outcomes and is becoming more common. Little is known about the safety of this “off‐label” application of mistletoe. Methods. An observational study was performed within the Network Oncology. Treatment with intravenous mistletoe applications is described. The frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to intravenous mistletoe applications was calculated and compared to ADR data from a study on subcutaneous applications. Results. Of 475 cancer patients who received intravenous infusions of Helixor, Abnoba viscum, or Iscador mistletoe preparations, 22 patients (4.6%) reported 32 ADRs of mild (59.4%) or moderate severity (40.6%). No serious ADRs occurred. ADRs were more frequently reported to i.v. mistletoe administered alone (4.3%), versus prior to chemotherapy (1.6%). ADR frequency differed with respect to preparation type, with Iscador preparations showing a higher relative frequency, compared to Abnoba viscum and Helixor. Overall, patients were almost two times less likely to experience an ADR to intravenous compared to subcutaneous application of mistletoe. Conclusion. Intravenous mistletoe therapy was found to be safe and prospective studies for efficacy are recommended.
Assessing the Current Market of Sunscreen: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sunscreen Availability in Three Metropolitan Counties in the United States
Authors: Amber Kyle T. , Bloom Romi , Staropoli Patrick , Dhiman Sonam , Hu Shasa
Published: May 2014

Sunscreen use is recommended for the prevention of sunburn and skin cancer. Little is known regarding sunscreen availability in high versus low income communities. We analyzed sunscreen availability in three large metropolitan counties to determine the relationship between availability and community demographics. We included sun care products in all pharmacies and supermarkets open as of July 2013 in representative high and low income zip codes in Cook County, Illinois, Miami-Dade County, Florida, and San Diego County, California. We recorded the percentage of tanning oil, sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) < 15, SPF > 15, physical sunscreens, spray sunscreens, mean price per ounce (PPO), and mean SPF. Of the total products assessed, 11.0% were tanning oils, with physical sunscreens accounting for only 3.4% of the available sunscreens and 46.2% of sunscreens being spray-on. A comparison between higher and lower income zip codes demonstrated a significantly increased percentage of sunscreens with SPF < 15 in high income zip codes. Lower income zip codes had higher percentages of sunscreens with SPF > 15 and higher PPO, even when taking into account SPF. Further studies of sunscreen usage patterns in different populations must take into account sunscreen availability and price, as these significantly differ based on the community demographic.
Solvability of a Model for the Vibration of a Beam with a Damping Tip Body
Authors: Basson M. , de Villiers M. , van Rensburg N. F. J.
Published: May 2014

We consider a model for the vibration of a beam with a damping tip body that appeared in a previous article. In this paper we derive a variational form for the motion of the beam and use it to prove that the model problem has a unique solution. The proofs are based on existence results for a general linear vibration model problem, in variational form. Finite element approximation of the solution is discussed briefly.
Blow-Up of Solutions for a Class of Sixth Order Nonlinear Strongly Damped Wave Equation
Authors: Di Huafei , Shang Yadong
Published: May 2014

We consider the blow-up phenomenon of sixth order nonlinear strongly damped wave equation. By using the concavity method, we prove a finite time blow-up result under assumptions on the nonlinear term and the initial data.
Evaluation of a Three-Stage Method for Improving Mandibular Retrognathia with Labially Inclined Incisors Using Genioplasty, Segmental Osteotomy, and Two-Jaw Surgery
Authors: Matsushita Kazuhiro , Yamaguchi Hiro-o , Koshikawa-Matsuno Mino , Inoue Nobuo
Published: May 2014

