bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and promoter analysis of crustacean heat shock protein 10 in Scylla paramemosain
Authors: Ding Jian , Chen Fang-Yi , Ren Shi-Ying , Qiao Kun , Chen Bei , Wang Ke-Jian
Published: May 2013

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are an evolutionarily conserved group of molecules present in all eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Hsp10 and Hsp60 were originally described as the essential mitochondrial proteins involved in protein folding. Recent studies demonstrate that Hsp10 has additional roles including immune modulation. In our study, an homologous Hsp10 (Sp-Hsp10) was identified in the mud crab Scylla paramemosain, and its genomic DNA organization was determined. The cDNA sequence of Sp-Hsp10 contains an open reading frame of 309 bp, encoding a putative protein of 102 amino acid residues with approximately 10 kDa. The Sp-Hsp10 gene is located next to the Sp-Hsp60 gene and shares a 1916-bp intergenic region. The promoter activity of the Sp-Hsp10 flanking gene was analyzed using luciferase reporter assays in transfected endothelial progenitor cells. The upregulation of Sp-Hsp10 expression was detected after exposure of hemocytes to a heat shock of 1 h at 37 °C compared with unstressed hemocytes raised at 20 °C. To our knowledge, this is the first report characterizing the genomic organization of a new Hsp10 in a crustacean.
DYNAMICAL FEATURES OF SHANNON INFORMATION ENTROPY OF BOSONIC CLOUD IN A TIGHT TRAP
Authors: HALDAR SUDIP KUMAR , CHAKRABARTI BARNALI
Published: May 2013

We calculate Shannon information entropy of trapped interacting bosons in both the position and momentum spaces, Sr and Sk, respectively. The total entropy maintains the functional form S = a + b ln N for repulsive bosons. At the noninteracting limit the lower bound of entropic uncertainty relation is also satisfied whereas the diverging behavior of Sr and Sk at the critical point of collapse for attractive condensate accurately calculates the stability factor. Next we study the dynamics of Shannon information entropy with varying interparticle potential. We numerically solve the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation and study the influence of increasing nonlinearity in the dynamics of entropy uncertainty relation (EUR). We observe that for small nonlinearity the dynamics is regular. With increase in nonlinearity although Shannon entropy shows large variation in amplitude of the oscillation, the EUR is maintained throughout time for all cases and it confirms its generality. We also study the dynamics in a very tight trap when the condensate becomes highly correlated and strongly inhomogeneous. Time evolution of total entropy exhibits aperiodic and fluctuating nature in very tight trap. We also calculate Landsberg's order parameter for various interaction strengths which supports earlier observation that entropy and order are decoupled.
HEAT TRANSPORT IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SLAB GEOMETRY AND THE TEMPERATURE PROFILE OF INGEN-HAUSZ'S EXPERIMENT
Authors: ACHARYA SHILADITYA , MUKHERJEE KRISHNENDU
Published: May 2013

We study the transport of heat in a three-dimensional, harmonic crystal of slab geometry whose boundaries and the intermediate surfaces are connected to stochastic, white noise heat baths at different temperatures. Heat baths at the intermediate surfaces are required to fix the initial state of the slab in respect of its surroundings. We allow the flow of energy fluxes between the intermediate surfaces and the attached baths and impose conditions that relate the widths of Gaussian noises of the intermediate baths. The radiated heat obeys Newton's law of cooling when intermediate baths collectively constitute the environment surrounding the slab. We show that Fourier's law holds in the continuum limit. We obtain an exponentially falling temperature profile from high to low temperature end of the slab and this very nature of the profile was already confirmed by Ingen-Hausz's experiment. Temperature profile of similar nature is also obtained in the one-dimensional version of this model.
THE 1D HEISENBERG ANTIFERROMAGNET MODEL BY THE VARIATION AFTER PROJECTION METHOD
Authors: RABHI AZIZ , BRAJCZEWSKA MARTA , SCHUCK PETER , DA PROVIDÊNCIA JOÃO , BENNACEUR RAOUF
Published: May 2013

The four site and eight site 1D anti-ferromagnetic Heisenberg chains in the Jordan–Wigner representation are investigated within the standard Hartree–Fock and random phase approximation (RPA) approaches, both in the symmetry unbroken and in the symmetry broken phases. A translation invariant groundstate, obtained by the projection method as a linear combination of a symmetry-broken HF state and its image under reflection, is also considered, for each chain type. It is found that the projection method considerably improves the HF treatment for instance as far as the groundstate energy is concerned, but also with respect to the RPA energies. The results are furthermore confronted with the ones obtained within so-called SCRPA scheme.
VERY HIGH HYDROGEN STORAGE CAPACITY OF AL-ADSORBED SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE (SWCNT): MULTI-LAYERED STRUCTURE OF HYDROGEN MOLECULES
Authors: WANG HUAILONG , CHENG XINLU , ZHANG HONG , TANG YONGJIAN
Published: May 2013

