bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Dynamic Postural Control during Step Turning in Persons with Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Song Jooeun , Sigward Susan , Fisher Beth , Salem George J.
Published: January 2012

Persons withearly-stageParkinson’s disease (EPD) do not typically experience marked functional deficits but may have difficulty with turning tasks. Studies evaluating turning have focused on individuals in advanced stages of the disease. The purpose of this study was to compare postural control strategies adopted during turning in persons with EPD to those used by healthy control (HC) subjects. Fifteen persons with EPD, diagnosed within 3 years, and 10 HC participated. Participants walked 4 meters and then turned 90°. Dynamic postural control was quantified as the distance between the center of pressure (COP) and the extrapolated center of mass (eCOM). Individuals with EPD demonstrated significantly shorter COP-eCOM distances compared to HC. These findings suggest that dynamic postural control during turning is altered even in the early stages of PD.
Diversity of Fungi Associated withAtta bisphaerica(Hymenoptera: Formicidae): The Activity ofAspergillus ochraceusandBeauveria bassiana
Authors: Ribeiro Myriam M. R. , Amaral Karina D. , Seide Vanessa E. , Souza Bressane M. R. , Della Lucia Terezinha M. C. , Kasuya Maria Catarina M. , de Souza Danival J.
Published: January 2012

The grass-cutting antAtta bisphaericais one of the most serious pests in several pastures and crops in Brazil. Fungal diseases are a constant threat to these large societies composed of millions of closely related individuals. We investigated the occurrence of filamentous fungi associated with the antA. bisphaericain a pasture area of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Several fungi species were isolated from forager ants, and two of them, known as entomopathogenic,Beauveria bassianaandAspergillus ochraceus, were tested against worker ants in the laboratory. The two species were highly virulent, achieving 50 percent worker mortality within 4-5 days. It is the first timeA. ochraceus, a commonly found fungal species, is reported to infectAttaspecies at a high prevalence. Possible uses for the fungus within biological control are discussed.
Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Chronic Tumor Hypoxia: Implications for Experimental and Clinical Studies
Authors: Powathil Gibin , Kohandel Mohammad , Milosevic Michael , Sivaloganathan Siv
Published: January 2012

Tumor oxygenation status is considered one of the important prognostic markers in cancer since it strongly influences the response of cancer cells to various treatments; in particular, to radiation therapy. Thus, a proper and accurate assessment of tumor oxygen distribution before the treatment may highly affect the outcome of the treatment. The heterogeneous nature of tumor hypoxia, mainly influenced by the complex tumor microenvironment, often makes its quantification very difficult. The usual methods used to measure tumor hypoxia are biomarkers and the polarographic needle electrode. Although these techniques may provide an acceptable assessment of hypoxia, they are invasive and may not always give a spatial distribution of hypoxia, which is very useful for treatment planning. An alternative method to quantify the tumor hypoxia is to use theoretical simulations with the knowledge of tumor vasculature. The purpose of this paper is to model tumor hypoxia using a known spatial distribution of tumor vasculature obtained from image data, to analyze the accuracy of polarographic needle electrode measurements in quantifying hypoxia, to quantify the optimum number of measurements required to satisfactorily evaluate the tumor oxygenation status, and to study the effects of hypoxia on radiation response. Our results indicate that the model successfully generated an accurate oxygenation map for tumor cross-sections with known vascular distribution. The method developed here provides a way to estimate tumor hypoxia and provides guidance in planning accurate and effective therapeutic strategies and invasive estimation techniques. Our results agree with the previous findings that the needle electrode technique gives a good estimate of tumor hypoxia if the sampling is done in a uniform way with 5-6 tracks of 20–30 measurements each. Moreover, the analysis indicates that the accurate measurement of oxygen profile can be very useful in determining right radiation doses to the patients.
𝒲‐Stability of Multistable Nonlinear Discrete‐Time Systems
Authors: Ding Zhishuai , Cheng Guifang , Mu Xiaowu
Published: February 2012

Motivated by the importance and application of discrete dynamical systems, this paper presents a new Lyapunov characterization which is an extension of conventional Lyapunov characterization for multistable discrete‐time nonlinear systems. Based on a new type stability notion of 𝒲‐stability introduced by D. Efimov, the estimates of solution and the Lyapunov stability theorem and converse theorem are proposed for multi‐stable discrete‐time nonlinear systems.
Thin-Layer Hydroxyapatite Deposition on a Nanofiber Surface Stimulates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Their Differentiation into Osteoblasts
Authors: Prosecká Eva , Buzgo Matej , Rampichová Michala , Kocourek Tomáš , Kochová Petra , Vysloužilová Lucie , Tvrdík Daniel , Jelínek Miroslav , Lukáš David , Amler Evžen
Published: January 2012