We have sometimes encountered difficulty in improving labially inclined teeth, particularly in patients with mandibular retrognathia, because the symphysis menti is often thin and insufficient space is available to permit sagittal rotation of the teeth without root exposure from the alveolar bone. We have previously described a three-stage method to overcome this problem, involving genioplasty for improving the retruded chin, and to construct the infrastructure for subsequent subapical segmental alveolar osteotomy, subapical segmental alveolar osteotomy itself, and, finally, two-jaw surgery. Bone augmentation with thin cortical bone at the gap created on the upper surface of the advanced genial segment was also addressed in the previous report. In the present study, to confirm the benefits of the three-stage method using objective data, cephalometric evaluation was performed in each step. In all cases, pogonion (Pog) was moved forward substantially. Net linear forward movement of Pog and net changes in SN-Pog were from 12 mm to 20 mm and from 4.8° to 7.0°, respectively. Angle of mandibular incisors and interincisal angle also improved to desirable levels. Although this method requires three separate surgeries, the approach safely improves the clinical situation and accentuates treatment efficacy.
Observations of TCRVβ Gene Expression in Rats with Dampness Syndrome
Authors: Chen Yan , Sun Bao-Guo , Zhang Shi-Jun , Chen Ze-Xiong , Hardi Carlini Fan , Xiang Ting
Published: May 2014

Environmental dampness is one factor which can cause human diseases. The effects of exposure to humidity on human immune function are diverse and numerous. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dampness is defined as one of the major pathogenic factors in the human body. It is divided into “external dampness” and “internal dampness.” However the molecular mechanism leading to humidity‐induced immunosuppression is obscure. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the T‐cell antigen receptor variable β (TCRVβ) subfamilies in rats which were fed in different humid environment. And the expression levels of the TCRVβ subfamilies were detected using FQ‐PCR. We found that the dampness might reduce the immunological recognition function of rats. And the obstruction of the immunological recognition function might be caused by internal dampness rather than external dampness.
RSSI and LQI Data Clustering Techniques to Determine the Number of Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Guardiola Ivan G. , Wu Xiaoling
Published: May 2014

With the rapid proliferation of wireless sensor networks, different network topologies are likely to exist in the same geographical region, each of which is able to perform its own functions individually. However, these networks are prone to cause interference to neighbor networks, such as data duplication or interception. How to detect, determine, and locate the unknown wireless topologies in a given geographical area has become a significant issue in the wireless industry. This problem is especially acute in military use, such as spy-nodes detection and communication orientation systems. In this paper, three different clustering methods are applied to classify the RSSI and LQI data recorded from the unknown wireless topology into a certain number of groups in order to determine the number of active sensor nodes in the unknown wireless topology. The results show that RSSI and LQI data are capable of determining the number of active communication nodes in wireless topologies.
Biocrude Production through Pyrolysis of Used Tyres
Authors: Osayi Julius I. , Iyuke Sunny , Ogbeide Samuel E.
Published: May 2014

A review of the pyrolysis process of used tyre as a method of producing an alternative energy source is presented in this paper. The study reports the characteristics of used tyre materials and methods of recycling, types and principles of pyrolysis, the pyrolysis products and their composition, effects of process parameters, and kinetic models applied to pyrolysis. From publications, the proximate analysis of tyre rubber shows that it is composed of about 28.6 wt.% fixed carbon, 62 wt.% volatile material, 8.5 wt.% ash, and 0.9 wt.% moisture. Elemental analysis reveals that tyre rubber has an estimated value of 82 wt.% of C, 8 wt.% of H, 0.4 wt.% of N, 1.3 wt.% of S, 2.4 wt.% of O, and 5.9 wt.% of ash. Thermogravimetry analysis confirms that the pyrolysis of used tyre at atmospheric pressure commences at 250°C and completes at 550°C. The three primary products obtained from used tyre pyrolysis are solid residue (around 36 wt.%), liquid fraction or biocrude (around 55 wt.%), and gas fraction (around 9 wt.%). Although there is variation in the value of kinetic parameters obtained by different authors from the kinetic modeling of used tyre, the process is generally accepted as a first order reaction based on Arrhenius theory.
Relationship between Serum Total Cholesterol Level and Serum Biochemical Bone Turnover Markers in Healthy Pre- and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Jeong Tae-Dong , Lee Woochang , Choi Sung-Eun , Kim Jae Seung , Kim Hong-Kyu , Bae Sung Jin , Chun Sail , Min Won-Ki
Published: May 2014