The density functional theory (DFT) is used to investigate the adsorption of H 2 molecules on the Al-adsorbed single-walled carbon nanotube (Al-SWCNT) and the hydrogen storage capacity. The most stable position for the Al atoms adsorbed on the outer surface of SWCNT is confirmed with the binding energy of -2.510 eV. The research results indicate that the hydrogen storage capacity can be greatly improved when the adsorbed H 2 molecules are arranged into a layered structure, and the analyzing of electronic density also supports this point. It is found that the H 2 molecules can be absorbed in six layers at most with a suitable average binding energy of -0.131 eV / H 2, and the hydrogen storage capacity of Al-(7, 7) SWCNT ( Al 7 C 70) is approximately 28.0 wt% which is much higher than the DOE's target.
DYNAMIC TRANSITION AND RESONANCE IN COUPLED OSCILLATORS UNDER SYMMETRY-BREAKING FIELDS
Authors: CHOI J. , CHOI M. Y. , CHUNG M. S. , YOON B.-G.
Published: May 2013

We investigate numerically the dynamic properties of a system of globally coupled oscillators driven by periodic symmetry-breaking fields in the presence of noise. The phase distribution of the oscillators is computed and a dynamic transition is disclosed. It is further found that the stochastic resonance is closely related to the behavior of the dynamic order parameter, which is in turn explained by the formation of a bi-cluster in the system. Here noise tends to symmetrize the motion of the oscillators, facilitating the bi-cluster formation. The observed resonance appears to be of the same class as the resonance present in the two-dimensional Ising model under oscillating fields.
UNAVOIDABLE CMB SPECTRAL FEATURES AND BLACKBODY PHOTOSPHERE OF OUR UNIVERSE
Authors: SUNYAEV RASHID A. , KHATRI RISHI
Published: May 2013

Spectral features in the CMB energy spectrum contain a wealth of information about the physical processes in the early Universe, z ≲ 2 × 106. The CMB spectral distortions are complementary to all other probes of cosmology. In fact, most of the information contained in the CMB spectrum is inaccessible by any other means. This review outlines the main physics behind the spectral features in the CMB throughout the history of the Universe, concentrating on the distortions which are inevitable and must be present at a level observable by the next generation of proposed CMB experiments. The spectral distortions considered here include spectral features from cosmological recombination, resonant scattering of CMB by metals during reionization which allows us to measure their abundances, y-type distortions during and after reionization and μ-type and i-type (intermediate between μ and y) distortions created at redshifts z ≳ 1.5 × 104.
Apoptosis in cancer cells induced by photodynamic treatment – a methodological approach
Authors: Kiesslich Tobias , Tortik Nicole , Pichler Martin , Neureiter Daniel , Plaetzer Kristjan
Published: May 2013

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is approved for clinical indications including several (pre-) cancers of the skin and solid tumors of the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. It operates by an acute cellular response caused by oxidation of cell components following light-induced and photosensitizer-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species. By this, PDT is capable of inducing the major types of cytotoxic responses: autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. As excited photosensitizer molecules react rather non-specifically with neighboring molecules, we suggest that with PDT and most (if not any) cell-localizing photosensitizers, all kinds of cellular responses can be provoked — following a strict dose-dependency, i.e. a transition from survival, over apoptosis to necrosis depending on the applied photosensitizer concentration or light dose. In this review, we briefly discuss (i) the types of cell death induced by PDT focusing on apoptosis induction, (ii) a simple experimental approach to quickly assess the dose-dependent phototoxic responses based on viability assays, and (iii) an overview of in vitro apoptosis detection methods for further in depth analyses. With this conceptual framework, we attempt to provide a rational experimental approach for initial in vitro, cell-based characterization of newly synthesized photosensitizers or formulations thereof — thus to plug the gap between subsequent in vivo evaluation and the preceding fundamental (physico-)chemical work devoted to the improvement of photosensitizing drugs based on mainly porphyrins, phthalocyanines and their derivatives.
Structural Studies of RNase P
Authors: Mondragón Alfonso
Published: May 2013

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is one of the first ribozymes discovered and it is found in all phylogenetic groups. It is responsible for processing the 5′ end of pre-tRNAs as well as other RNA molecules. RNase P is formed by an RNA molecule responsible for catalysis and one or more proteins. Structural studies of the proteins from different organisms, the bacterial RNA component, and a bacterial RNase P holoenzyme/tRNA complex provide insights into the mechanism of this universal ribozyme. Together with the existing wealth of biochemical information, these studies provide atomic-level information on the mechanism of RNase P and continue to expand our understanding of the structure and architecture of large RNA molecules and ribonucleoprotein complexes, the nature of catalysis by ribozymes, the structural basis of recognition of RNA by RNA molecules, and the evolution of enzymes from the prebiotic, RNA-based world to the modern world.
NHE8 plays an important role in mucosal protection via its effect on bacterial adhesion
Authors: Liu Chang , Xu Hua , Zhang Bo , Johansson Malin E. V. , Li Jing , Hansson Gunnar C. , Ghishan Fayez K.
Published: May 2013