Pulsed laser deposition was proved as a suitable method for hydroxyapatite (HA) coating of coaxial poly-ɛ-caprolactone/polyvinylalcohol (PCL/PVA) nanofibers. The fibrous morphology of PCL/PVA nanofibers was preserved, if the nanofiber scaffold was coated with thin layers of HA (200 nm and 400 nm). Increasing thickness of HA, however, resulted in a gradual loss of fibrous character. In addition, biomechanical properties were improved after HA deposition on PCL/PVA nanofibers as the value of Young's moduli of elasticity significantly increased. Clearly, thin-layer hydroxyapatite deposition on a nanofiber surface stimulated mesenchymal stem cell viability and their differentiation into osteoblasts. The optimal depth of HA was 800 nm.
How Can Satellite DNA Divergence Cause Reproductive Isolation? Let Us Count the Chromosomal Ways
Authors: Ferree Patrick M. , Prasad Satyaki
Published: January 2012

Satellites are one of the most enigmatic parts of the eukaryotic genome. These highly repetitive, noncoding sequences make up as much as half or more of the genomic content and are known to play essential roles in chromosome segregation during meiosis and mitosis, yet they evolve rapidly between closely related species. Research over the last several decades has revealed that satellite divergence can serve as a formidable reproductive barrier between sibling species. Here we highlight several key studies on Drosophila and other model organisms demonstrating deleterious effects of satellites and their rapid evolution on the structure and function of chromosomes in interspecies hybrids. These studies demonstrate that satellites can impact chromosomes at a number of different developmental stages and through distinct cellular mechanisms, including heterochromatin formation. These findings have important implications for how loci that cause postzygotic reproductive isolation are viewed.
Neuromyelitis Optica: An Antibody-Mediated Disorder of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Levy Michael
Published: January 2012

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a recurrent inflammatory disease that preferentially targets the optic nerves and spinal cord leading to blindness and paralysis. The hallmarks of NMO include bilateral optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Woman and African Americans are overrepresented in the US patient population. NMO is associated with the NMO-IgG biomarker, which targets the aquaporin-4 water channel on astrocytes. The humoral pathology of NMO lesions include IgG and IgM deposits and infiltration by granulocytes suggesting that the NMO-IgG may be involved in the pathogenesis of disease. This review of the recent NMO literature covers the clinical features, epidemiology, radiology and pathology of disease and includes discussion of the important basic science research work in the field.
Antioxidant Capacity of Lenses with Age-Related Cataract
Authors: Kisic Bojana , Miric Dijana , Zoric Lepsa , Ilic Aleksandra , Dragojevic Ilija
Published: January 2012

The immediate cause of the occurrence of cataract is unknown, but oxidative damage and effects of reactive oxygen species are considered important in its etiopathogenesis. Our research was aimed at testing the nonenzyme antioxidant power of corticonuclear lens blocks, with different types and different maturity of age-related cataract. Clinical and biochemical researches were carried out in 101 patients with age-related cataract. In corticonuclear lens blocks of the patient, the concentration of nonprotein and total-SH groups and the concentration of total vitamin C and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) were determined; the current redox balance of dehydroascorbate/ascorbate and total antioxidant power measured by ferric-reducing ability were examined. In corticonuclear lens blocks with incipient cataract a significantly higher concentration of GSH, total SH groups, concentration of total vitamin C and ascorbic acid (AA), and ferric-reducing ability were measured. The measured concentration of DHA is higher than the concentration of AA in the lenses with the incipient and mature cataract. The concentration ratio of redox couple DHA/AA is higher in lenses with mature cataract, where the measured concentration of AA was lower than in the incipient cataract. Timely removal of DHA from the lens is important because of its potential toxicity as an oxidant. An increase of the current concentration of DHA/AA redox balance can be an indicator of oxidative stress.
Hepatic Arterial Embolization for the Treatment of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Lee Eric , Leon Pachter H. , Sarpel Umut
Published: January 2012

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have a high predilection for metastasizing to the liver and can cause severe debilitating symptoms adversely affecting quality of life. Although surgery remains the treatment of choice, many liver metastases are inoperable at presentation. Hepatic arterial embolization procedures take advantage of the arterial supply of NET metastases. The goals of these therapies are twofold: to increase overall survival by stabilizing tumor growth, and to reduce the morbidity in symptomatic patients. Patients treated with hepatic arterial embolization demonstrate longer progression-free survival and have 5-year survival rates of nearly 30%. The safety of repeat embolizations has also been proven in the setting of recurrent symptoms or progression of the disease. Despite not being curative, hepatic arterial embolization should be used in the management of NETs with liver metastases. Long-term survival is not uncommon, making aggressive palliation of symptoms an important component of treatment.
Xiaoyaosan Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inhibits Oxidative-Stress-Induced Hippocampus Neuron Apoptosis In Vitro
Authors: Meng Zhen-zhi , Hu Jing-hong , Chen Jia-xu , Yue Guang-xin
Published: January 2012