Background. The presence of common risk factors suggests that there is a relationship between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, possibly via dyslipidemia and inflammation. We investigated the relationships among the lipid profile, the inflammation marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) to assess the correlation between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease and identify factors predicting osteoporosis.Methods. The study included 759 Korean women older than 20 years of age. The BMD, serum lipid profile, and levels of hsCRP, cross-linked C-terminal peptide (CTX), and osteocalcin were measured. We compared the serum biomarkers between groups with normal and low BMD and assessed the correlations between the levels of bone turnover markers and the lipid profile and hsCRP level.Results. The concentrations of CTX, osteocalcin, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the low BMD group than in the normal BMD group in premenopausal women group. However, hsCRP was not correlated with these parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TC (OR, 1.647; 95% CI, 1.190–2.279) and osteocalcin (OR, 1.044; 95% CI, 1.002–1.088) had an increased risk of low BMD in premenopausal women.Conclusions. These results indicate that total cholesterol concentration is correlated with the levels of bone turnover markers, suggesting that it might predict osteoporosis in premenopausal women.
Chagas’ Disease: Pregnancy and Congenital Transmission
Authors: Cevallos Ana María , Hernández Roberto
Published: May 2014

Chagas disease is a chronic infection that kills approximately 12,000 people a year. Mass migration of chronically infected and asymptomatic persons has caused globalization of Chagas disease and has made nonvectorial infection, including vertical and blood-borne transmission, more of a threat to human communities than vectorial infection. To control transmission, it is essential to test all pregnant women living in endemic countries and all pregnant women having migrated from, or having lived in, endemic countries. All children born to seropositive mothers should be tested not only within the first month of life but also at ~6 months and ~12 months of age. The diagnosis is made by identification of the parasite in blood before the age of 6 months and by identification of the parasite in blood and/or positive serology after 10 months of age. Follow up for a year is essential as a significant proportion of cases are initially negative and are only detected at a later stage. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the clinical response is excellent and the majority of cases are cured.
Blinding Orbital Apex Syndrome due to Onodi Cell Mucocele
Authors: Fleissig Efrat , Spierer Oriel , Koren Ilan , Leibovitch Igal
Published: May 2014

The onodi cell is a posterior ethmoidal cell that is pneumatized laterally or superiorly to the sphenoid sinus with close proximity to the optic nerve. A mucocele, a benign, expansile, cyst-like lesion of the paranasal sinuses, may uncommonly involve the onodi cell causing compression of the optic nerve and nearby structures. In this paper, we report a rare case of onodi cell mucocele causing orbital apex syndrome, with prompt recovery after endoscopic removal. However, optic neuropathy did not improve and the patient remained blind.
A New Case of Syringocystadenocarcinoma Papilliferum: A Rare Pathology for a Wide-Ranging Comprehension
Authors: Paradiso Beatrice , Bianchini Enzo , Cifelli Pierangelo , Cavazzini Luigi , Lanza Giovanni
Published: May 2014

We report a new case of p63/cytokeratin 7 (CK7) positive syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum (SCACP), on the shoulder of an 88-year-old man, with superficial dermal infiltration and squamoid differentiation. We describe the 24th case of SCACP, the malignant counterpart of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP). At the present, we do not know whether SCACP arises from eccrine or apocrine glands because of the contrasting opinions in the literature. Only few histochemical and ultrastructural studies have previously advised that SCACP could arise from pluripotent stem cells. Through our case, we wish to suggest the stem cell-like properties of the syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum. This rare neoplasm shows two different patterns of stem cell marker expression in the glandular and squamous components, respectively. For the double phenotype of SCACP, we propose it like an intriguing model to study histogenesis and stem cell properties for more wide-ranging epithelial tumors.
Urodynamic Evaluation after High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mearini Luigi , Nunzi Elisabetta , Giovannozzi Silvia , Lepri Luca , Lolli Carolina , Giannantoni Antonella
Published: May 2014

