bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Synthetic Compound Norcantharidin Induced Apoptosis in Mantle Cell Lymphoma In Vivo and In Vitro through the PI3K-Akt-NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lv Hongyan , Li Yan , Du Hengfei , Fang Jie , Song Xiaoning , Zhang Jinqiao
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to elucidate the antitumor activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) against human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS and flow cytometry. Caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were detected with a colorimetric caspase protease assay. Apoptotic proteins—including PARP, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 family proteins, XIAP, and cIAP I—were studied by western blot. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In vivo studies were performed using Z138 cell xenografts in nude mice. NCTD inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Z138 and Mino cells, both in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110αand p-Akt expressions were downregulated by NCTD treatment. NCTD downregulated NF-κB activity by preventing NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products, such as cyclin D1, BAX, survivin, Bcl-2, XIAP, and cIAP. This phenomenon was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Our results demonstrated that NCTD can induce growth arrest and apoptosis in MCL cells and that the mechanism may involve the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. NCTD may have therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic applications in the treatment of MCL.
Licochalcone A-Induced Human Bladder Cancer T24 Cells Apoptosis Triggered by Mitochondria Dysfunction and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Yuan Xuan , Li Defang , Zhao Hong , Jiang Jiangtao , Wang Penglong , Ma Xiaoyi , Sun Xiling , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: July 2013

Licochalcone A (LCA), a licorice chalconoid, is considered to be a bioactive agent with chemopreventive potential. This study investigated the mechanisms involved in LCA-induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells. LCA significantly inhibited cells proliferation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and caused T24 cells apoptosis. Moreover, LCA induced mitochondrial dysfunction, caspase-3 activation, and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which displayed features of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signals. Besides, exposure of T24 cells to LCA triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress; as indicated by the enhancement in 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP 78), growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 153/C/EBP homology protein (GADD153/CHOP) expression, ER stress-dependent apoptosis is caused by the activation of ER-specific caspase-12. All the findings from our study suggest that LCA initiates mitochondrial ROS generation and induces oxidative stress that consequently causes T24 cell apoptosis via the mitochondria-dependent and the ER stress-triggered signaling pathways.
Three-Dimensional Supermacroporous Carrageenan-Gelatin Cryogel Matrix for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Sharma Archana , Bhat Sumrita , Vishnoi Tanushree , Nayak Vijayashree , Kumar Ashok
Published: July 2013

A tissue-engineered polymeric scaffold should provide suitable macroporous structure similar to that of extracellular matrix which can induce cellular activities and guide tissue regeneration. Cryogelation is a technique in which appropriate monomers or polymeric precursors frozen at sub-zero temperature leads to the formation of supermacroporous cryogel matrices. In this study carrageenan-gelatin (natural polymers) cryogels were synthesized by using glutaraldehyde and 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride andN-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC-NHS) as crosslinking agent at optimum concentrations. Matrices showed large and interconnected pores which were in the range of 60–100 μm diameter. Unconfined compression analysis showed elasticity and physical integrity of all cryogels, as these matrices regained their original length after 90% compressing from the original size. Moreover Young’s modulus was found to be in the range of 4–11 kPa for the dry cryogel sections. These cryogels also exhibited goodin vitrodegradation capacity at 37 °C within 4 weeks of incubation. Supermacroporous carrageenan-gelatin cryogels showed efficient cell adherence and proliferation of Cos-7 cells which was examined by SEM. PI nuclear stain was used to observe cell-matrix interaction. Cytotoxicity of the scaffolds was checked by MTT assay which showed that cryogels are biocompatible and act as a potential material for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Marine Environmental Risk Assessment of Sungai Kilim, Langkawi, Malaysia: Heavy Metal Enrichment Factors in Sediments as Assessment Indexes
Authors: Tajam Jamil , Kamal Mohd Lias
Published: July 2013

Concentrations of Cd, Co, Pb, and Zn in riverbed sediments from six sampling stations along the Sungai Kilim, Langkawi, Malaysia, were determined by using the Teflon Bomb Digestion. From this study, the concentrations of heavy metals in riverbed sediments were found ranging between 6.10 and 8.87 μg/g dry weight for Co, 0.03 and 0.45 μg/g dry weight for Cd, 59.8 and 74.9 μg/g dry weight for Zn, and 1.06 and 11.69 μg/g dry weight for Pb. From the observation, these areas were polluted by domestic waste, aquaculture, and tourism activities. For clarity, enrichment factor index was used to determine the level of sediment contamination in the study area. From this study, the average EF value is a bit high for Cd (2.15±1.17) followed by Zn (1.12±0.09), Pb (0.44±0.32), and lastly, Co (0.36±0.04). Based on the contamination categories, Cd was categorised as moderately enriched, while the rest of the metals studied were in deficient-to-minimally enriched by the anthropogenic sources.
Double Lacunary Density and Some Inclusion Results in Locally Solid Riesz Spaces
Authors: Mohiuddine S. A. , Hazarika Bipan , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: July 2013