The Na+/H+ exchanger NHE8 is expressed on the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells and is particularly abundant in the colon. Our previous study showed that Muc2 expression was significantly reduced in NHE8-knockout (NHE8−/−) mice, suggesting that NHE8 plays a role in mucosal protection in the colon. The current study confirms and extends our studies on the role of NHE8 in mucosal protection. The number of bacteria attached on the distal colon was significantly increased in NHE8−/− mice compared with their wild-type littermates. As expected, IL-4 expression was markedly increased in NHE8−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Immunohistochemistry showed disorganization in the mucin layer of NHE8−/− mice, suggesting a possible direct bacteria-epithelia interaction. Furthermore, NHE8−/− mice were susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate-induced mucosal injury. In wild-type mice, dextran sodium sulfate treatment inhibited colonic NHE8 expression. In Caco-2 cells, the absence of NHE8 expression resulted in higher adhesion rates of Salmonella typhimurium but not Lactobacillus plantarum. Similarly, in vivo, S. typhimurium adhesion rate was increased in NHE8−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Our study suggests that NHE8 plays important roles in protecting intestinal epithelia from infectious bacterial adherence.
Altered phenotypic gene expression of 10T1/2 mesenchymal cells in nonuniformly stretched PEGDA hydrogels
Authors: Richardson W. J. , Wilson E. , Moore J. E.
Published: May 2013

Disease-related phenotype modulation of many cell types has been shown to be closely related to mechanical loading conditions; for example, vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype shift from a mature, contractile state to a proliferative, synthetic state contributes to the formation of neointimal tissue during atherosclerosis and restenosis development and is related to SMC mechanical loading in vivo. The majority of past in vitro cell-stretching experiments have employed simplistic (uniform, uniaxial or biaxial) stretching environments to elucidate mechanobiological pathways involved in phenotypic shifts. However, the in vivo mechanics of the vascular wall consists of highly nonuniform stretch. Here we subjected 10T1/2 murine mesenchymal cells (an SMC precursor) to two- and three-dimensional nonuniform stretch environments. After 24 h of stretch, cells on an elastomeric membrane demonstrated varied proliferation [assessed by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation] depending on location upon the membrane, with maximal proliferation occurring in a region of high, uniaxial stretch. Cells subjected to a nonuniform stretching regimen within three-dimensional polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel constructs demonstrated marked changes in mRNA expression of several phenotype-related proteins, indicating a sort of “hybrid” phenotype with contractile and synthetic markers being both upregulated and downregulated. Furthermore, expression levels of mRNAs were significantly different between various locations within the stretched gel. With the proliferation results, these data exhibit the capability of nonuniform stretching devices to induce heterogeneous cell responses, potentially indicative of spatial distributions of disease-related behaviors in vivo.
Similar efficacy of human banked milk and bovine colostrum to decrease incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm piglets
Authors: Jensen Michael L. , Sangild Per T. , Lykke Mikkel , Schmidt Mette , Boye Mette , Jensen Bent B. , Thymann Thomas
Published: May 2013

Preterm birth and formula feeding predispose to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. As mother's milk is often absent following preterm delivery, infant formula (IF) and human donor milk (HM) are frequently used as alternatives. We have previously shown that porcine and bovine colostrum (BC) provide similar NEC protection in preterm piglets relative to IF. We hypothesized that HM exerts similar effects and that this effect is partly species-independent. Preterm piglets ( n = 40) received 2 days of total parenteral nutrition, followed by a rapid transition to full enteral feeding (15 ml·kg−1·2 h−1) for 2 days using BC ( n = 13), HM ( n = 13), or IF ( n = 14). Intestinal passage time and hexose absorption were tested in vivo. Body and organ weights were recorded on day 5, and macroscopic NEC lesions in the gastrointestinal tract were assessed. Intestinal samples were collected for determination of histomorphology, histopathology, tissue IL-6 and IL-8, organic acids, bacterial adherence by fluorescence in situ hybridization score, and digestive enzyme activities. Relative to IF, pigs from BC and HM showed longer intestinal passage time; higher weight gain, hexose absorptive capacity, mucosal proportion, and enzyme activities; lower NEC incidence, organic acid concentration, and IL-8 concentration; and reduced histopathology lesions. Tissue IL-6 concentration and bacterial adherence score were lower for HM, relative to both BC and IF groups. We conclude that BC and HM are both superior to IF in stimulating gut structure, function, and NEC resistance in preterm piglets. BC may be a relevant alternative to HM when mother's milk is unavailable during the first week after preterm birth.
Dim light at night interacts with intermittent hypoxia to alter cognitive and affective responses
Authors: Aubrecht Taryn G. , Weil Zachary M. , Magalang Ulysses J. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: May 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and dim light at night (dLAN) have both been independently associated with alterations in mood and cognition. We aimed to determine whether dLAN would interact with intermittent hypoxia (IH), a condition characteristic of OSA, to alter the behavioral, cognitive, and affective responses. Adult male mice were housed in either standard lighting conditions (14:10-h light-dark cycle; 150 lux:0 lux) or dLAN (150 lux:5 lux). Mice were then exposed to IH (15 cycles/h, 8 h/day, FiO2 nadir of 5%) for 3 wk, then tested in assays of affective and cognitive responses; brains were collected for dendritic morphology and PCR analysis. Exposure to dLAN and IH increased anxiety-like behaviors, as assessed in the open field, elevated plus maze, and the light/dark box. dLAN and IH increased depressive-like behaviors in the forced swim test. IH impaired learning and memory performance in the passive avoidance task; however, no differences were observed in spatial working memory, as assessed by y-maze or object recognition. IH combined with dLAN decreased cell body area in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Overall, IH decreased apical spine density in the CA3, whereas dLAN decreased spine density in the CA1 of the hippocampus. TNF-α gene expression was not altered by IH or lighting condition, whereas VEGF expression was increased by dLAN. The combination of IH and dLAN provokes negative effects on hippocampal dendritic morphology, affect, and cognition, suggesting that limiting nighttime exposure to light in combination with other established treatments may be of benefit to patients with OSA.
Obesity-metabolic derangement preserves hemodynamics but promotes intrarenal adiposity and macrophage infiltration in swine renovascular disease
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Zi-Lun , Woollard John R. , Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Crane John A. , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Pawar Aditya S. , Krier James D. , Jordan Kyra L. , Tang Hui , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: May 2013