This prospective study assesses the impact of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on lower urinary tract by comparing pre- and postoperative symptoms and urodynamic changes. Thirty consecutive patients with clinically organ-confined prostate cancer underwent urodynamic study before HIFU and then at 3–6 months after surgery. Continence status and symptoms were analyzed by means of International Prostate Symptoms Score IPSS and International Index Erectile Function IIEF5. As a result, there were a significant improvement in bladder outlet, maximum flow at uroflowmetry, and reduction in postvoid residual PVR at 6-month follow-up and a concomitant significant reduction of detrusor pressure at opening and at maximum flow. De novo overactive bladder and impaired bladder compliance were detected in 10% of patients at 3 months, with progressive improvement at longer follow-up. Baseline prostate volume and length of the procedure were predictors of 6-month IPSS score and continence status. In conclusion, following HIFU detrusor overactivity, decreased bladder compliance and urge incontinence represent de novo dysfunction due to prostate and bladder neck injury during surgery. However, urodynamic study shows a progressive improvement in all storage and voiding patterns at 6-month follow-up. Patients with high prostate volume and long procedure length suffered from irritative symptoms even at long term.
Effects of Age and Stand Density of Mother Trees on EarlyPinus thunbergiiSeedling Establishment in the Coastal Zone, China
Authors: Mao Peili , Han Guangxuan , Wang Guangmei , Yu Junbao , Shao Hongbo
Published: May 2014

Effects of age and stand density of mother tree on seed germination, seedling biomass allocation, and seedling growth ofPinus thunbergiiwere studied. The results showed that age of mother tree did not have significant influences on seed germination, but it was significant on seedling biomass allocation and growth. Seedlings from the minimum and maximum age of mother tree had higher leaf mass ratio and lower root mass ratio than from the middle age of mother tree. Moreover, they also had higher relative height growth rate and slenderness, which were related to their biomass allocation. Stand density of mother tree mainly demonstrated significant effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Seed from higher stand density of mother tree did not decrease germination rate, but had higher mean germination time, indicating that it delayed germination process. Seedlings of higher stand density of mother tree showed higher relative height growth rate and slenderness. These traits of offspring from higher stand density of mother tree were similar to its mother, indicating significant environmental maternal effects. So, mother tree identity of maternal age and environments had important effects on natural regeneration of the coastalP. thunbergiiforest.
Effect of Modulated Alternating and Direct Current Iontophoresis on Transdermal Delivery of Lidocaine Hydrochloride
Authors: Bhatia Gaurav , Banga Ajay K.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the iontophoretic delivery of lidocaine hydrochloride through porcine skin and to compare the effects of modulated alternating and direct current iontophoresis. Continuous and modulated iontophoresis was applied for one hour and two hours (0-1 h and 4-5th h) using a 1% w/v solution of lidocaine hydrochloride. Tape stripping was done to quantify the amount of drug permeated into stratum corneum and skin extraction studies were performed to determine the amount of drug in stripped skin. Receptor was sampled and analyzed over predefined time periods. The amount of lidocaine delivered across porcine skin after modulated direct current iontophoresis for 2 h was1069.87±120.03 μg/sq·cm compared to744.81±125.41 μg/sq·cm after modulated alternating current iontophoresis for 2 h. Modulated direct current iontophoresis also enhanced lidocaine delivery by twelvefold compared to passive delivery as91.27±18.71 μg/sq·cm of lidocaine was delivered after passive delivery. Modulated iontophoresis enhanced the delivery of lidocaine hydrochloride across porcine skin compared to the passive delivery. Modulated alternating current iontophoresis for duration of 2 h at frequency of 1 kHz was found to be comparable to the continuous direct current iontophoresis for 1 h.
A Data Item Selection Mechanism for Mobile Opportunistic Networks
Authors: You Lei , Li Jianbo , Wei Changjiang , Xu Jixing , Dai Chenqu
Published: May 2014