Xiaoyaosan (XYS) decoction is a famous prescription for the treatment of mental disorders in China. In this experiment, we explored the way in which XYS decoction-reverse hippocampus neuron apoptosis in vitro. We used XYS decoction-containing serum to treat oxidative-stress-induced hippocampus neuron apoptosis and used immunofluorescence to determine the concentration of free calcium, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic rate of neuron. Results showed that 3-hour oxidative stress decrease mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the concentration of free calcium and apoptotic rate of neuron via triggering pathological changes of nucleus such as karyorrhexis, karyopyknosis. Low, medium, high dose of XYS-decoction-containing serum could reverse these phenomenon, and the effect of low-dose XYS-decoction-containing serum was significant in improving mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic rate of neuron. These findings suggest that XYS decoction may be helpful in reducing oxidative-stress-induced hippocampus neuron apoptosis.
Crystallisation Kinetics of aβ-Spodumene-Based Glass Ceramic
Authors: Montedo Oscar Rubem Klegues , Hotza Dachamir , de Oliveira Antonio Pedro Novaes , Meszaros Robert , Travitzky Nahum , Greil Peter
Published: February 2012

LZSA (Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2-Al2O3) glass ceramic system has shown high potential to obtain LTCC laminate tapes at low sintering temperature (<1000°C) for several applications, such as screen-printed electronic components. Furthermore, LZSA glass ceramics offer interesting mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, which make LZSA also a potential candidate for fabricating multilayered structures processed by Laminated Objects Manufacturing (LOM) technology. The crystallization kinetics of an LZSA glass ceramic with a composition of 16.9Li2O⋅5.0ZrO2⋅65.1SiO2⋅8.6Al2O3was investigated using nonisothermal methods by differential thermal analysis and scanning electronic microscopy. Apparent activation energy for crystallization was found to be in the 274–292 kJ⋅mol−1range, and an Avrami parameternof 1 was obtained that is compared very favorably with SEM observations.
Effect of Ultrasonic Irradiation on Preparation and Properties of Ionogels
Authors: Verma Yogendra Lal , Singh Manish Pratap , Singh Rajendra Kumar
Published: February 2012

Silica‐gel matrices containing ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate viz. ionogels have been synthesized using one‐pot nonhydrolytic sol‐gel method and taking tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as starting precursor. Effect of ultrasonic irradiation on pore parameters of ionogels and vibrational properties of the IL upon confinement in the porous matrix has been investigated. The synthesized gels have been characterized by BET, DSC, TGA, and FTIR. BET analysis shows some changes in the pore parameters due to ultrasonic irradiation. DSC results indicate shift in glass transition temperature upon confinement of the IL. The FTIR spectra show changes in vibrational bands on confinement, particularly, the bands related to the imidazolium ring; aliphatic chain and anion PF6 − of the IL are found to shift upon confinement in porous silica matrix obtained due to ultrasonic irradiation. Ultrasonic irradiation has been found to affect the gelation dynamics and kinetics and pore parameters.
Effect of Etching Time on Optical and Thermal Properties of p-Type Porous Silicon Prepared by Electrical Anodisation Method
Authors: Behzad Kasra , Mat Yunus Wan Mahmood , Talib Zainal Abidin , Zakaria Azmi , Bahrami Afarin , Shahriari Esmaeil
Published: February 2012

The porous silicon (PSi) layers were formed on p-type silicon (Si) wafer. The six samples were anodised electrically with 30 mA/cm2 fixed current density for different etching times. The structural, optical, and thermal properties of porous silicon on silicon substrates were investigated by photoluminescence (PL), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The thickness and porosity of the layers were measured using the gravimetric method. The band gap of the samples was measured through the photoluminescence (PL) peak and absorption spectra, then they were compared. It shows that band gap value increases by raising the porosity. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was carried out for measuring the thermal diffusivity (TD) of the samples.
Integrity of the Oral Tissues in Patients with Solid-Organ Transplants
Authors: Rojas Gonzalo , Bravo Loreto , Cordero Karina , Sepúlveda Luis , Elgueta Leticia , Díaz Juan Carlos , Urzúa Blanca , Morales Irene
Published: January 2012

The relationship between the use of immunosuppressants in solid-organ transplant patients and oral tissue abnormalities has been recognized. The objective of this study was to determine the state of oral tissue integrity in renal, heart, and liver transplant patients who are on continuous medical and dental control. Forty patients of both sexes were clinically evaluated at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile to identify pathologies of oral mucosa, gingival enlargement (GE), decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, and salivary flow. The average age of the transplant subjects was 49.4 years, and the age range was 19 to 69 years. Most subjects maintained a good level of oral hygiene, and the rate mean of DMFT was 14.7. The degree of involvement of the oral mucosa and GE was low (10%). Unlike other studies, the frequency of oral mucosal diseases and GE was low despite the fact that these patients were immunosuppressed. Care and continuous monitoring seem to be of vital importance in maintaining the oral health of transplant patients.
Ethnopharmacokinetic- and Activity-Guided Isolation of a New Antidepressive Compound from Fructus Aurantii Found in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Chaihu-Shugan-San: A New Approach and Its Application
Authors: Fan Rong , Huang Xi , Wang Yang , Chen Xiao , Ren Ping , Ji Hui , Xie Ying , Zhang Yingjin , Huang Wei , Qiu Xinjian , Liu Zhaoqian , Zhou Honghao , Fan Lan , Gao Lichen
Published: February 2012