Obesity-metabolic disorders (ObM) often accompany renal artery stenosis (RAS). We hypothesized that the coexistence of ObM and RAS magnifies inflammation and microvascular remodeling in the stenotic kidney (STK) and aggravates renal scarring. Twenty-eight obesity-prone Ossabaw pigs were studied after 16 wk of a high-fat/high-fructose diet or standard chow including ObM-sham, ObM-RAS, Lean-RAS, or Lean-sham (normal control) groups. Single-kidney renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed by multidetector computed tomography (CT), renal oxygenation and tubular transport capability by blood-oxygen-level-dependent MRI, and microcirculation by micro-CT for vessel density, and Western blotting for protein expressions of angiogenic factors (VEGF/FLK-1). Renal vein and inferior vena cava levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured to evaluate systemic and kidney inflammation. Macrophage (MØ) infiltration and subpopulations, fat deposition in the kidney, and inflammation in perirenal and abdominal fat were also examined. GFR and RBF were decreased in Lean-STK but relatively preserved in ObM-STK. However, ObM-STK showed impaired tubular transport function, suppressed microcirculation, and stimulated glomerulosclerosis. ObM diet interacted with RAS to blunt angiogenesis in the STK, facilitated the release of inflammatory cytokines, and led to greater oxidative stress than Lean-STK. The ObM diet also induced fat deposition in the kidney and infiltration of proinflammatory M1-MØ, as also in perirenal and abdominal fat. Coexistence of ObM and RAS amplifies renal inflammation, aggravates microvascular remodeling, and accelerates glomerulosclerosis. Increased adiposity and MØ-accentuated inflammation induced by an ObM diet may contribute to structural injury in the post-STK kidney.
Nitric oxide-angiotensin II interactions and renal hemodynamic function in patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes
Authors: Montanari Alberto , Pelà Giovanna , Musiari Luisa , Crocamo Antonio , Boeti Luisella , Cabassi Aderville , Biggi Almerina , Cherney David Z.
Published: May 2013

The objective is to elucidate the effect of nitric oxide (NO)-renin-angiotensin system (RAS) interactions on renal hemodynamic function in uncomplicated, type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). In 14 salt-replete, male healthy volunteers (C) and 9 male DM patients on euglycemia, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), filtration fraction (FF), and sodium excretion (UNaV) were measured at baseline and during a 90-min infusion of 3.0 μg·kg−1·min−1NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (l-NAME) after 3 days of pretreatment with either placebo (PL) or 50 mg losartan (LOS). Baseline GFR, RBF, and FF were higher in DM ( P < 0.005). In the C group, PL + l-NAME caused declines in GFR (101 ± 3 to 90 ± 3 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), RBF (931 ± 22 to 754 ± 31 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), and UNaV (158 ± 12 to 82 ± 18 μmol/min) and an increase in FF (0.19 ± 0.02 to 0.21 ± 02; P < 0.001), which were not influenced by LOS pretreatment ( P > 0.05 for LOS + l-NAME-C vs. PL + l-NAME-C). In DM, PL + l-NAME resulted in exaggerated renal effects, with changes in GFR (128 ± 3 to 104 ± 3 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), RBF (1,019 ± 27 to 699 ± 34 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), UNaV (150 ± 13 to 39 ± 14 μmol/min), and FF (0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.26 ± 0.02) that were significantly greater vs. PL + l-NAME-C ( P < 0.005). LOS pretreatment blunted GFR, RBF, FF, and UNaV responses to l-NAME in DM ( P < 0.005 vs. PL + l-NAME-DM), resulting in a response profile that was similar to PL + l-NAME and LOS + l-NAME in C ( P > 0.05). Renal responses to l-NAME in uncomplicated, type 1 DM are exaggerated vs. C, consistent with an upregulation of NO bioactivity. LOS, without effects in C, prevents the accentuated actions of l-NAME in DM, thus indicating an augmented role for NO-RAS interactions in renal hemodynamic function in DM.
Galectin-3 mediates oligomerization of secreted hensin using its carbohydrate-recognition domain
Authors: Vijayakumar Soundarapandian , Peng Hu , Schwartz George J.
Published: May 2013