The nonexistence of an end-to-end path poses great challenges to directly adapting the traditional routing algorithms for Internet and mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) to mobile opportunistic networks (MONs). In this paper, we try to improve the routing performance by resorting to an efficient data item selection mechanism that takes the bandwidth and connection duration time into consideration. For the purpose of evaluation, a specific data item selection mechanism for a probability-based routing is devised, which is formally defined as an optimal decision-making problem and solved by the dynamic programming technique. The simulation results show that our data item selection mechanism greatly reduces the number of aborted transmissions thus enhancing the routing performance in aspects of delivery probability, average latency, and overhead ratio.
Damping of Linear Nonadiabatic MHD Waves in a Flowing Prominence Medium
Authors: Kumar Nagendra , Kumar Anil , Sikka Himanshu , Kumar Pradeep
Published: May 2014

We study the effect of shear flow on the time damping of linear nonadiabatic magnetoacoustic waves in a solar prominence. We consider a homogeneous, isothermal, and unbounded medium permeated by a uniform magnetic field. The adiabaticity is removed by including the optically thin radiative losses, thermal conduction, and heating term in energy equation. We present a local theory of MHD waves to obtain a dispersion relation. The dispersion relation is solved numerically to study the time damping of these waves. It is found that flow influences the damping time and damping per period of both the slow and fast waves significantly. Damping time and damping per period of slow waves are very much higher than the damping time and damping per period of fast waves.
U-Bang-Haequi Tang: A Herbal Prescription that Prevents Acute Inflammation through Inhibition of NF‐κB‐Mediated Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Hwangbo Min , Jung Ji Yun , Ki Sung Hwan , Park Sang Mi , Jegal Kyung Hwan , Cho Il Je , Lee Ju-Hee , Kang Seung Ho , Park Sun-Dong , Ku Sae Kwang , Kim Sang Chan , Zhao Rong Jie , Jee Seon Young , Kim Young Woo
Published: May 2014

Since antiquity, medical herbs have been prescribed for both treatment and preventative purposes. Herbal formulas are used to reduce toxicity as well as increase efficacy in traditional Korean medicine. U-bang-haequi tang (UBT) is a herbal prescription containing Arctii fructus and Forsythia suspensa as its main components and has treated many human diseases in traditional Korean medicine. This research investigated the effects of UBT against an acute phase of inflammation. For this, we measured induction of nitric oxide (NO) and related proteins in macrophage cell line stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Further, paw swelling was measured in carrageenan‐treated rats. Carrageenan significantly induced activation of inflammatory cells and increases in paw volume, whereas oral administration of 0.3 or 1 g/kg/day of UBT inhibited the acute inflammatory response. In RAW264.7 cells, UBT inhibited mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS. UBT treatment also blocked elevation of NO production, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, phosphorylation of Iκ‐Bα induced by LPS. Moreover, UBT treatment significantly blocked the phosphorylation of p38 and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinases by LPS. In conclusion, UBT prevented both acute inflammation in rats as well as LPS‐induced NO and iNOS gene expression through inhibition of NF‐κB in RAW264.7 cells.
Hepatitis E rORF2p Stimulated and Unstimulated Peripheral Expression Profiling in Patients with Self-Limiting Hepatitis E Infection
Authors: Rathod Sanjay B. , Tripathy Anuradha S.
Published: May 2014