Aims. We aimed to identify an antidepressive compound found in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by a new approach called ethnopharmacokinetic- and activity-guided isolation (EAGI).Methods. The new approach targets an unknown chromatographic peak produced by an absorbed compound found in oral Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) taken by patients with depression. Once the compound was isolated from Fructus Aurantii (FA), spectral data was employed to identify the compound. The effects of this compound, FA, and CSS on depressive behaviors were investigated.Results. The identified compound was merazin hydrate (MH) according to the new approach. MH, FA, and CSS significantly reduced immobility time and increased locomotor activity. The effects of MH, FA and CSS were similar to Fluoxetine at high doses.Conclusion. MH, a compound whose antidepressive effect is similar to FA and CSS, was isolated for the first time from FA via targeting its corresponding unknown chromatographic peak, and its antidepressive effect was compared with FA or CSS. These findings highlight the potential for drug R&D and pharmacological research of ∼100,000 TCMs.
Pretransplant Fasting Glucose Predicts New-Onset Diabetes after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Carey Elizabeth J. , Aqel Bashar A. , Byrne Thomas J. , Douglas David D. , Rakela Jorge , Vargas Hugo E. , Moss Adyr A. , Mulligan David C. , Reddy K. Sudhakar , Chakkera Harini A.
Published: January 2012

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is common after liver transplant and associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for NODAT in liver transplant recipients off corticosteroids. In 225 adult nondiabetic liver transplant recipients, the mean age was 51.7 years, the majority were men (71%), and half had HCV (49%). The mean calculated MELD score at transplantation was 18.7, and 19% underwent living-donor transplant (LDLT). One year after transplantation, 17% developed NODAT, and an additional 16% had impaired fasting glucose. The incidence of NODAT in patients with HCV was 26%. In multivariate analysis, HCV, pretransplant FPG, and LDLT were significant. Each 10 mg/dL increase in pretransplant FPG was associated with a twofold increase in future development of NODAT. The incidence of NODAT after liver transplant in patients off corticosteroids is 17%. Risk factors for developing NODAT include HCV and pretransplant FPG; LDLT is protective.
Smoothness and Function Spaces Generated by Homogeneous Multipliers
Authors: Runovski Konstantin , Schmeisser Hans-Jürgen
Published: January 2012

Differential operators generated by homogeneous functionsψof an arbitrary real orders>0(ψ-derivatives) and related spaces ofs-smooth periodic functions ofdvariables are introduced and systematically studied. The obtained scale is compared with the scales of Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin spaces. Explicit representation formulas forψ-derivatives are obtained in terms of the Fourier transform of their generators. Some applications to approximation theory are discussed.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis or Giant Cell Myocarditis? On Treatment Improvement of Fulminant Myocarditis as Demonstrated by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bogabathina Hari , Olson Peter , Rathi Vikas K. , Biederman Robert W. W.
Published: January 2012

Giant cell myocarditis, but not cardiac sarcoidosis, is known to cause fulminant myocarditis resulting in severe heart failure. However, giant cell myocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis are pathologically similar, and attempts at pathological differentiation between the two remain difficult. We are presenting a case of fulminant myocarditis that has pathological features suggestive of cardiac sarcoidosis, but clinically mimicking giant cell myocarditis. This patient was treated with cyclosporine and prednisone and recovered well. This case we believe challenges our current understanding of these intertwined conditions. By obtaining a sense of severity of cardiac involvement via delayed hyperenhancement of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, we were more inclined to treat this patient as giant cell myocarditis with cyclosporine. This resulted in excellent improvement of patient’s cardiac function as shown by delayed hyperenhancement images, early perfusion images, and SSFP videos.
Investigations on the Plastic Instability in an HCP Mg-Li Alloy
Authors: Wang C. , Xu Y. B. , Han E. H.
Published: January 2012

Plastic instability is reported in hexagonal close-packed (HCP) LA41 magnesium alloy during tensile tests. Serration amplitude associated with plastic instability is measured to increase with increasing strain and decrease with increasing strain rate. The model of dynamic strain aging (DSA) is proposed to be the controlling mechanism. Moreover, it is reported that annealing could reduce the flow instability, which has potential practical applications.
Occult Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as a Frontal Bone Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Tahamtan Mahmoudreza , Mokhtari Maral , Pakbaz Sara , Tahamtan Mehdi
Published: February 2012

This is a rare case of metastatic follicular carcinoma of thyroid in a patient with no history of thyroid problem. A frontal bone mass was examined microscopically and showed the pattern of metastatic follicular carcinoma. Thyroid ultrasonography then revealed a nodule in left lobe. Total thyroidectomy was done for the patient and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Unilateral Trade Preferences in the EU: An Empirical Assessment for the Case of Mozambican Exports
Authors: Cirera Xavier , Alfieri Andrea
Published: January 2012

Unilateral trade preferences are one of the most important instruments offered by developed countries to foster developing country exports. This paper analyzes the impact of unilateral trade preferences on developing countries by focusing on the experience of Mozambique. In this paper, we analyze whether unilateral preferences offered by the EU are “valuable” for Mozambican exporters based on the impact on preferential margins, utilization rates, and export prices. We use a detailed dataset with cif unit values at HS8-digits level covering the period 2000–2007. Our findings indicate that (i) for a large number of product lines, export margins are zero; (ii) utilization rates are generally high; however, (iii) this does not translate into a positive price margins captured by Mozambican exporters compared to MFN competitors. These findings cast doubts on the “value” of preferences and their potential impact on developing country exports.
Single‐Crystal MgO Hollow Nanospheres Formed in RF Impulse Discharge Plasmas
Authors: Iizuka Satoru , Muraoka Takumasa
Published: February 2012