A multidomain, multifunctional 230-kDa extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, hensin, regulates the adaptation of rabbit kidney to metabolic acidosis by remodeling collecting duct intercalated cells. Conditional deletion of hensin in intercalated cells of the mouse kidney leads to distal renal tubular acidosis and to a significant reduction in the number of cells expressing the basolateral chloride-bicarbonate exchanger kAE1, a characteristic marker of α-intercalated cells. Although hensin is secreted as a monomer, its polymerization and ECM assembly are essential for its role in the adaptation of the kidney to metabolic acidosis. Galectin-3, a unique lectin with specific affinity for β-galactoside glycoconjugates, directly interacts with hensin. Acidotic rabbits had a significant increase in the number of cells expressing galectin-3 in the collecting duct and exhibited colocalization of galectin-3 with hensin in the ECM of microdissected tubules. In this study, we confirmed the increased expression of galectin-3 in acidotic rabbit kidneys by real-time RT-PCR. Galectin-3 interacted with hensin in vitro via its carbohydrate-binding COOH-terminal domain, and the interaction was competitively inhibited by lactose, removal of the COOH-terminal domain of galectin-3, and deglycosylation of hensin. Galectin-9, a lectin with two carbohydrate-recognition domains, is also present in the rabbit kidney; galectin-9 partially oligomerized hensin in vitro. Our results demonstrate that galectin-3 plays a critical role in hensin ECM assembly by oligomerizing secreted monomeric hensin. Both the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal domains are required for this function. We suggest that in the case of galectin-3-null mice galectin-9 may partially substitute for the function of galectin-3.
Evolution of the Minimax Inequality of Ky Fan
Authors: Park Sehie
Published: May 2013

There are quite a few generalizations or applications of the 1984 minimax
inequality of Ky Fan compared with his original 1972 minimax inequality. In a certain
sense, the relationship between the 1984 inequality and several hundreds of known generalizations
of the original 1972 inequality has not been recognized for a long period. Hence,
it would be necessary to seek such relationship. In this paper, we give several generalizations
of the 1984 inequality and some known applications in order to clarify the close
relationship among them. Some new types of minimax inequalities are added.
Time-Dependent Prognostic Impact of Circulating Tumor Cells Detection in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer: 70-Month Analysis of the REMAGUS02 Study
Authors: Bidard François-Clément , Belin Lisa , Delaloge Suzette , Lerebours Florence , Ngo Charlotte , Reyal Fabien , Alran Séverine , Giacchetti Sylvie , Marty Michel , Lebofsky Ronald , Pierga Jean-Yves
Published: May 2013

Introduction. In non-metastatic breast cancer patients, the REMAGUS02 neoadjuvant study was the first to report a significant impact of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection by the CellSearch system on the distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) endpoints. However, these results were only reported after a short follow-up. Here, we present the updated data, with a longer follow-up.Material and Methods. CTC count was performed before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 118 patients and correlated to survival.Results. CTC count results were available before and/or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 115 patients. After a median follow-up of 70 months, detection of ≥1 CTC/7.5 mL before chemotherapy (N=95) was significantly associated with DMFS (P=0.04) and OS (P=0.03), whereas postchemotherapy CTC detection (N=85) had no significant impact. In multivariable analysis, prechemotherapy CTC and triple negative phenotype were the two independent prognostic factors for survival. We observed that the CTC impact is most significant during the first three years of follow-up.Discussion. We confirm that the detection of CTC is independently associated with a significantly worse outcome, but mainly during the first 3-4 years of follow-up. No prognostic impact is seen in patients who are still relapse-free at this moment.
Multiple Active Contours Driven by Particle Swarm Optimization for Cardiac Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Cruz-Aceves I. , Aviña-Cervantes J. G. , López-Hernández J. M. , González-Reyna S. E.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a novel image segmentation method based on multiple active contours driven by particle swarm optimization (MACPSO). The proposed method uses particle swarm optimization over a polar coordinate system to increase the energy-minimizing capability with respect to the traditional active contour model. In the first stage, to evaluate the robustness of the proposed method, a set of synthetic images containing objects with several concavities and Gaussian noise is presented. Subsequently, MACPSO is used to segment the human heart and the human left ventricle from datasets of sequential computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, respectively. Finally, to assess the performance of the medical image segmentations with respect to regions outlined by experts and by the graph cut method objectively and quantifiably, a set of distance and similarity metrics has been adopted. The experimental results demonstrate that MACPSO outperforms the traditional active contour model in terms of segmentation accuracy and stability.
Familial Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome in Pregnancy with Spinal Epidural Involvement
Authors: Ochiai Daigo , Miyakoshi Kei , Yakubo Kazumi , Fukuiya Tatsuro , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: May 2013

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare vascular disorder characterized by multiple venous malformations (VMs) of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs. To date, several cases of sporadic BRBNS involving various parts of the pregnant woman’s body have been reported; however, BRBNS in pregnancy with spinal epidural involvement has not been reported. Here, we describe the clinical features and management of familial BRBNS in pregnancy. The patient presented with multiple VMs on her head, neck, floor of the mouth, trunk, leg, foot, and vulva and spinal epidural lesions. The patient’s mother and sister also exhibited multiple VMs similar lesions, indicating a familial form of BRBNS. Cesarean section under general anesthesia was performed, and a healthy male neonate was delivered. The mother’s postoperative course was uneventful and her VMs decreased in size after delivery. Physicians should consider the possibility of systemic diseases and familial inheritance in cases of VMs.
The Use of TSH in Determining Thyroid Disease: How Does It Impact the Practice of Medicine in Pregnancy?
Authors: Soldin Offie P. , Chung Sarah H. , Colie Christine
Published: May 2013

During the last four decades, there have been considerable advances in the efficacy and precision of serum thyroid function testing. The development of the third generation assays for the measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin) and the log-linear relationship with free thyroxine (T4) established TSH as the hallmark of thyroid function testing. While it is widely accepted that TSH outside of the normal range is consistent with thyroid dysfunction, a vast multitude of additional factors must be considered before an accurate clinical diagnosis can be made. This is especially important during pregnancy, when the thyroid is under considerable additional pregnancy-related demands requiring significant maternal physiological changes. This paper examines serum TSH measurement in pregnancy and some associated potential confounding factors.
Zolpidem in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Dash Sandip K.
Published: May 2013