To improve the current knowledge on the involvement of peripheral lymphocytes in hepatitis E virus (HEV) associated pathogenesis, we analyzed alterations in (1) immunophenotypic expressions (by flow cytometry) and (2) gene expression patterns (by TaqMan Low Density Array) of activatory, inhibitory, integrin, homing, ectonucleotidase machinery, costimulatory, inflammatory markers, and T regulatory cells (Treg) associated cytokines on HEV rORF2p stimulated and unstimulated PBMCs of 43 acute HEV patients, 30 recovered individuals, and 43 controls. The phenotypic expressions of key molecules CTLA-4, GITR, CD103, CD25, CD69, IL10 and TGF-β1in the acute patients and TGF-β1in the recovered individuals were significantly elevated on both unstimulated and stimulated PBMCs. Gene expression array data revealed upregulations of CD25, PD1, CD103, CCR4, IL10, and TGF-β1on both unstimulated and HEV rORF2p stimulated PBMCs of acute patients. The observed upregulations of inhibitory, integrin, activatory, and Treg-associated cytokine genes on the PBMCs of acute HEV patients complemented by their frequency data suggest them as the major players in the fine-tuning of immune response in self-limiting hepatitis E infection.
Antimicrobial Activity of Coronarin D and Its Synergistic Potential with Antibiotics
Authors: Reuk-ngam Nanthawan , Chimnoi Nitirat , Khunnawutmanotham Nisachon , Techasakul Supanna
Published: May 2014

Coronarin D is a labdane-type diterpene from the rhizomes ofHedychium coronarium. In the view of our ongoing effort to explore its novel biological activity, antimicrobial activity study of coronarin D was performed. The results showed that coronarin D was active against tested Gram-positive bacteria, inactive for tested Gram-negative bacteria, and weakly active against tested fungi. The antibacterial effect of the combination of coronarin D with nine classical antibiotics against four Gram-positive bacteria was also evaluated. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) of coronarin D-antibiotics combinations, calculated from the checkerboard assay, were used as synergism indicator. Out of 36 combinations, 47% showed total synergism, 33% had partial synergistic interaction, 17% showed no effect, and 3% showed antagonism. By combination with coronarin D at concentration of 0.25 minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), the activities of antibiotics were boosted to 4- to 128-fold. These finding suggested an attractive approach to combat the infectious diseases by using coronarin D-antibiotic drug combination.
Two-Pulse Phase Modulation Based Decoupling Schemes for Removing Heteronuclear Spin Interactions in the NMR Spectroscopy of
Isotropic Systems: An Analysis Using Experiments and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Augustine Cyril
Published: May 2014

Heteronuclear spin interactions in solids and anisotropic liquids can be removed by phase modulated decoupling sequences with frequency sweep, such as SWf-TPPM and its variants. The performance of these sequences in isotropic spin systems with regard to the experimental parameters, phase angle, and decoupler offset is presented here. A comparison is made with other commonly used heteronuclear decoupling schemes in liquids, namely, WALTZ-16, GARP, and MLEV. Also, the trajectories of nuclear magnetization vector of abundant nuclei in a simple spin system during TPPM and SWf-TPPM decoupling sequences are traced out using computer simulations.
Molecular Typing of Methicillin ResistantStaphylococcus aureusClinical Isolates on the Basis of Protein A and Coagulase Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Omar Nancy Younis , Ali Hala Abdel Salam , Harfoush Reem Abdel Hameed , El Khayat Engy Hamdy
Published: May 2014

Increased frequency of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in hospitalized patients requires rapid and reliable characterization of isolates for control of MRSA spread in hospitals. This study evaluated polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) as a molecular typing technique for MRSA strains on the basis of protein A (spa) and coagulase (coa) gene polymorphisms to verify their ability in assessing the relatedness of isolates. Seventy-five MRSA isolates, from different ICUs of Alexandria University Main Hospital, were characterized using antibiotyping and PCR-RFLP analysis ofcoaandspagenes. Thirty-two antibiotypes were identified.coagene PCR generated 3 types and 10 subtypes of band patterns.HaeIIIrestriction digestion of amplifiedcoagene products produced 5 major banding patterns and 12 subtypes.spagene PCR products generated 4 major and 11 minor types, and theirHaeIIrestriction digestion showed 5 major and 12 minor banding patterns. The combinedcoaandspaRFLP patterns generated 22 combined R types. Typing usingcoaPCR and PCR-RFLP had the same discriminatory index (DI) value (0.64), which was comparable to that of bothspaPCR and PCR-RFLP techniques (0.68). The combined grouping increased the DI value to 0.836. The current study revealed that testing for multiple gene polymorphisms is more useful for local epidemiologic purposes.
Oxytocin Improves Follicular Reserve in a Cisplatin-Induced Gonadotoxicity Model in Rats
Authors: Erbaş Oytun , Akman Levent , Yavaşoğlu Altuğ , Terek Mustafa Cosan , Akman Tülay , Taskiran Dilek
Published: May 2014