Spherical MgO nanoparticles with a hollow inside, that is, MgO hollow nanospheres, were created in Ar/O2 plasma produced by radio frequency (RF) impulse discharge using a Mg rod electrode. The hollow nanospheres were found on the SiO2 plates placed near the powered Mg electrode. The electron refraction pattern showed that each nanosphere was made of a single crystal of MgO. Since the shape was spherical, these nanoparticles seemed to be created during the levitation in the plasma without touching any walls. The formation mechanism with a quasiliquid cooling model was also discussed.
A New Iterative Scheme for Generalized Mixed Equilibrium, Variational Inequality Problems, and a Zero Point of Maximal Monotone Operators
Authors: Wattanawitoon Kriengsak , Kumam Poom
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new iterative scheme for finding a common
element of the set of solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems, the set of solutions of
variational inequality problems, the zero point of maximal monotone operators, and the set of two
countable families of quasi‐ϕ‐nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. Moreover, the strong convergence
theorems of this method are established under the suitable conditions of the parameter imposed
on the algorithm. Finally, we apply our results to finding a zero point of inverse‐strongly monotone
operators and complementarity problems. Our results presented in this paper improve and extend
the recently results by many others.
Sesquiterpene Lactones Isolated fromElephantopus scaberL. Inhibits Human Lymphocyte Proliferation and the Growth of Tumour Cell Lines and Induces ApoptosisIn Vitro
Authors: Geetha B. S. , Nair Mangalam S. , Latha P. G. , Remani P.
Published: February 2012

This study was designed to isolate the compounds responsible for the cytotoxic properties of South IndianElephantopus scaberL. and further investigate their effects on quiescent and proliferating cells. Bioassay-guided isolation of the whole plant of chloroform extract of South IndianElephantopus scaberafforded the known sesquiterpene lactone, deoxyelephantopin, and isodeoxyelephantopin whose structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. These compounds caused a dose dependent reduction in the viability of L-929 tumour cells in 72 h culture (IC50value of 2.7 μg/mL and 3.3 μg/mL) by the cell viability assay. Both the compounds act selectively on quiescent and PHA-stimulated proliferating human lymphocytes and inhibited tritiated thymidine incorporation into cellular DNA of DLA tumour cells. The compound deoxyelephantopin at a concentration of 3 μg/mL caused maximum apoptotic cells. It also exhibited significantin vivoantitumour efficacy against DLA tumour cells. The results, therefore, indicate that the antiproliferative property of deoxyelephantopin and isodeoxyelephantopin could be used in regimens for treating tumors with extensive proliferative potencies.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia Treated with Lower-Dose Palivizumab in a Heart Transplant Recipient
Authors: Grodin J. L. , Wu K. S. , Kitchell E. E. , Le J. , Mishkin J. D. , Drazner M. H. , Markham D. W.
Published: January 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important community-acquired pathogen that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients who have compromised pulmonary function, are elderly, or are immunosuppressed. This paper describes a 70-year-old man with a remote history of heart transplantation who presented with signs and symptoms of pneumonia. Chest computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated new patchy ground glass infiltrates throughout the upper and lower lobes of the left lung, and the RSV direct fluorescence antibody (DFA) was positive. The patient received aerosolized ribavirin, one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin, and one dose of palivizumab. After two months of followup, the patient had improved infiltrates on chest CT, improved pulmonary function testing, and no evidence of graft rejection or dysfunction. There are few data on RSV infections in heart transplant patients, but this case highlights the importance of considering this potentially serious infection and introduces a novel method of treatment.
Pentoxifylline Attenuates Methionine- and Choline-Deficient-Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis by Suppressing TNF-αExpression and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Chae Min Kyung , Park Sang Gyu , Song Sun-Ok , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong Soo , Lee Hyun Chul , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: January 2012

Background. Pentoxifylline (PTX) anti-TNF properties are known to exert hepatoprotective effects in various liver injury models. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PTX has beneficial roles in the development of methionine- and choline-deficient-(MCD-) diet-induced NAFLD SD ratsin vivoand TNF-α-induced Hep3B cellsin vitro.Methods. SD Rats were classified according to diet (chow or MCD diet) and treatment (normal saline or PTX injection) over a period of 4 weeks: group I (chow + saline,n=4), group II (chow + PTX), group III (MCD + saline), and group IV (MCD + PTX). Hep3B cells were treated with 100 ng/ml TNF-α(24 h) in the absence or presence of PTX (1 mM).Results. PTX attenuated MCD-diet-induced serum ALT levels and hepatic steatosis. In real-time PCR and western blotting analysis, PTX decreased MCD-diet-induced TNF-alpha mRNA expression and proapoptotic unfolded protein response by ER stress (GRP78, p-eIF2, ATF4, IRE1α, CHOP, and p-JNK activation)in vivo. PTX (1 mM) reduced TNF-α-induced activation of GRP78, p-eIF2, ATF4, IRE1α, and CHOPin vitro.Conclusion. PTX has beneficial roles in the development of MCD-diet-induced steatohepatitis through partial suppression of TNF-αand ER stress.
Effectiveness of the Novel Herbal Medicine, KIOM-MA, and Its Bioconversion Product, KIOM-MA128, on the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Chung Tae Ho , Kang Tae Jin , Cho Won-Kyung , Im Ga Young , Lee Geum Seon , Yang Min Cheol , Cho Chang-Won , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: February 2012