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by motor symptoms, postural instability, personality changes, and cognitive impairment. There is no effective treatment for this disorder. Reduced neurotransmission of GABA in the striatum and globus pallidus may contribute to the symptoms of motor and cognitive symptoms seen in PSP. Zolpidem is a GABA agonist of the benzodiazepine subreceptor BZ1. Here a nondiabetic, normotensive case of PSP is (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) described, which showed improvement in swallowing, speech, and gaze paresis after zolpidem therapy and possible mechanism of actions are discussed. However, more trials are needed with large number of patients to confirm the effectiveness of zolpidem in progressive supranuclear palsy.
Modiolus-Hugging Intracochlear Electrode Array with Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Min Kyou Sik , Jun Sang Beom , Lim Yoon Seob , Park Se-Ik , Kim Sung June
Published: May 2013

In the cochlear implant system, the distance between spiral ganglia and the electrodes within the volume of the scala tympani cavity significantly affects the efficiency of the electrical stimulation in terms of the threshold current level and spatial selectivity. Because the spiral ganglia are situated inside the modiolus, the central axis of the cochlea, it is desirable that the electrode array hugs the modiolus to minimize the distance between the electrodes and the ganglia. In the present study, we propose a shape-memory-alloy-(SMA-) embedded intracochlear electrode which gives a straight electrode a curved modiolus-hugging shape using the restoration force of the SMA as triggered by resistive heating after insertion into the cochlea. An eight-channel ball-type electrode array is fabricated with an embedded titanium-nickel SMA backbone wire. It is demonstrated that the electrode array changes its shape in a transparent plastic human cochlear model. To verify the safe insertion of the electrode array into the human cochlea, the contact pressures during insertion at the electrode tip and the contact pressures over the electrode length after insertion were calculated using a 3D finite element analysis. The results indicate that the SMA-embedded electrode is functionally and mechanically feasible for clinical applications.
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Greek Isolates ofAspergillusSpecies Based on Morphology and Nuclear and Mitochondrial Gene Sequences
Authors: Krimitzas Antonios , Pyrri Ioanna , Kouvelis Vassili N. , Kapsanaki-Gotsi Evangelia , Typas Milton A.
Published: May 2013

Aspergillusspecies originating from Greece were examined by morphological and molecular criteria to explore the diversity of this genus. The phylogenetic relationships of these species were determined using sequences from the ITS and IGS region of the nuclear rRNA gene complex, two nuclear genes (β-tubulin (benA) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2)) and two mitochondrial genes (small rRNA subunit (rns) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1)) and, where available, related sequences from databases. The morphological characters of the anamorphs and teleomorphs, and the single gene phylogenetic trees, differentiated and placed the species examined in the well-supported sections ofAenei,Aspergillus,Bispori,Candidi,Circumdati,Clavati,Cremei,Flavi,Flavipedes,Fumigati,Nidulantes,Nigri,Restricti,Terrei,Usti, andZonati, with few uncertainties. The combined use of the three commonly employed nuclear genes (benA,rpb2, and ITS), the IGS region, and two less often used mitochondrial gene sequences (rnsandcox1) as a single unit resolved several taxonomic ambiguities. A phylogenetic tree was inferred using Neighbour-Joining, Maximum Parsimony, and Bayesian methods. The strains examined formed seven well-supported clades within the genusAspergillus. Altogether, the concatenated nuclear and mitochondrial sequences offer additional tools for an improved understanding of phylogenetic relationships within this genus.
Study on Integrated Control of Active Front Steering and Direct Yaw Moment Based on Vehicle Lateral Velocity Estimation
Authors: Sun Tao , Guo Hao , Cao Jian-yong , Chai Ling-jiang , Sun Yue-dong
Published: May 2013

Considering the vehicle lateral velocity is difficult to be measured at integration of chassis control in configuration of production vehicle, this study presents the vehicle lateral velocity estimation based on the extended Kalman filtering with the standard sensor information. The fuzzy control algorithm is proposed to integrate direct yaw moment control and active front steering with lateral velocity estimation. The integration controller produces direct yaw moment and front wheel angle compensation to control yaw rate and sideslip angle, which makes the actual vehicle yaw rate and sideslip angle follow desirable yaw rate and desirable sideslip angle. The simulation results show vehicle handling and stability are enhanced under different driving cycles by the proposed algorithm.
The Endothelial Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-1 Plays an Important Role for Vascular Haemostasis in TNFα-Induced InflammationIn Vivo
Authors: Koch Elisabeth , Pircher Joachim , Czermak Thomas , Gaitzsch Erik , Alig Stefan , Mannell Hanna , Niemeyer Markus , Krötz Florian , Wörnle Markus
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Inflammation and endothelium-derived superoxides are important pathomechanisms in atherothrombotic diseases. We could previously show that the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 acts as a negative regulator in endothelial superoxide production. In this study we investigated the influence of SHP-1 on platelet-endothelium interaction and arterial thrombosis in TNFα-induced endothelial inflammationin vivo.Methods. Arteriolar thrombosis and platelet rollingin vivowere investigated in C57BL/6 mice using intravital microscopy in the dorsal skinfold chamber microcirculation model.Results. Inhibition of SHP-1 by the specific pharmacological inhibitor sodium stibogluconate did not significantly enhance platelet-endothelium interactionin vivounder physiological conditions but led to an augmented fraction of rolling platelets in TNFα-induced systemic inflammation. Accordingly, ferric-chloride-induced arteriolar thrombus formation, which was already increased by SHP-1 inhibition, was further enhanced in the setting of TNFα-induced inflammation. Platelet aggregationin vitroas well asex vivowas not influenced by SHP-1-inhibition. In cultured endothelial cells, sodium stibogluconate increased TNFα-induced surface expression of p-selectin and von Willebrand factor. Additionally, TNFαincreased SHP-1 activity and protein expression.Conclusions. The endothelial tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 plays an important role for vascular hemostasisin vivo,which is crucial in TNFα-induced endothelial inflammation where it may serve as an autoinhibitory molecule to prevent excess inflammatory response and thrombus formation.
An Efficient Grid Scheduling Algorithm with Fault Tolerance and User Satisfaction
Authors: Keerthika P. , Kasthuri N.
Published: May 2013

Problem Statement. The advances in human civilization lead to more complications in problem solving. Grid computing serves as an efficient technology in solving those complicated problems. In computational grids, the grid scheduler schedules the task and finds the appropriate resource for each task. The scheduler must consider several factors such as user demand, communication time, failure handling mechanisms, and reduced makespan. Most of the existing algorithms do not consider user satisfaction. Thus a scheduling algorithm that handles failure of resources and achieves user satisfaction gains more importance.Approach. A new bicriteria scheduling algorithm (BSA) that considers user satisfaction along with fault tolerance has been introduced. The main contribution of this paper includes achieving user satisfaction along with fault tolerance and minimizing the makespan of jobs.Results. The performance of this proposed algorithm is evaluated using GridSim based on makespan and number of jobs completed successfully within user deadline.Conclusions/Recommendations. The proposed BSA algorithm achieves reduced makespan and better hit rate with higher user satisfaction and fault tolerance.
Hp--CD-VoriconazoleIn SituGelling System for Ocular Drug Delivery:In Vitro, Stability, and Antifungal Activities Assessment
Authors: Pawar Pravin , Kashyap Heena , Malhotra Sakshi , Sindhu Rakesh
Published: May 2013

The objective of the present study was to design ophthalmic delivery systems based on polymeric carriers that undergo sol-to-gel transition upon change in temperature or in the presence of cations so as to prolong the effect of HP-β-CD Voriconazole (VCZ)in situgelling formulations. Thein situgelling formulations of Voriconazole were prepared by using pluronic F-127 (PF-127) or with combination of pluronic F-68 (PF-68) and sodium alginate by cold method technique. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, drug content, gelation temperature (),in vitropermeation studies, rheological properties, mucoadhesion studies, antifungal studies, and stability studies. All batches ofin situformulations had satisfactory pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.4, drug content between 95% and 100%, showing uniform distribution of drug. As the concentration of each polymeric component was increased, that is, PF-68 and sodium alginate, there was a decrease in with increase in viscosity and mucoadhesive strength. Thein vitrodrug release decreased with increase in polymeric concentrations. The stability data concluded that all formulations showed the low degradation and maximum shelf life of 2 years. The antifungal efficiency of the selected formulation againstCandida albicansandAsperigillus fumigatusconfirmed that designed formulation has prolonged effect and retained its properties against fungal infection.
Role of Oxidative Stress in the Pathophysiology of Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Barichello Tatiana , Generoso Jaqueline S. , Simões Lutiana R. , Elias Samuel G. , Quevedo João
Published: May 2013

Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening disease characterized by an acute purulent infection affecting the pia mater, the arachnoid, and the subarachnoid spaces.Streptococcus pneumoniaecrosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by both transcellular traversal and disruption of the intraepithelial tight junctions to allow intercellular traversal. During multiplication, pneumococci release their bacterial products, which are highly immunogenic and may lead to an increased inflammatory response in the host. Thus, these compounds are recognized by antigen-presenting cells through the binding of toll-like receptors. These receptors induce the activation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), which interacts with various protein kinases, including IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-4 (IRAK4), which is phosphorylated and dissociated from MyD88. These products also interact with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 dependent signaling pathway (TRAF6). This cascade provides a link to NF-κB-inducing kinase, resulting in the nuclear translocation of NF-κB leading to the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other proinflammatory molecules in response to bacterial stimuli. Consequently, polymorphonuclear cells are attracted from the bloodstream and then activated, releasing large amounts of NO•,O2•, and H2O2. This formation generates oxidative and nitrosative stress, subsequently, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial damage, and BBB breakdown, which contributes to cell injury during pneumococcal meningitis.
The European Hot Spot of B[a]P and PM2.5 Exposure—The Ostrava Region, Czech Republic: Health Research Results
Authors: Sram Radim J. , Dostal Miroslav , Libalova Helena , Rossner Pavel , Rossnerova Andrea , Svecova Vlasta , Topinka Jan , Bartonova Alena
Published: May 2013

The Ostrava Region in the Czech Republic is a heavily polluted industrial area. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) significantly exceed limit values. To investigate the impact of these levels on human health, epidemiological, molecular epidemiology, and in vitro studies were done in 2008–2011. Morbidity of children was followed in 10 pediatric districts. In the most polluted district, children suffered higher incidence of acute respiratory diseases in the first year of life, and higher prevalence of asthma bronchiale. Gene expression was studied in children from Ostrava and from a control rural area. Genes specific to asthma bronchiale differed, suggesting a different molecular phenotype in children in the polluted region compared to children in the control area. A molecular epidemiology study showed adverse effect of the Ostrava exposures, but also an increased expression of XRCC5, which probably protects these exposed subjects against the degree of genetic damage that would otherwise be expected. In vitro studies clearly related concentration of B[a]P from PM2.5 extracts to induced PAH-DNA adducts. These studies clearly demonstrate that under the present local environmental conditions, the health of the population is severely impaired and will likely remain so for a significant period of time.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Influence of Structural Parameters on Dynamic Behaviour of Highly Redundant Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Asgari B. , Osman S. A. , Adnan A.
Published: May 2013

The model tuning through sensitivity analysis is a prominent procedure to assess the structural behavior and dynamic characteristics of cable-stayed bridges. Most of the previous sensitivity-based model tuning methods are automatic iterative processes; however, the results of recent studies show that the most reasonable results are achievable by applying the manual methods to update the analytical model of cable-stayed bridges. This paper presents a model updating algorithm for highly redundant cable-stayed bridges that can be used as an iterative manual procedure. The updating parameters are selected through the sensitivity analysis which helps to better understand the structural behavior of the bridge. The finite element model of Tatara Bridge is considered for the numerical studies. The results of the simulations indicate the efficiency and applicability of the presented manual tuning method for updating the finite element model of cable-stayed bridges. The new aspects regarding effective material and structural parameters and model tuning procedure presented in this paper will be useful for analyzing and model updating of cable-stayed bridges.
Simultaneous Estimation of Pantoprazole Sodium and Levosulpiride in Capsule Dosage Form by Simultaneous Equation Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Shah Dimal A. , Patel Akash , Baldania Sunil L. , Chhalotiya Usmangani K. , Bhatt Kashyap K.
Published: May 2013

A simple, accurate, and precise spectrophotometric method was developed for simultaneous estimation of pantoprazole sodium and levosulpiride in capsule dosage form. Simultaneous equation was developed at 290 and 232 nm. The method was found to be linear in the range of 4–12 μg/mL for pantoprazole sodium and 8–20 μg/mL for levosulpiride while accuracy of the method was confirmed by recovery studies of capsule dosage form and was found to be 100.23–100.99% and 100.51–100.94% for pantoprazole sodium and levosulpiride, respectively, in their capsule dosage form. The proposed method was validated and found to be accurate and precise. The method was successfully applied for the estimation of pantoprazole sodium and levosulpiride from their capsule dosage form.
Decursin Isolated fromAngelica gigasNakai Rescues PC12 Cells from Amyloidβ-Protein-Induced Neurotoxicity through Nrf2-Mediated Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase-1: Potential Roles of MAPK
Authors: Li Li , Du Ji-kun , Zou Li-yi , Wu Tie , Lee Yong-woo , Kim Yong-ho
Published: May 2013

Decursin (D), purified fromAngelica gigasNakai, has been proven to exert neuroprotective property. Previous study revealed that D reduced Aβ25‒35-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Our study explored the underlying mechanisms by which D mediates its therapeutic effectsin vitro. Pretreatment of cells with D diminished intracellular generation of ROS in response to Aβ25‒35. Western blot revealed that D significantly increased the expression and activity of HO-1, which was correlated with its protection against Aβ25‒35-induced injury. Addition of ZnPP, an HO-1 competitive inhibitor, significantly attenuated its protective effect in Aβ25‒35-treated cells, indicating the vital role of HO-1 resistance to oxidative injury. Moreover, D induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the upstream of HO-1 expression. While investigating the signaling pathways responsible for HO-1 induction, D activated ERK and dephosphorylated p38 in PC12 cells. Addition of U0126, a selective inhibitor of ERK, blocked D-induced Nrf2 activation and HO-1 induction and meanwhile reversed the protection of D against Aβ25‒35-induced cell death. These findings suggest D augments cellular antioxidant defense capacity through both intrinsic free radical scavenging activity and activation of MAPK signal pathways that leads to Nrf2 activation, and subsequently HO-1 induction, thereby protecting the PC12 cells from Aβ25‒35-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.
Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Refractory Coeliac Disease
Authors: Nijeboer Petula , van Wanrooij Roy L. J. , Tack Greetje J. , Mulder Chris J. J. , Bouma Gerd
Published: May 2013

A small subset of coeliac disease (CD) patients experiences persisting or recurring symptoms despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). When other causes of villous atrophy have been excluded, these patients are referred to as refractory celiac disease (RCD) patients. RCD can be divided in two types based on the absence (type I) or presence (type II) of an, usually clonal, intraepithelial lymphocyte population with aberrant phenotype. RCDI usually runs a benign course and may be difficult to be differentiated from uncomplicated, slow responding CD. In contrast, RCDII can be defined as low-grade intraepithelial lymphoma and frequently transforms into an aggressive enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma with dismal prognosis. This paper describes the clinical characteristics of RCDI and RCDII, diagnostic approach, and the latest insights in treatment options.