We define the notions of double statistically convergent and double lacunary statistically convergent sequences in locally solid Riesz space and establish some inclusion relations between them. We also prove an extension of a decomposition theorem in this setup. Further, we introduce the concepts of doubleθ-summable and double statistically lacunary summable in locally solid Riesz space and establish a relationship between these notions.
An RFID-Based Tracing and Tracking System for the Fresh Vegetables Supply Chain
Authors: Mainetti Luca , Mele Francesca , Patrono Luigi , Simone Francesco , Stefanizzi Maria Laura , Vergallo Roberto
Published: July 2013

The paper presents an innovative gapless traceability system able to improve the main business processes of the fresh vegetables supply chain. The performed analysis highlighted some critical aspects in the management of the whole supply chain, from the land to the table of the end consumer, and allowed us to reengineer the most important processes. In particular, the first steps of the supply chain, which include cultivation in greenhouses and manufacturing of packaged vegetables, were analyzed. The re-engineered model was designed by exploiting the potentialities derived from the combined use of innovative Radio Frequency technologies, such as RFID and NFC, and important international standards, such as EPCglobal. The proposed tracing and tracking system allows the end consumer to know the complete history of the purchased product. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the potential benefits of the reengineered processes in a real supply chain, a pilot project was implemented in an Italian food company, which produces ready-to-eat vegetables, known asIV gammaproducts. Finally, some important metrics have been chosen to carry out the analysis of the potential benefits derived from the use of the re-engineered model.
Investigation on the Applicability of Several Fracture Criteria to the Mixed Mode Brittle Fractures
Authors: Ren Li , Zhu Zheming , Yang Qinglin , Ai Ting
Published: July 2013

Mixed mode brittle fractures are very common failure behavior for cracked brittle materials under loading, and therefore, the prediction of the mixed mode brittle fractures is significant. In this paper, the authors attempt to make a detailed discussion on the applicability of several widely accepted fracture criteria to some brittle materials. By employing these criteria, several groups of experimental results of mixed mode brittle fractures were analyzed, and the applicability of each fracture criterion to some tested materials was also examined. The results show that many of the widely applied fracture criteria can provide a good estimation for predominately mode I fractures, but none of them can well predict predominately mode II fractures. Finally, the reasons of the failed prediction by these criteria were investigated, and several significant conclusions were presented.
Fatal Disseminated Kaposi's Sarcoma due to Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome following HAART Initiation
Authors: Odongo Fatuma Catherine Atieno
Published: July 2013

This is a case report of disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma in the context of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-infected patient on HAART regimen for 2 months. The patient rapidly progressed to death in 5 days after worsening pulmonary infiltrates and multiple organ failure.
Distinguishing Field Effects from Charge Effects in the Optoelectronic Properties of Carbon Nanotube Films
Authors: Joshua Kennedy W.
Published: July 2013

We have used charge-induced absorption to quantify the influence of injected charges on electroabsorption measurements in single-wall carbon nanotube films. The interpretations of experimental measurements of χ3 processes in nanotubes are simplified by taking into account the change in electron-electron interactions upon charge injection. Electroabsorption spectra that are properly corrected for charge-induced effects show remarkable agreement with a simple Stark shift of the exciton transitions with no notable second-derivative contributions. Thus, distinguishing electric field effects from carrier density effects allows for a more rigorous calculation of exciton polarizability from electroabsorption measurements, even in heterogeneous films. PACS: 78.67.Ch Nanotubes: optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures.
First-Year Outcomes after Stroke Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Study in Thailand
Authors: Kuptniratsaikul Vilai , Kovindha Apichana , Piravej Krisna , Dajpratham Piyapat
Published: July 2013

Stroke affects the long-term quality of life and the well-being of patients and families. Stroke patients gain benefits from rehabilitation. Authors reported 1-year outcomes of stroke rehabilitation in 327 patients registered to the Thai Stroke Rehabilitation Registry. The outcomes included death rate, readmission rate, functional ability score (Barthel Index, BI), and factors affecting BI score. Of 327 patients, 214 (65.4%) had adequate follow-up data for analysis. The average age was 62.1 ± 12.5 years, and 57.9% were male. The mortality rate was 2.5% and the readmission rate was 11.2%. The number of the patients who could function independently increased from 5.5% at discharge to 22.9% and 25.5% at month 6 and month 12, respectively. The change in functional ability level of 214 patients included improvement (51.5%), deterioration (12.8%), and equivocal (35.7%). The low functional score at month 12 was significantly correlated with longer length of stay (LOS), longer onset to admission interval, and higher depression score at month-12. In conclusion, approximately half of the patients had an improvement in the disability level for at least one grade at 1-year follow-up. The low functional score by the end of the first year is associated with longer LOS during the first admission, delay in rehabilitation program, and psychological depression.
Self-Assembling for Swarm Modular Robots Using MIMO Fuzzy Control
Authors: Wang Tianmiao , Li Haiyuan , Meng Cai
Published: July 2013

Modular robot are said to construct a diversity of morphogenesis with self-assembling strategies. They bring about an adaptive entity to deal with complex tasks. By analyzing integration design in module, perception, and control in detail, a swarm modular robot is presented with self-assembly scenario. Then, these active docking robots use the distance measured by infrared sensors between itself and edge of assembled structural entity as input. We design the fuzzy sets and if-then rules according to the human reasoning in following process. Based on Mamdani-type inference, the fuzzy controller can yield two outputs. The outputs are, respectively, used as steering angle speed and linear speed. Due to the diversity of self-assembled structure by the swarm modular robots, we conduct a series of simulated experiments. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed controller in swarm robots' edge-following process.
Numerical Investigations of Convective Initiation in Barbados
Authors: Whitehall Kim , Chiao Sen , Mayers-Als Margarette
Published: July 2013

Localized convection in Barbados accounts for hazardous conditions and a significant percentage of the island’s annual rainfall. The feature results in rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in 3 hours or less, over isolated locations. Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) simulations are conducted for a rapid convective initiated and heavy precipitation event of 26 August 2008 over Barbados. The simulation results from the 1 km grid resolution domain depict that the shallow topography on the island plays a significant role in enhancing convective activity under weak synoptically disturbed conditions. The model results also demonstrate that the driving forces for the development of deep convective clouds include low-level moisture convergence that form as a result of the temperature differential between the land and the ocean and forced low-level uplift as a result of the blocking by the topography. The high-resolution WRF simulations demonstrate its capability to accurately capture the low-level flow over the island, as well as the orientation of the divergence and convergence patterns throughout the depth of the atmosphere. These results are heartening to use the WRF as a resource for studying deep convection in Barbados for disaster managers and water resource managers.
Ingredients of Adaptability: A Survey of Reconfigurable Processors
Authors: Chattopadhyay Anupam
Published: July 2013

For a design to survive unforeseen physical effects like aging, temperature variation, and/or emergence of new application standards, adaptability needs to be supported. Adaptability, in its complete strength, is present in reconfigurable processors, which makes it an important IP in modern System-on-Chips (SoCs). Reconfigurable processors have risen to prominence as a dominant computing platform across embedded, general-purpose, and high-performance application domains during the last decade. Significant advances have been made in many areas such as, identifying the advantages of reconfigurable platforms, their modeling, implementation flow and finally towards early commercial acceptance. This paper reviews these progresses from various perspectives with particular emphasis on fundamental challenges and their solutions. Empowered with the analysis of past, the future research roadmap is proposed.
Stability Analysis of High-Order Iterative Learning Control for a Class of Nonlinear Switched Systems
Authors: Bu Xuhui , Yu Fashan , Fu Ziyi , Wang Fuzhong
Published: July 2013

This paper considers the stability of high-order PID-type iterative learning control law for a class of nonlinear switched systems with state delays and arbitrary switched rules, which perform a given task repeatedly. The stability condition for the proposed high-order learning control law is first established, and then the stability is analyzed based on contraction mapping approach in the sense ofλnorm. It is shown that the proposed iterative learning control law can guarantee the asymptotic convergence of the tracking error for the entire time interval through the iterative learning process. Two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Efficacy of Iranian Traditional Medicine in the Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: Abdollahi Fard Mehri , Shojaii Asie
Published: July 2013

Epilepsy is a brain disorder which affects about 50 million people worldwide. Ineffectiveness of the drugs in some cases and the serious side effects and chronic toxicity of the antiepileptic drugs lead to use of herbal medicine as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. In this review modern evidences for the efficacy of antiepileptic medicinal plants in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) will be discussed. For this purpose electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, and Google Scholar were searched for each of the antiepileptic plants during 1970-February 2013.Anticonvulsant effect of some of the medicinal plants mentioned in TIM likeAnacyclus pyrethrum, Pimpinella anisum, Nigella sativa,andFerula gummosawas studied with different models of seizure. Also for some of these plants likeNigella sativaorPiper longumthe active constituent responsible for antiepileptic effect was isolated and studied. For some of the herbal medicine used in TIM such asPistacia lentiscusgum (Mastaki),Bryonia alba(Fashra),Ferula persica(Sakbinaj),Ecballium elaterium(Ghesa-al Hemar), andAlpinia officinarum(Kholanjan) there is no or not enough studies to confirm their effectiveness in epilepsy. It is suggested that an evaluation of the effects of these plants on different epileptic models should be performed.
Protective Effect ofPunica granatumL. against Serum/Glucose Deprivation-Induced PC12 Cells Injury
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Afkhami Goli Amir , Asadpour Elham , Ghorbani Ahmad , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza
Published: July 2013

The discovery and development of natural products with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties have been one of the most interesting and promising approaches in the search for the treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke. Serum/glucose deprivation (SGD) has served as an excellent in vitro model for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia and for the development of neuroprotective drugs against ischemia-induced brain injury. Recent studies suggested that pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) or its active constituents exert pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, in this study we investigated the possible protective effects of different extracts of pomegranate against SGD-induced PC12 cells injury. Initially, the cells were pretreated with different concentrations of pulp hydroalcoholic extract (PHE), pulp aqueous extract (PAE) and pomegranate juice (PJ) for 2 h and then deprived of serum/glucose (SGD) for 6 and 12 h. SGD caused a significant reduction in cell viability (measured by the MTT assay) after 6 and 12 h, as compared with control cells (P<0.001). Pretreatment with PHE, PAE, and PJ significantly and concentration-dependently increased cell viability following SGD insult for 6 and 12 h. A significant increase in DNA damage (measured by the comet assay) was seen in nuclei of cells following SGD for 12 h (P<0.001). In control groups, no significant difference was seen in DNA damage between PHE, PAE, and PJ-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated PC12 cells (P>0.05). PHE, PAE, and PJ pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in DNA damage following ischemic insult (P<0.001). This suppression of DNA damage by PHE, PAE and PJ was found to be concentration dependent. These data indicate that there is a cytoprotective property in PHE, PAE, and PJ under SGD condition in PC12 cells, suggesting that pomegranate has the potential to be used as a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders.
Analysis of Incomplete Filling Defect for Injection-Molded Air Cleaner Cover Using Moldflow Simulation
Authors: Shin Hyeyoung , Park Eun-Soo
Published: July 2013

A large-sized cover part for air cleaner was injection molded with ABS resin, and its incomplete filling defect was analyzed using commercial Moldflow software. To investigate the effect of processing temperature on incomplete filling defect, tensile properties, weight loss, and phase separation behavior of ABS resin were evaluated. The tensile properties of dumbbell samples were not changed up to 250°C and decreased significantly thereafter. SEM micrographs indicated no significant changes in the status of polybutadiene rubber phase below 250°C. These different test results indicated that ABS resin little affected the thermal decomposition in processing temperature range. The Moldflow simulation was performed using measured thickness of molded cover and actual mold design with the defects. As expected, the cover part showed unbalanced filling and incomplete sections. To improve these defects, two possible cases of hot runner system have been simulated. When applying modified 5-gate system, the maximum injection pressure was decreased approximately 5.5% more than that of actual gate system. In case of 6-gate system, the maximum injection pressure reduced by 23%, and the injection pressure required to fill is well within the range of the molding equipment. The maximum clamping force of 6-gate system was also significantly reduced than that of actual and 5-gate system.
Reliable Execution Based on CPN and Skyline Optimization for Web Service Composition
Authors: Chen Liping , Ha Weitao , Zhang Guojun
Published: July 2013

With development of SOA, the complex problem can be solved by combining available individual services and ordering them to best suit user’s requirements. Web services composition is widely used in business environment. With the features of inherent autonomy and heterogeneity for component web services, it is difficult to predict the behavior of the overall composite service. Therefore, transactional properties and nonfunctional quality of service (QoS) properties are crucial for selecting the web services to take part in the composition. Transactional properties ensure reliability of composite Web service, and QoS properties can identify the best candidate web services from a set of functionally equivalent services. In this paper we define a Colored Petri Net (CPN) model which involves transactional properties of web services in the composition process. To ensure reliable and correct execution, unfolding processes of the CPN are followed. The execution of transactional composition Web service (TCWS) is formalized by CPN properties. To identify the best services of QoS properties from candidate service sets formed in the TCSW‐CPN, we use skyline computation to retrieve dominant Web service. It can overcome that the reduction of individual scores to an overall similarity leads to significant information loss. We evaluate our approach experimentally using both real and synthetically generated datasets.
Pregnancy and Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Sappenfield Elisabeth , Jamieson Denise J. , Kourtis Athena P.
Published: July 2013

To summarize the literature regarding susceptibility of pregnant women to infectious diseases and severity of resulting disease, we conducted a review using a PubMed search and other strategies. Studies were included if they reported information on infection risk or disease outcome in pregnant women. In all, 1454 abstracts were reviewed, and a total of 85 studies were included. Data were extracted regarding number of cases in pregnant women, rates of infection, risk factors for disease severity or complications, and maternal outcomes. The evidence indicates that pregnancy is associated with increased severity of some infectious diseases, such as influenza, malaria, hepatitis E, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (risk for dissemination/hepatitis); there is also some evidence for increased severity of measles and smallpox. Disease severity seems higher with advanced pregnancy. Pregnant women may be more susceptible to acquisition of malaria, HIV infection, and listeriosis, although the evidence is limited. These results reinforce the importance of infection prevention as well as of early identification and treatment of suspected influenza, malaria, hepatitis E, and HSV disease during pregnancy.
Using WSR-88D Polarimetric Data to Identify Bird-Contaminated Doppler Velocities
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Xu Qin , Zhang Pengfei , Nai Kang , Liu Liping
Published: July 2013

As an important part of Doppler velocity data quality control for radar data assimilation and other quantitative applications, an automated technique is developed to identify and remove contaminated velocities by birds, especially migrating birds. This technique builds upon the existing hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA) for dual-polarimetric WSR-88D radars developed at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, and it performs two steps. In the first step, the fuzzy-logic method in the HCA is simplified and used to identify biological echoes (mainly from birds and insects). In the second step, another simple fuzzy logic method is developed to detect bird echoes among the biological echoes identified in the first step and thus remove bird-contaminated velocities. The membership functions used by the fuzzy logic method in the second step are extracted from normalized histograms of differential reflectivity and differential phase for birds and insects, respectively, while the normalized histograms are constructed by polarimetric data collected during the 2012 fall migrating season and sorted for bird and insects, respectively. The performance and effectiveness of the technique are demonstrated by real-data examples.
Use of Tissue Culture Techniques for Producing Virus‐Free Plant in Garlic and Their Identification through Real‐Time PCR
Authors: Taşkın Hatıra , Baktemur Gökhan , Kurul Mehmet , Büyükalaca Saadet
Published: July 2013

This study was performed for comparison of meristem culture technique with shoot tip culture technique for obtaining virus‐free plant, comparison of micropropagation success of two different nutrient media, and determination of effectiveness of real‐time PCR assay for the detection of viruses. Two different garlic species (Allium sativum and Allium tuncelianum) and two different nutrient media were used in this experiment. Results showed that Medium 2 was more successful compared to Medium 1 for both A. tuncelianum and A. sativum (Kastamonu garlic clone). In vitro plants obtained via meristem and shoot tip cultures were tested for determination of onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) and leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV) through real‐time PCR assay. In garlic plants propagated via meristem culture, we could not detect any virus. OYDV and LYSV viruses were detected in plants obtained via shoot tip culture. OYDV virus was observed in amount of 80% and 73% of tested plants for A. tuncelianum and A. sativum, respectively. LYSV virus was found in amount of 67% of tested plants of A. tuncelianum and in amount of 87% of tested plants of A. sativum in this study.
Supplementation with Natural Forms of Vitamin E Augments Antigen-Specific TH1-Type Immune Response to Tetanus Toxoid
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Mahalingam Dashayini , Selvaduray Kanga Rani , Nesaretnam Kalanithi
Published: July 2013

This study compared the ability of three forms of vitamin E [tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), alpha-tocopherol (α-T), and delta-tocotrienol (δ-T3)] to enhance immune response to tetanus toxoid (TT) immunisation in a mouse model. Twenty BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of five mice each. The mice were fed with the different forms of vitamin E (1 mg) or vehicle daily for two weeks before they were given the TT vaccine [4 Lf] intramuscularly (i.m.). Booster vaccinations were given on days 28 and 42. Serum was collected (days 0, 28, and 56) to quantify anti-TT levels. At autopsy, splenocytes harvested were cultured with TT or mitogens. The production of anti-TT antibodies was augmented (P<0.05) in mice that were fed withδ-T3 or TRF compared to controls. The production of IFN-γand IL-4 by splenocytes from the vitamin E treated mice was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that from controls. The IFN-γproduction was the highest in animals supplemented withδ-T3 followed by TRF and finallyα-T. Production of TNF-αwas suppressed in the vitamin E treated group compared to vehicle-supplemented controls. Supplementation withδ-T3 or TRF can enhance immune response to TT immunisation and production of cytokines that promote cell-mediated (TH1) immune response.
Secondary Knee Osteoarthritis due to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Treated with above the Knee Amputation: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Jay , Whiting Jeffrey , Jones Daniel
Published: July 2013

Background. Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) has a variety of associated orthopaedic manifestations that have been previously reported. We report a case of severe, grade 4 knee osteoarthritis (OA) with recurrent subluxation and joint laxity due to multiple extra-articular neurofibromas ultimately treated with Above the Knee Amputation (AKA).Case Description. A 39-year-old man presented with multiple neurofibromas and lymphedema leading to degenerative changes of the knee. Conservative treatment failed due to the severity of the knee degeneration and patient discomfort. Likewise, arthroplasty was not possible due to poor bone quality and joint instability. Therefore, AKA was selected to relieve symptoms and provide functional improvement. six months after the procedure the patient has increased functional capacity for ambulation and activities of daily living, as well as significant decrease in pain and discomfort.Clinical Relevance. Extra-articular neurofibromas causing severe secondary OA in relatively young patients can be functionally improved with AKA and prosthetic device use.
Weak Solutions for ap-Laplacian Antiperiodic Boundary Value Problem with Impulsive Effects
Authors: Zhang Keyu , Xu Jiafa , Dong Wei
Published: July 2013

By virtue of variational method and critical point theory, we will investigate the existence of weak solutions for ap-Laplacian impulsive differential equation with antiperiodic boundary conditions.
Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Wavelet Package Transform and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Liu Quan , Chen Fen , Zhou Zude , Wei Qin
Published: July 2013

Rolling bearing is widely used in rotating mechanical system, and its operating state has great influence on accuracy, reliability, and the life of the whole mechanical system. Therefore, fault diagnosis of rolling bearing is indispensible for the health monitoring in rotating machinery system. Wavelet package transform (WPT) and envelope demodulation have been common methods in diagnosis of bearing fault, but the precision of diagnostic results is limited by the degree of damages on bearing. In this paper, a method based on WPT and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) is proposed to detect the fault of rolling bearing and solve this problem. According to simulation and experimental results, it is effective in fault diagnosis of rolling bearing and is better than the method based on WPT and envelope spectrum while the faults get more serious.
Simulation of an Improved Design for n‐Electrode with Holes for Thin‐GaN Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hwu Farn-Shiun
Published: July 2013

A novel design is proposed for n‐electrode with holes to be applied in Thin‐GaN light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The influence of the n‐electrode with holes on the thermal and electrical characteristics of a Thin‐GaN LED chip is investigated using a three‐dimensional numerical simulation. The variations in current density and temperature distributions in the active layer of n‐electrodes both with and without holes are very tiny. The percentages of light output from these holes are 29.8% and 38.5% for cases with 5 μm holes and 10 μm holes, respectively; the side length of the n‐electrode (L) is 200 μm. Furthermore, the percentage increases with the size of the n‐electrode. Thus, the light output can be increased 2.45 times using the n‐electrode with holes design. The wall‐plug efficiency (WPE) can also be improved from 2.3% to 5.7%. The most appropriate n‐electrode and hole sizes are determined by WPE analysis.
Labisia pumilaUpregulates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Expression in Rat Adipose Tissues and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Mansor Fazliana , Gu Harvest F. , Östenson Claes-Göran , Mannerås-Holm Louise , Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Wan Mohamud Wan Nazaimoon
Published: July 2013

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects ofLabisia pumila(LP) standardized water extract on PPARgamma transcriptional activity in adipocytesin vitroandin vivo. We used a rat model of dihydrotestosterone- (DHT-) induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by insulin resistance. At 9 weeks of age, the PCOS rats were randomly subdivided into two groups: PCOS-LP (50 mg/kg/day of LP) and PCOS-control (1 mL of deionised water) for 4-5 weeks on the same schedule. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to determine the PPARgamma mRNA levels. LP upregulated PPARgamma mRNA level by 40% in the PCOS rats. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the increased PPARgamma protein levels in parallel with upregulation in mRNA. These observations were further proven by adipocytes culture. Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with final concentration of 100 μg/mL LP and compared to untreated control and 10 μM of rosiglitazone (in type of thiazolidinediones). LP increased PPARgamma expressions at both mRNA and protein levels and enhanced the effect of glucose uptake in the insulin-resistant cells. The data suggest that LP may ameliorate insulin resistance in adipocytes via the upregulation of PPARgamma pathway.
The Ruled Surfaces According to Bishop Frame in Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Yüksel Nural
Published: July 2013

We investigate the ruled surfaces generated by a straight line in Bishop frame moving along a spacelike curve in Minkowski 3-space. We obtain the distribution parameters, mean curvatures. We give some results and theorems related to be developable and minimal of them. Furthermore, we show that, if the base curve of the ruled surface is also an asymtotic curve and striction line, then the ruled surface is developable.
Estrogen Signaling and the Aging Brain: Context-Dependent Considerations for Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
Authors: Mott Natasha N. , Pak Toni R.
Published: July 2013

Recent clinical studies have spurred rigorous debate about the benefits of hormone therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women. Controversy first emerged based on a sharp increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease in participants of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) studies, suggesting that decades of empirical research in animal models was not necessarily applicable to humans. However, a reexamination of the data from the WHI studies suggests that the timing of HT might be a critical factor and that advanced age and/or length of estrogen deprivation might alter the body's ability to respond to estrogens. Dichotomous estrogenic effects are mediated primarily by the actions of two high-affinity estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα& ERβ). The expression of the ERs can be overlapping or distinct, dependent upon brain region, sex, age, and exposure to hormone, and, during the time of menopause, there may be changes in receptor expression profiles, post-translational modifications, and protein:protein interactions that could lead to a completely different environment for E2to exert its effects. In this review, factors affecting estrogen-signaling processes will be discussed with particular attention paid to the expression and transcriptional actions of ERβin brain regions that regulate cognition and affect.
The Evaluation of CP-001 (a Standardized Herbal Mixture ofHouttuynia cordata,Rehmannia glutinosa,Betula platyphylla, andRubus coreanus) for Cytochrome P450-Related Herb-Drug Interactions
Authors: Yoo Hye Hyun , Kim Sun-A , Kim In Sook , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: July 2013

In the present study, the effect of CP-001, a standardized herbal mixture ofHouttuynia cordata,Rehmannia glutinosa,Betula platyphylla, andRubus coreanus, on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme-mediated drug metabolism was investigatedin vitroto evaluate the potential for herb-drug interactions. CP-001 was tested at concentrations of 1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 μg/mL. A CYP-specific substrate mixture was incubated with CP-001 in human liver microsomes, and the metabolites generated by each CYP-specific metabolic reaction were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CP-001 seemed to slightly inhibit some CYP isozymes, but the IC50values for all CYP isozymes were greater than 100 μg/mL. Furthermore, CP-001 did not exhibit time-dependent CYP inhibitory activities, indicating that it does not act as a mechanism-based inactivator of CYP enzymes. In conclusion, the effects of CP-001 on CYP isozyme activities were negligible at the concentrations tested. Therefore, the likelihood of herbal mixture-drug interaction is considered minimal.
Clinical Stages in Patients with Primary and Subsequent Cancers Based on the Czech Cancer Registry 1976–2005
Authors: Geryk Edvard , Štampach Radim , Dítě Petr , Kozel Jiří , Horváth Teodor , Kubíček Petr
Published: July 2013

Of 1,486,984 new cancers registered in the Czech Cancer Registry in 1976-2005, 290,312 (19.5%) were multiple malignant neoplasms (MMNs), of which there were 65,292 primary and 89,796 subsequent cases in men and 59,970 primary and 75,254 subsequent cases in women. The duplicities were higher in women, and the triplicities and others (3–6 MMNs) were higher in men. The most frequent diagnoses were the primary cancers of skin, gastrointestinal and urinary tract, male genital organs, respiratory tract in men, and cancers of skin, breast, female genital organs, and gastrointestinal tract in women. The analysis of the early and advanced clinical stages shows that the number of subsequent advanced stages increased after primary advanced stages. Their time-age-space distributions visualized maps of MMNs in 14 Czech regions. These results support the improvement of algorithms of dispensary care for the early detection of the subsequent neoplasms.
Xenobiotic Sensor- and Metabolism-Related Gene Variants in Environmental Sensitivity-Related Illnesses: A Survey on the Italian Population
Authors: Caccamo Daniela , Cesareo Eleonora , Mariani Serena , Raskovic Desanka , Ientile Riccardo , Currò Monica , Korkina Liudmila , De Luca Chiara
Published: July 2013

In the environmental sensitivity-related illnesses (SRIs), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (FCS), and fibromyalgia (FM), the search for genetic polymorphisms of phase I/II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes as suitable diagnostic biomarkers produced so far inconclusive results, due to patient heterogeneity, geographic/ethnic differences in genetic backgrounds, and different methodological approaches. Here, we compared the frequency of gene polymorphisms of selected cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolizing enzymes and, for the first time, the frequency of the xenobiotic sensor Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the three cohorts of 156 diagnosed MCS, 94 suspected MCS, and 80 FM/FCS patients versus 113 healthy controls. We found significantly higher frequency of polymorphisms CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*2, CYP2D6*4 and CYP2D6*41 in patients compared with controls. This confirms that these genetic variants represent a genetic risk factor for SRI. Moreover, the compound heterozygosity for CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants was useful to discriminate between either MCS or FM/CFS versus SMCS, while the PM *41/*41 genotype discriminated between MCS and either SMCS or FM/CFS. The compound heterozygosity for CYP2C9 *1/*3 and CYP2D6 *1/*4 differentiated MCS and SMCS cases from FM/CFS ones. Interestingly, despite the distribution of the AHR Arg554Lys variant did not result significantly different between SRI cases and controls, it resulted useful for the discrimination between MCS and SMCS cases when considered within haplotypes in combination with CYP2C19 *1/*2 and CYP2D6 *1/*4. Results allowed us to propose the genotyping for these specific CYP variants, together with the AHR Arg554Lys variant, as reliable, cost-effective genetic parameters to be included in the still undefined biomarkers' panel for laboratory diagnosis of the main types of environmental-borne SRI.
Evaluating Compliance with Institutional Preoperative Testing Guidelines for Minimal-Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Authors: Siriussawakul Arunotai , Nimmannit Akarin , Rattana-arpa Sirirat , Chatrattanakulchai Siritda , Saengtawan Puttachard , Wangdee Aungsumat
Published: July 2013

Background. Few investigations preoperatively are important for low-risk patients. This study was designed to determine the level of compliance with preoperative investigation guidelines for ASA I patients undergoing elective surgery. Secondary objectives included the following: to identify common inappropriate investigations, to evaluate the impact of abnormal testing on patient management, to determine factors affecting noncompliant tests, and to estimate unnecessary expenditure.Methods. This retrospective study was conducted on adult patients over a one-year period. The institute’s guidelines recommend tests according to the patients’ age groups: a complete blood count (CBC) for those patients aged 18–45; CBC, chest radiograph (CXR) and electrocardiography (ECG) for those aged 46–60; and CBC, CXR, ECG, electrolytes, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) for patients aged 61–65.Results. The medical records of 1,496 patients were reviewed. Compliant testing was found in only 12.1% (95% CI, 10.5–13.9). BUN and Cr testings were the most frequently overprescribed tests. Overinvestigations tended to be performed on major surgery and younger patients. Overall, overinvestigation incurred an estimated cost of US 200,000 dollars during the study period.Conclusions. The need to utilize the institution’s preoperative guidelines should be emphasized in order to decrease unnecessary testing and the consequential financial burden.
Subchondral Bone Regenerative Effect of Two Different Biomaterials in the Same Patient
Authors: Cavallo Marco , Buda Roberto , Vannini Francesca , Castagnini Francesco , Ruffilli Alberto , Giannini Sandro
Published: July 2013

This case report aims at highlighting the different effects on subchondral bone regeneration of two different biomaterials in the same patient, in addition to bone marrow derived cell transplantation (BMDCT) in ankle. A 15-year-old boy underwent a first BMDCT on a hyaluronate membrane to treat a deep osteochondral lesion (8 mm). The procedure failed: subchondral bone was still present at MRI. Two years after the first operation, the same procedure was performed on a collagen membrane with DBM filling the defect. After one year, AOFAS score was 100 points, and MRI showed a complete filling of the defect. The T2 mapping MRI after one year showed chondral tissue with values in the range of hyaline cartilage. In this case, DBM and the collagen membrane were demonstrated to be good biomaterials to restore subchondral bone: this is a critical step towards the regeneration of a healthy hyaline cartilage.
Polyoma BK Virus: An Oncogenic Virus?
Authors: Hassan Syed , Alirhayim Zaid , Ahmed Syed , Amer Syed
Published: July 2013

We report a case of a 65-year-old gentleman with a history of end stage renal disease who underwent a successful cadaveric donor kidney transplant four years ago. He subsequently developed BK virus nephropathy related to chronic immunosuppressant therapy. Three years later, misfortune struck again, and he developed adenocarcinoma of the bladder.
The Incidence of Colorectal Cancer Is Decreasing in the Older Age Cohorts in the Zaanstreek Region in the Netherlands: An Age-Cohort Effect
Authors: Loffeld R. J. L. F. , Dekkers P. E. P. , Flens M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence. Removal of adenomas, the precursor lesion, could be helpful in the prevention of cancer. Aim. To investigate the yearly incidence of CRC in consecutive years. Patients and Methods. All patients diagnosed with CRC in the years 1990 till 2010 were studied. Date of diagnosis, age at time of diagnosis, gender, and localisation of the tumour were assessed. Results. A total of 1575 incident CRC were diagnosed, 865 men (55%) and 710 women (45%). CRC occurred more often in men. In the course of the years, the occurrence of CRC increased. After exclusion of rectal cancer, the percentage of proximal cancer in the colon shows a trend towards increase in the consecutive years. In the twenty consecutive years, the population of the Zaanstreek region increased from 130.000 to 145.330. There was a significant increase of CRC in the age cohort 51–70 in the period of twenty years, while a significant decreasing incidence of cancer was seen in patients above 71 years. Conclusion. The decreasing incidence of colorectal cancer in the age cohorts above 71 years possibly reflects indirect evidence of an age-cohort effect due to removal of adenomas in these age cohorts earlier in life.
Magnetic Properties and Biological Activity Evaluation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Prodan Alina Mihaela , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Chifiriuc Carmen Mariana , Bleotu Coralia , Ciobanu Carmen Steluta , Motelica-Heino Mikael , Sizaret Stanislas , Predoi Daniela
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to provide information about the biological properties of iron oxide nanoparticles (IO‐NPs) obtained in an aqueous suspension. The IO‐NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of hysteresis loops data at room temperature for magnetic IO‐NPs sample indicated that the IO‐NPs were superparamagnetic at room temperature. The calculated saturation magnetization for magnetic iron oxide was Ms = 18.1 emu/g.
The antimicrobial activity of the obtained PMC‐NPs was tested against Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1397, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922), Gram‐positive (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis IC 12488) bacterial as well as fungal (Candida krusei 963) strains. The obtained results suggested that the antimicrobial activity of IO‐NPs is dependent on the metallic ions concentrations and on the microbial growth state, either planktonic or adherent. The obtained IO‐NPs exhibited no cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells at the active antimicrobial concentrations.
Early Death in Two Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Presenting the bcr3 Isoform, FLT3-ITD Mutation, and Elevated WT1 Level
Authors: Greco Marianna , Caocci Giovanni , Ledda Antonio , Vacca Adriana , Arras Marcella , Celeghini Ivana , La Nasa Giorgio
Published: July 2013

Despite major advances in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the problem of early death (ED) remains unsolved. Alongside the currently known clinical and hematological risk factors, prognostic significance has been attributed to internal tandem duplication mutations of the fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD), hypogranular variant morphology, and the bcr-3 isoform of PML-RARα. We describe premature death of two patients with the hypogranular variant of APL who presented remarkably high expression levels of Wilms' tumor gene (WT1). Our results point to WT1 as an important prognostic factor of ED that needs to be promptly evaluated in all newly diagnosed cases of APL.