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, KIOM-MA, and itsLactobacillus acidophilus-fermented product, KIOM-MA128, has therapeutic properties for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Using AD-induced BALB/c mice by Ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, the effectiveness of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 on AD was evaluated. Oral administration of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 reduced major clinical signs of AD including erythema/darkening, edema/papulation, excoriations, lichenification/prurigo, and dryness. Interestingly, KIOM-MA128 more significantly improved AD-related symptoms including decrease of IgE level in the plasma as well as reduction of scratching behavior, skin severity in the AD BALB/c model. HPLC analysis showed the significant changes in the constituent patterns between KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128. Our results suggest that both KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 have potential for therapeutic reagent for the treatment of AD, and further, the efficacy is significantly enhanced byL. acidophilusfermentation via increases in its indicator molecule.
Experimental Investigation of the Energy Needs for a Conventionally and an Infrared-Heated Greenhouse
Authors: Kavga A. , Alexopoulos G. , Bontozoglou V. , Pantelakis S. , Panidis Th.
Published: January 2012

Infrared (IR) heating as alternative to forced air heating has been studied experimentally for 70 days in two identical, small-scale, experimental greenhouses. The two heating options were implemented with four IR electric lamps and an electric forced air heater correspondingly. The microclimate in the greenhouses was monitored with thermocouples. Parameters characterizing the outdoors macroclimate were also monitored. Lettuce was used as the test crop, and the two heating systems were operated automatically to maintain a suitable reference temperature at the canopy. The investigation focused on night heating needs. Results indicated that the internal air temperature in the IR-heated greenhouse was always kept several degrees lower than the value targeted for the canopy. This lower temperature resulted in 43% average energy savings for the IR-heated greenhouse, compared to the conventionally heated one. A simple numerical model was used to estimate the potential energy savings in a production-scale greenhouse.
A Novel GTS Mechanism for Reliable Multihop Transmission in the IEEE 802.15.4 Network
Authors: Choi WoongChul , Lee SeokMin
Published: January 2012

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard provides Guaranteed Time Slot (GTS) mechanism for reliable transmission. GTS mechanism is suitable for transmitting time-sensitive data because it allocates time slots to a specific node. However, the GTS mechanism in the standard can be used only for one-hop communication. This paper proposes and implements a multihop GTS mechanism for reliable transmission in multihop networks. Simulation results using NS-2 show that low delay and high delivery ratio can be achieved using the proposed mechanism.
Renoprotective Effects of AVE0991, a Nonpeptide Mas Receptor Agonist, in Experimental Acute Renal Injury
Authors: Barroso Lívia Corrêa , Silveira Kátia Daniela , Lima Cristiano Xavier , Borges Valdinéria , Bader Michael , Rachid Milene , Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Souza Danielle Gloria , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , Teixeira Mauro Martins
Published: January 2012

Renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is the major cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients. Mechanisms underlying reperfusion-associated injury include recruitment and activation of leukocytes and release of inflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the renal effects of acute administration of AVE0991, an agonist of Mas, the angiotensin-(1–7) receptor, the angiotensin-(1–7) receptor, in a murine model of renal I/R. Male C57BL/6 wild-type or Mas−/−mice were subjected to 30 min of bilateral ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. Administration of AVE0991 promoted renoprotective effects, as seen by improvement of function, decreased tissue injury, prevention of local and remote leucocyte infiltration, and release of the chemokine, CXCL1. I/R injury was similar in WT and Mas−/−mice, suggesting that endogenous activation of this receptor does not control renal damage under baseline conditions. In conclusion, pharmacological interventions using Mas receptor agonists may represent a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of renal I/R injury.
A Unified Method of Analysis for Queues with Markovian Arrivals
Authors: Chydzinski Andrzej
Published: February 2012

We deal with finite‐buffer queueing systems fed by a Markovian point
process. This class includes the queues of type M/G/1/N, MX/G/1/N, PH/G/1/N,
MMPP/G/1/N, MAP/G/1/N, and BMAP/G/1/N and is commonly used in the performance evaluation of network traffic buffering processes. Typically, such queueing
systems are studied in the stationary regime using matrix‐analytic methods connected with M/G/1‐type Markov processes. Herein, another method for finding
transient and stationary characteristics of these queues is presented. The approach
is based on finding a closed‐form formula for the Laplace transform of the time‐dependent performance measure of interest. The method can be used for finding
all basic characteristics like queue size distribution, workload distribution, loss ratio, time to buffer overflow, and so forth. To demonstrate this, several examples for different
combinations of arrival processes and characteristics are presented. In addition, the
most complex results are illustrated via numerical calculations based on an IP traffic
parameterization.
Real-Time Compressive Sensing MRI Reconstruction Using GPU Computing and Split Bregman Methods
Authors: Smith David S. , Gore John C. , Yankeelov Thomas E. , Welch E. Brian
Published: February 2012

Compressive sensing (CS) has been shown to enable dramatic acceleration of MRI acquisition in some applications. Being an iterative reconstruction technique, CS MRI reconstructions can be more time-consuming than traditional inverse Fourier reconstruction. We have accelerated our CS MRI reconstruction by factors of up to 27 by using a split Bregman solver combined with a graphics processing unit (GPU) computing platform. The increases in speed we find are similar to those we measure for matrix multiplication on this platform, suggesting that the split Bregman methods parallelize efficiently. We demonstrate that the combination of the rapid convergence of the split Bregman algorithm and the massively parallel strategy of GPU computing can enable real-time CS reconstruction of even acquisition data matrices of dimension 40962or more, depending on available GPU VRAM. Reconstruction of two-dimensional data matrices of dimension 10242and smaller took ~0.3 s or less, showing that this platform also provides very fast iterative reconstruction for small-to-moderate size images.
Surface-Enhanced Oxidation and Determination of Isothipendyl Hydrochloride at an Electrochemical Sensing Film Constructed by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Prashanth S. N. , Kalanur Shankara S. , Teradal Nagappa L. , Seetharamappa J.
Published: January 2012

The electrochemical behavior of isothipendyl hydrochloride (IPH) was investigated at bare and multiwalled-carbon-nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT-GCE). IPH (55 μM) showed two oxidation peaks in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer of pH 7.0. The oxidation process of IPH was observed to be irreversible over the pH range of 2.5–9.0. The influence of pH, scan rate, and concentration of the drug on anodic peak was studied. A differential pulse voltammetric method with good precision and accuracy was developed for the determination of IPH in pure and biological fluids. The peak current was found to be linearly dependent on the concentration of IPH in the range of 1.25–55 μM. The values of limit of detection and limit of quantification were noticed to be 0.284 and 0.949 μM, respectively.
Heat Transfer to MHD Oscillatory Viscoelastic Flow in a Channel Filled with Porous Medium
Authors: Choudhury Rita , Das Utpal Jyoti
Published: January 2012

The combined effect of a transverse magnetic field and radiative heat transfer on unsteady flow of a conducting optically thin viscoelastic fluid through a channel filled with saturated porous medium and nonuniform walls temperature has been discussed. It is assumed that the fluid has small electrical conductivity and the electromagnetic force produced is very small. Closed-form analytical solutions are constructed for the problem. The effects of the radiation and the magnetic field parameters on velocity profile and shear stress for different values of the viscoelastic parameter with the combination of the other flow parameters are illustrated graphically, and physical aspects of the problem are discussed.
Wavelet‐Galerkin Method for Identifying an Unknown Source Term in a Heat Equation
Authors: Dou Fangfang
Published: January 2012

We consider the problem of identification of the unknown source in a heat equation. The problem is ill posed in the sense that the solution (if it exists) does not depend continuously on the data. Meyer wavelets have the property that their Fourier transform has compact support. Therefore, by expanding the data and the solution in the basis of the Meyer wavelets, high‐frequency components can be filtered away. Under the additional assumptions concerning the smoothness of the solution, we discuss the stability and convergence of a wavelet‐Galerkin method for the source identification problem. Numerical examples are presented to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
Effect of the on/off Cycling Modulation Time Ratio of C2H2/SF6 Flows on the Formation of Geometrically Controlled Carbon Coils
Authors: Jeon Young-Chul , Eum Jun-Ho , Kim Sung-Hoon , Park Jung-Chul , Ahn Sung Il
Published: February 2012

Carbon coils could be synthesized using C2H2/H2 as source gases and SF6 as an incorporated additive gas under thermal chemical vapor deposition system. Nickel catalyst layer deposition and then hydrogen plasma pretreatment were performed prior to the carbon coils deposition reaction. To obtain the geometrically controlled carbon coils, the cycling on/off modulation process for C2H2/SF6 flows was introduced during the initial reaction. According to the different reaction processes, the different cycling on/off ratio and the different cycling numbers for C2H2/SF6 flows were carried out. The characteristics (formation density, morphology, and geometry) of the deposited carbon coils on the substrate were investigated. Microsized coils as well as nanosized coils could be existed under the higher growing/etching time ratio (180/30 s) condition. On the other hand, the formation of nanosized coils could be mainly observed under the lower growing/etching time ratio (30/180 s) condition. With increasing the numbers of cycles, the diameters of carbon nanofilaments composed the coils decreased. The enhanced etching ability by the fluorine species was considered the main cause to control the geometry of carbon coils according to the growing/etching time ratio of the cycling on/off modulation process for C2H2/SF6 flows.
Exploiting the Interplay between Innate and Adaptive Immunity to Improve Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Epstein-Barr-Virus-Driven Disorders
Authors: Martorelli Debora , Muraro Elena , Merlo Anna , Turrini Riccardo , Faè Damiana Antonia , Rosato Antonio , Dolcetti Riccardo
Published: January 2012

The recent demonstration that immunotherapeutic approaches may be clinically effective for cancer patients has renewed the interest for this strategy of intervention. In particular, clinical trials using adoptive T-cell therapies disclosed encouraging results, particularly in the context of Epstein-Barr-virus- (EBV-) related tumors. Nevertheless, the rate of complete clinical responses is still limited, thus stimulating the development of more effective therapeutic protocols. Considering the relevance of innate immunity in controlling both infections and cancers, innovative immunotherapeutic approaches should take into account also this compartment to improve clinical efficacy. Evidence accumulated so far indicates that innate immunity effectors, particularly NK cells, can be exploited with therapeutic purposes and new targets have been recently identified. We herein review the complex interactions between EBV and innate immunity and summarize the therapeutic strategies involving both adaptive and innate immune system, in the light of a fruitful integration between these immunotherapeutic modalities for a better control of EBV-driven tumors.
Zerumbone, a Southeast Asian Ginger Sesquiterpene, Induced Apoptosis of Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells through p53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Songyan , Liu Qiaojing , Liu Yanju , Qiao Hong , Liu Yu
Published: January 2012

Pancreatic carcinoma is one common cancer with gradually increasing incidence during the past several decades. However, currently the candidate drugs to suppress pancreatic cancer remain lacking. This research was carried out to investigate if zerumbone, a natural cyclic sesquiterpene isolated from Zingiber zerumbet Smith, will produce the anticancer effects on pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. The results showed that zerumbone concentration, and time, dependently produced inhibitory actions on cell viability of PANC-1 cells. In addition, Hoechst 33342, AO/EB, TUNEL staining, and caspase-3 activity assay further showed that zerumbone induced apoptosis of PANC-1 cells. The expression of p53 protein was markedly upregulated, and the p21 level was also obviously elevated in zerumbone-treated PANC-1 cells. Moreover, ROS production was increased by about 149% in PANC-1 cells treated by zerumbone 30 μM. Zerumbone also produced the same antitumor activity in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines SW1990 and AsPC-1. In summary, we found that zerumbone was able to induce apoptosis of pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, indicating to be a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Produced by Sphingosine Kinase 1 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Stimulating Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Nagahashi Masayuki , Ramachandran Subramaniam , Kim Eugene Y. , Allegood Jeremy C. , Rashid Omar M. , Yamada Akimitsu , Zhao Renping , Milstien Sheldon , Zhou Huiping , Spiegel Sarah , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: February 2012

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator that promotes breast cancer progression by diverse mechanisms that remain somewhat unclear. Here we report pharmacologic evidence of a critical role for sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) in producing S1P and mediating tumor-induced hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in a murine model of breast cancer metastasis. S1P levels increased both in the tumor and the circulation. In agreement, serum S1P levels were significantly elevated in stage IIIA human breast cancer patients, compared with age/ethnicity-matched healthy volunteers. However, treatment with the specific SphK1 inhibitor SK1-I suppressed S1P levels, reduced metastases to lymph nodes and lungs, and decreased overall tumor burden of our murine model. Both S1P and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) stimulated hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vitro, whereas SK1-I inhibited each process. We quantified both processes in vivo from the same specimen by combining directed in vivo angiogenesis assays with fluorescence-activated cell sorting, thereby confirming the results obtained in vitro. Notably, SK1-I decreased both processes not only at the primary tumor but also in lymph nodes, with peritumoral lymphatic vessel density reduced in SK1-I–treated animals. Taken together, our findings show that SphK1-produced S1P is a crucial mediator of breast cancer–induced hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Our results implicate SphK1 along with S1P as therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Cancer Res; 72(3); 726–35. ©2012 AACR.
Modulation of Glucose Metabolism by CD44 Contributes to Antioxidant Status and Drug Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Tamada Mayumi , Nagano Osamu , Tateyama Seiji , Ohmura Mitsuyo , Yae Toshifumi , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Sugihara Eiji , Onishi Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Takehiro , Yanagawa Hiroshi , Suematsu Makoto , Saya Hideyuki
Published: February 2012

An increased glycolytic flux accompanied by activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is implicated in chemoresistance of cancer cells. In this study, we found that CD44, a cell surface marker for cancer stem cells, interacts with pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and thereby enhances the glycolytic phenotype of cancer cells that are either deficient in p53 or exposed to hypoxia. CD44 ablation by RNA interference increased metabolic flux to mitochondrial respiration and concomitantly inhibited entry into glycolysis and the PPP. Such metabolic changes induced by CD44 ablation resulted in marked depletion of cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species in glycolytic cancer cells. Furthermore, CD44 ablation enhanced the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs in p53-deficient or hypoxic cancer cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that metabolic modulation by CD44 is a potential therapeutic target for glycolytic cancer cells that manifest drug resistance. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1438–48. ©2012 AACR.