Cisplatin (CP), an antitumor agent, has been shown to cause ovarian injury and dysfunction in both animal and human studies. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of oxytocin (OT) on CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Twenty-one adult female rats were included in the study. Fourteen rats were administered intraperitoneally CP (2 mg/kg/day) twice a week for 5 weeks. Control group (n=7) did not receive any treatment. Following treatment, CP-received rats were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either saline (1 mL/kg/day,n=7) or OT (160 μg/kg/day,n=7) for 5 weeks. Then, ovarian toxicity and effects of OT were evaluated by histomorphological and biochemical analysis. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the number of follicles at each grade in saline-treated group. AMH level was significantly lower in saline group compared to control (P<0.0005). OT treatment significantly attenuated CP toxicity in ovaries and increased AMH levels compared to saline group (P<0.005). Also, administration of OT lessened lipid peroxidation and prevented glutathione depletion in CP-treated rats (P<0.05). These results indicated that OT could lessen the CP-induced ovarian damage and improve follicular reserve by preventing oxidative damage.
Decomposition Formulas for Triple q-Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Ernst Thomas
Published: May 2014

In the spirit of Hasanov, Srivastava, and Turaev (2006), we introduce new inverse operators together with a more general operator and find a summation formula for the last one. Based on these operators and the earlier known q-analogues of the Burchnall-Chaundy operators, we find 15 symbolic operator formulas. Then, 10 expansions for the q-analogues of Srivastava’s three triple hypergeometric functions in terms of ϕ34q-hypergeometric and q-Kampé de Fériet functions are derived. These expansions readily reduce to 10 new expansions for the three triple Srivastava hypergeometric functions in terms of F34 hypergeometric and Kampé de Fériet functions.
Finding Semirigid Domains in Biomolecules by Clustering Pair-Distance Variations
Authors: Kenn Michael , Ribarics Reiner , Ilieva Nevena , Schreiner Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

Dynamic variations in the distances between pairs of atoms are used for clustering subdomains of biomolecules. We draw on a well-known target function for clustering and first show mathematically that the assignment of atoms to clusters has to be crisp, not fuzzy, as hitherto assumed. This reduces the computational load of clustering drastically, and we demonstrate results for several biomolecules relevant in immunoinformatics. Results are evaluated regarding the number of clusters, cluster size, cluster stability, and the evolution of clusters over time. Crisp clustering lends itself as an efficient tool to locate semirigid domains in the simulation of biomolecules. Such domains seem crucial for an optimum performance of subsequent statistical analyses, aiming at detecting minute motional patterns related to antigen recognition and signal transduction.
Possible Association of Etanercept, Venous Thrombosis, and Induction of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Virupannavar Shanti , Brandau Anthony , Guggenheim Carla , Laird-Fick Heather
Published: May 2014

Tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα) inhibitors are commonly used for treatment of aggressive rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Etanercept is one of the medications approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Though many studies have documented the safety and efficacy of these medications, evidence for adverse effects is emerging including cancer, infections, and cardiovascular disease. There have been studies showing that these medications induce autoantibody production, including antinuclear antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies. Limited data exists, however, regarding induction of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs) by TNFαinhibitors, including anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLs), lupus anticoagulant (LAC), and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI), or an association between antibody development and clinical manifestations. In this case series, we describe five patients who developed venous thromboembolism (VTE) and APLs while receiving etanercept therapy. All five of our patients met the criteria for diagnosis of APS after receiving etanercept. Our case series supports the association between etanercept, APLs, and VTE. We believe that testing for APLs prior to initiation of anti-TNF therapy is reasonable, given this relationship and the risks associated with VTE.
Nonlinear Fluctuation Behavior of Financial Time Series Model by Statistical Physics System
Authors: Cheng Wuyang , Wang Jun
Published: May 2014

We develop a random financial time series model of stock market by one of statistical physics systems, the stochastic contact interacting system. Contact process is a continuous time Markov process; one interpretation of this model is as a model for the spread of an infection, where the epidemic spreading mimics the interplay of local infections and recovery of individuals. From this financial model, we study the statistical behaviors of return time series, and the corresponding behaviors of returns for Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SSECI) and Hang Seng Index (HSI) are also comparatively studied. Further, we investigate the Zipf distribution and multifractal phenomenon of returns and price changes. Zipf analysis and MF-DFA analysis are applied to investigate the natures of fluctuations for the stock market.
A Codesigned Compact Dual-Band Filtering Antenna with PIN Loaded for WLAN Applications
Authors: Chen Shanxiong , Zhao Yu , Peng Maoling , Wang Yunji
Published: May 2014

A codesigned compact dual-band filtering antenna incorporating a PIN diode for 2.45/5.2 GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) applications is proposed in this paper. The integrated filtering antenna system consists of a simple monopole radiator, a microstrip dual-band band-pass filter, and a PIN diode. The performance of the filtering antenna is notably promoted by optimizing the impedance between the antenna and the band-pass filter, with good selectivity and out-of-band rejection. The design process follows the approach of the synthesis of band-pass filter. In addition, the PIN diode is incorporated in the filtering antenna for further size reduction, which also widens the coverage of the bandwidth by about 230% for 2.4 GHz WLAN. With the presence of small size and good filtering performances, the proposed filtering antenna is a good candidate for the wireless communication systems. Prototypes of the proposed filtering antenna incorporating a PIN diode are fabricated and measured. The measured results including return losses and radiation patterns are presented.
Selection of the Composition with High Glass Forming Ability in Zr-Cu-Ni-Al Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Sun Yajuan , Li Yumin , Wang Hongjing
Published: May 2014

Three new Zr-Cu-Ni-Al bulk metallic glasses were developed through appropriate mixing of three binary eutectics Zr38.2Cu61.8, Zr51Al49, and Zr64Ni36. By suppressing solidification of competing crystalline phases, a new glass forming alloy Zr51Cu24.22Ni14.06Al10.72with the critical diameter of up to 10 mm is obtained.
Diagnostic Performance of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in the Postchemotherapy Management of Patients with Seminoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Sadeghi Ramin , Annunziata Salvatore , Caldarella Carmelo , Bertagna Francesco , Giovanella Luca
Published: May 2014

Objective. To meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma.Methods. A comprehensive literature search of studies published through January 2014 on this topic was performed. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively analyzed. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), accuracy, and area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) of18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT on a per examination-based analysis were calculated. Subgroup analyses considering the size of residual/recurrent lesions were carried out.Results. Nine studies including 375 scans were selected. The pooled analysis provided the following results: sensitivity 78% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 67–87%), specificity 86% (95% CI: 81–89%), PPV 58% (95% CI: 48–68%), NPV 94% (95% CI: 90–96%), and accuracy 84% (95% CI: 80–88%). The AUC was 0.90. A better diagnostic accuracy of18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT in evaluating residual/recurrent lesions >3 cm compared to those <3 cm was found.Conclusions.18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT were demonstrated to be accurate imaging methods in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma; nevertheless possible sources of false-negative and false-positive results should be considered. The literature focusing on this setting still remains limited and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted.