bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Investigation and Growth Kinetics of TiC Coatings on AISI D3 Steel Produced by Thermo-Reactive Diffusion Technique
Authors: Kurt B. , Sinoplu O. , Carboga C. , Demirel B.
Published: February 2014

TiC coatings on AISI D3 cold-work tool steel were carried out by pack method thermo-reactive diffusion process (TRD) for 2 and 4 h at 950, 1 000, 1 050 and 1 100 °C, respectively. The carbide layers were evaluated based on microstructure, thickness, hardness, energy dispersive X-ray facility and X-ray diffraction analysis. Titanium carbide layer thickness on the coated specimens ranged from 6 to 23 μm, depending on treatment time and temperature. Growth kinetics of the carbide layers were analyzed measuring the depth of carbide layer as a function of temperature and time. The activation energy was estimated to be 249.42 kJ/mol. The micro-hardness value of the coating layer was obtained to be 2 470 HV in maximum.
Platelet Hyper-Aggregation and Abnormalities of Coagulation Factors in Young Diabetic Patients
Authors: Huque Mahmudul , Ahmed Tofail , Ali Liaqat , Zinnat Rahelee , Mahtab Hajera , Bhuiyan Md Moniruzzaman
Published: February 2014

Diabetic vascular disease is conveniently divided into two main categories: microvascular diseases and macrovascular diseases. The changes involving the smallest blood vessels - the capillary and pre-capillary arteriolesare microvascular changes. The cross sectional case-control study was done on forty young diabetic patients for their platelet aggregation response to ADP, plasma fibrinogen and vWF in relation to the age and BMI matched 10 nondiabetic control subjects (Age in years : 23.7 ± 2.26 in control vs 24.33 ± 3.29 in subjects, and BMI in kg/m2. The lipid profile, C-peptide, C-peptide: glucose and other anthropometric measurements of the diabetic and control subjects were also measured to find out any possible correlation. The platelet aggregation with ADP in diabetics was found to be significantly higher (in diabetics 76.56 ± 16.92 percent compared to controls 62.90 ± 12.35 percents; (P< 0.27). Plasma fibrinogen and plasma von Willebrand factors were found to be significantly higher in young diabetics compared to the non-diabetic counterparts (Plasma fibrinogen in mg/l; 1075.90 ± 455.16 in control vs 1569.15 ± 731.42 in diabetic, P<0.048; plasma vWF in iu/ml; 1.372 ± 0.340 in control vs 1.884 ± 0.51 in diabetic, P<0.001). Fasting plasma glucose was higher and C-peptide - glucose ratio lower in diabetic subjects compared to the controls (Fasting plasma glucose in mmol/l; 3.48 ± 0.38 in control vs 16.02 ± 8.58 in diabetic; C-peptide-glucose ratio 0.426 ± 0.133 in controls vs 0.116 ± 0.105 in diabetics, P<.001). Thus hyperglycemia, endothelial dysfunction, elevated vWF and insulin resistance were supposed to be interlinked. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17920 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 56-59
Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System in the Treatment of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Begum Rokeya , Khanam Mafruha
Published: February 2014

This study was designed to determine progress of women presenting with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (i.e decrease in amount and duration of bleeding in days) due to a cause amenable to treatment. To evaluate improvement in Haemoglobin level (Hb gm%) in patients during treatment. The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh from August 2008 to July 2010. Thirty six patients with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) in 30-45 years age group with Body Mass Index (BMI) 0f 18-30 during treatment period were included in the study. They were counselled, investigated and had Levonogestrel Intrauterine device inserted. Outcome was measured by Hb improvement and decrease in blood loss both in amount and duration. Record was kept and follow up was done. Ninety percent of the patients were relieved from menorrhagia and one hundred percent improvement was seen in cases with polymenorrhagia. 50% patients had an Hb of >11.1gm% after 3 months of use. Levonogestrel intrauterine system or LNG-IUS is a safe and effective device for the treatment of DUB patients and it is an alternative to hysterectomy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17921 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 60-62
Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Jinnah Chaklader Md Kamal , Khan Md Aminul Haque , Molla Golam Morshed , Rahman Md Rezwanur , Arslan M Iqbal
Published: February 2014

Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease and single most important cause of premature death in developed countries. It is estimated that coronary heart disease will become the major cause of death in all regions of the world by 2020. There are several modifiable risk factors of coronary heart disease. Among those diabetes mellitus is one major modifiable risk factor. So we designed this study to see the frequency of diabetes mellitus in patients with coronary heart disease in three tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh with an objective to see the frequency of diabetes mellitus in patients with coronary heart disease. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2006 to June 2007. The study was done among 300 purposively selected diagnosed patients of coronary heart disease of both sexes. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed according to WHO criteria. In this study we found that 23.7% of study subjects had diabetes mellitus. From this study, it can be concluded that the prevalence of diabetes (an important modifiable risk factor) is high in coronary heart disease patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17923 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 67-68
Pregnancy in Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroidism and its Feto-Maternal Outcome
Authors: Akhter Syeda Nazia , Tarannum Rebeka , Kabir Mohammed Shafiqul
Published: February 2014

This prospective study was done to find out the maternal and fetal complications of pregnancy in patients with subclinical and overt (TSH level higher than subclinical hypothyroidism) hypothyroidism. Chronic hypertension, anemia with GDM, GDM with preeclampsia and thalassemia with GDM were observed only in patients with overt hypothyroidism. PPH, fetal distress, abortion and IUD were significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients with overt hypothyroidism. Fetal distress was found to be more in patients with overt than subclinical hypothyroidism. This study included 50 admitted patients who were pregnant. Among which, 29 were diagnosed as cases of subclinical hypothyroidism and 21 as that of overt hypothyroidism. Duration of marriage was almost identical between two groups. Multipara was predominant in both groups, however abortions were significantly higher (p<0.05) in overt hypothyroidism. Duration between first conception and marriage was somewhat longer (3-5 years) in patients with overt hypothyroidism than that ( 2 years) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. The commonest problem in both groups was anemia. 17.2% of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were anemic whereas 42.9% patients with overt hypothyroidism suffered anemia. Preeclampsia (23.8%) and diabetes mellitus (38.1%) were also predominant in patients with overt hypothyroidism than in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Preeclampsia-3.4% and DM-10.3%). Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies were also common in patients with overt hypothyroidism (80%) than in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (27.6%). 62.1% of babies from mothers having subclinical hypothyroidism had APGAR score of 7 whereas 73.3% of babies from mothers having overt hypothyroidism had APGAR score of 6 in the first minute. None of the babies were hypothyroid as tested from cord blood. Majority of patients underwent C-section in both groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17924 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 69-71
Comparative Study of Post Operative Astigmatism Following Small Incision Cataract Surgery-Sics in Superior, Supero-Temporal and Temporal Incision.
Authors: Rashid Md Abdur , Hossain Kh Anowar , Islam AKM Rafiqul , Uddin Zahir
Published: February 2014

This prospective study was designed to evaluate and compare surgically induced astigmatism in small incision cataract surgery through superior, supero-temporal and temporal approach. Astigmatism means no point focus. It is a refractive error that occurs when the optical system does not have the same refractive power at all its meridian. The location and width of incision will determine the amount of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in small incision cataract surgery. Temporal and superotemporal incisions are less likely to induce post operative astigmatism than the 12 o' clock incisions. The study was carried out at Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Gazipur, Faridpur Diabetic Association Medical College and Hospital, Faridpur and General Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh, from January 2012 to June 2013.Total number of 120 eyes of 108 patients, both male and female patients were included for the study. We excluded the patients having corneal scar, irregular astigmatism, presence of pterygium and previous intraocular surgery from our study. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 61.9±8.1 years ranged from 40 to 70 years.The patients were divided into three groups.The three groups had 40 patients each. The patients in group-A underwent manual SICS with a superior incision, the patients in group-B underwent manual SICS with a supero-temporal incision and the patients in group-C underwent manual SICS with a temporal incision. The small incision cataract surgeries were done by applying same surgical technique.The courses of the post operative astigmatic changes were determined by using Auto Refracto Keratometer at 1st week, 6th weeks and 12th week postoperatively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17925 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 72-74
Drug Abuse and Cardiac Problem
Authors: Patwary Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman , Mamun Kazi Abdullah Al
Published: February 2014

Drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in many countries including Bangladesh and threatens to overwhelm economic, social, and health care systems. In addition to their effects on the central nervous system, many of these agents induce profound changes in the heart and circulation that are responsible for a significant proportion of drug-related morbidity. Drugs that can affect the cardiovascular system are cocaine, heroin, inhalants, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD), marijuana,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA), methamphetamine, nicotine, phencyclidine (PCP), prescription stimulants, steroids .This article reviews the cardiovascular problems associated with drug abuse. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17928 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 90-92
Oral Histoplasmosis with Previously Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Sadat SM Anwar , Robin Munshi Ahmed Hossain , Rita Sufia Nasrin , Akhter Feroza , Uddin AFM Kamal
Published: February 2014

Oral Histoplasmosis is a deep fungal infection may present as oral ulceration and can be confused with oral mucosal malignancies, tuberculosis and other fungal diseases. It mostly affects individual having immunodeficiencies like tuberculosis and AIDS, but may also affect immunocompetent individuals. Here we presented a case of oral histoplasmosis with previously treated pulmonary tuberculosisand was treated by oral itraconazole. Complete disappearance of oral ulceration was evident following four weeks treatment and the patient is in regular follow up with maintenance therapy for last ten months. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17931 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(2): 99-102
Elements of an Integrated Phenotyping System for Monitoring Crop Status at Canopy Level
Authors: Rundquist Donald , Gitelson Anatoly , Leavitt Bryan , Zygielbaum Arthur , Perk Richard , Keydan Galina
Published: February 2014

Great care is needed to obtain spectral data appropriate for phenotyping in a scientifically rigorous manner. This paper discusses the procedures and considerations necessary and also suggests important pre-processing and analytical steps leading to real-time, non-destructive assessment of crop biophysical characteristics. The system has three major components: (1) data-collection platforms (with a focus on backpack and tractor-mounted units) including specific instruments and their configurations; (2) data-collection and display software; and (3) standard products depicting crop-biophysical characteristics derived using a suite of models to transform the spectral data into accurate, reliable biophysical characteristics of crops, such as fraction of green vegetation, absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index, biomass, chlorophyll content and gross primary production. This system streamlines systematic data acquisition, facilitates research, and provides useful products for agriculture.
Monitoring and Inhibiting MT1-MMP during Cancer Initiation and Progression
Authors: Pahwa Sonia , Stawikowski Maciej , Fields Gregg
Published: February 2014

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a zinc-dependent type-I transmembrane metalloproteinase involved in pericellular proteolysis, migration and invasion. Numerous substrates and binding partners have been identified for MT1-MMP, and its role in collagenolysis appears crucial for tumor invasion. However, development of MT1-MMP inhibitors must consider the substantial functions of MT1-MMP in normal physiology and disease prevention. The present review examines the plethora of MT1-MMP activities, how these activities relate to cancer initiation and progression, and how they can be monitored in real time. Examination of MT1-MMP activities and cell surface behaviors can set the stage for the development of unique, selective MT1-MMP inhibitors.
The Elusive Nature of Entropy and Its Physical Meaning
Authors: Kostic Milivoje
Published: February 2014

Entropy is the most used and often abused concept in science, but also in philosophy and society. Further confusions are produced by some attempts to generalize entropy with similar but not the same concepts in other disciplines. The physical meaning of phenomenological, thermodynamic entropy is reasoned and elaborated by generalizing Clausius definition with inclusion of generated heat, since it is irrelevant if entropy is changed due to reversible heat transfer or irreversible heat generation. Irreversible, caloric heat transfer is introduced as complementing reversible heat transfer. It is also reasoned and thus proven why entropy cannot be destroyed but is always generated (and thus over-all increased) locally and globally, at every space and time scales, without any exception. It is concluded that entropy is a thermal displacement (dynamic thermal-volume) of thermal energy due to absolute temperature as a thermal potential (dQ = TdS), and thus associated with thermal heat and absolute temperature, i.e., distribution of thermal energy within thermal micro-particles in space. Entropy is an integral measure of (random) thermal energy redistribution (due to heat transfer and/or irreversible heat generation) within a material system structure in space, per absolute temperature level: dS = dQSys/T = mCSysdT/T, thus logarithmic integral function, with J/K unit. It may be also expressed as a measure of “thermal disorder”, being related to logarithm of number of all thermal, dynamic microstates W (their position and momenta), S = kBlnW, or to the sum of their logarithmic probabilities S = −kB∑pilnpi, that correspond to, or are consistent with the given thermodynamic macro-state. The number of thermal microstates W, is correlated with macro-properties temperature T and volume V for ideal gases. A system form and/or functional order or disorder are not (thermal) energy order/disorder and the former is not related to Thermodynamic entropy. Expanding entropy to any type of disorder or information is a source of many misconceptions. Granted, there are certain benefits of simplified statistical descriptions to better comprehend the randomness of thermal motion and related physical quantities, but the limitations should be stated so the generalizations are not overstretched and the real physics overlooked, or worse discredited.
Information Bottleneck Approach to Predictive Inference
Authors: Still Susanne
Published: February 2014

This paper synthesizes a recent line of work on automated predictive model making inspired by Rate-Distortion theory, in particular by the Information Bottleneck method. Predictive inference is interpreted as a strategy for efficient communication. The relationship to thermodynamic efficiency is discussed. The overall aim of this paper is to explain how this information theoretic approach provides an intuitive, overarching framework for predictive inference.
Referee Bias and Stoppage Time in Major League Soccer: A Partially Adaptive Approach
Authors: Yewell Katherine , Caudill Steven , Mixon, Jr. Franklin
Published: February 2014

This study extends prior research on referee bias and close bias in professional soccer by examining whether Major League Soccer (MLS) referees’ discretion over stoppage time (i.e., extra play beyond regulation) is influenced by end-of-regulation match scores and/or home field advantage. To do so, we employ a grouped-data regression model and a partially adaptive model. Both account for the imprecise measurement in reported stoppage time. For the 2011 season we find no home field advantage. In fact, stoppage time is the same with a one or two goal deficit at the end of regulation, regardless of which team is ahead. However, the 2011 results do point to an increase in stoppage time of 12 to 20 seconds for nationally televised matches. For the 2012 season, the nationally televised effect disappears due to an increase in stoppage time for those matches not nationally televised. However, a home field advantage is present. Facing a one-goal deficit at the end of regulation, the home team receives about 33 seconds more stoppage time than a visiting team facing the same deficit.
Leadership and Reshaping Schooling in a Networked World
Authors: Finger Glenn , Lee Mal
Published: February 2014

This paper is initiated from a position that, until recently, the nature of schooling globally has remained largely unchanged since its design in the last century, and there has been a hegemony that supported its form to be enduring and largely unchanged. However, in a digital, networked world, there is a need to rethink and redefine schooling. Following an examination of schooling in the 21st Century, summarising the context and critical challenges presented by new and emerging digital technologies, suggestions about what schooling might look like in an increasingly digital, networked world are presented. Guidance is provided in relation to key questions for leadership to reshape schooling in a networked world, including: - how might schools move into the networked mode? - what is required to lead and manage a networked school community? - how will a networked school become defined less by its physical space and timetabled lessons, but by being networked and that learning can take place anywhere, anytime?
Energy and GHG Analysis of Rural Household Biogas Systems in China
Authors: Zhang Lixiao , Wang Changbo
Published: February 2014

The Chinese government has taken great efforts to popularize rural household scale biogas digesters, since they are regarded as an effective approach to address energy shortage issues in rural areas and as a potential way of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Focusing on a typical rural household biogas system, the aim of this study is to systematically quantify its total direct and indirect energy, concentrating on non-renewable energy and the associated GHG emission cost over the entire life cycle to understand its net dynamic benefits. The results show that the total energetic cost for biogas output is 2.19 J/J, of which 0.56 J is from non-renewable energy sources and the GHG emission cost is 4.54 × 10−5 g CO2-equivalent (CO2-eq), with respect to its design life cycle of 20 years. Correspondingly, a net non-renewable energy saving of 9.89 × 1010 J and GHG emission reduction of 50.45 t CO2-eq can be obtained considering the coal substitution and manure disposal. However, it must be run for at least 10 and 3 years, to obtain positive net non-renewable energy savings and GHG emission reduction benefits, respectively. These results have policy implications for development orientation, follow-up services, program management and even national financial subsidy methods.
Metamaterial Model of Tachyonic Dark Energy
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor
Published: February 2014

Dark energy with negative pressure and positive energy density is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Quite a few theoretical models of dark energy are based on tachyonic fields interacting with itself and normal (bradyonic) matter. Here, we propose an experimental model of tachyonic dark energy based on hyperbolic metamaterials. Wave equation describing propagation of extraordinary light inside hyperbolic metamaterials exhibits 2 + 1 dimensional Lorentz symmetry. The role of time in the corresponding effective 3D Minkowski spacetime is played by the spatial coordinate aligned with the optical axis of the metamaterial. Nonlinear optical Kerr effect bends this spacetime resulting in effective gravitational force between extraordinary photons. We demonstrate that this model has a self-interacting tachyonic sector having negative effective pressure and positive effective energy density. Moreover, a composite multilayer SiC-Si hyperbolic metamaterial exhibits closely separated tachyonic and bradyonic sectors in the long wavelength infrared range. This system may be used as a laboratory model of inflation and late time acceleration of the universe.
Credibility and Crisis Stress Testing
Authors: Ong Li , Pazarbasioglu Ceyla
Published: February 2014

Credibility is the bedrock of any crisis stress test. The use of stress tests to manage systemic risk was introduced by the U.S. authorities in 2009 in the form of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program. Since then, supervisory authorities in other jurisdictions have also conducted similar exercises. In some of those cases, the design and implementation of certain elements of the framework have been criticized for their lack of credibility. This paper proposes a set of guidelines for constructing an effective crisis stress test. It combines financial markets impact studies of previous exercises with relevant case study information gleaned from those experiences to identify the key elements and to formulate their appropriate design. Pertinent concepts, issues and nuances particular to crisis stress testing are also discussed. The findings may be useful for country authorities seeking to include stress tests in their crisis management arsenal, as well as for the design of crisis programs.
Preparation and Characterization of Tripterygium wilfordii Multi-Glycoside Nanoparticle Using Supercritical Anti-Solvent Process
Authors: Chen Fengli , Li Tong , Li Shuangyang , Hou Kexin , Liu Zaizhi , Li Lili , Cui Guoqiang , Zu Yuangang , Yang Lei
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to prepare nanosized Tripterygium wilfordii multi-glycoside (GTW) powders by the supercritical antisolvent precipitation process (SAS), and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects. Ethanol was used as solvent and carbon dioxide was used as an antisolvent. The effects of process parameters such as precipitation pressure (15–35 MPa), precipitation temperature (45–65 °C), drug solution flow rates (3–7 mL/min) and drug concentrations (10–30 mg/mL) were investigated. The nanospheres obtained with mean diameters ranged from 77.5 to 131.8 nm. The processed and unprocessed GTW were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of the GTW nanoparticles on adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino rats. The processed and unprocessed GTW were tested against Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). It was concluded that physicochemical properties and anti-inflammatory activity of GTW nanoparticles could be improved by physical modification, such as particle size reduction using supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process. Further, SAS process was a powerful methodology for improving the physicochemical properties and anti-inflammatory activity of GTW.
E26 Transformation-Specific-1 (ETS1) and WDFY Family Member 4 (WDFY4) Polymorphisms in Chinese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Bo Lin , Zhang Hui , Zhuang Chao , Liu Ruiping
Published: February 2014

E26 transformation-specific-1 (ETS1) and WDFY family member 4 (WDFY4) are closely related with systemic lupus erythematosus. We hypothesized that ETS1 and WDFY4 polymorphisms may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility. We studied ETS1 rs1128334 G/A and WDFY4 rs7097397 A/G gene polymorphisms in 329 patients with RA and 697 controls in a Chinese population. Genotyping was done using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. When the WDFY4 rs7097397 AA homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the AG genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk for RA. In the dominant model, when the WDFY4 rs7097397 AA homozygote genotype was used as the reference group, the AG/GG genotypes were associated with a significant increased susceptibility to RA. In stratification analyses, a significantly increased risk for RA associated with the WDFY4 rs7097397 AG genotype was evident among female patients, younger patients, C-reactive protein (CRP) negative patients and both anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) positive patients and negative patients compared with the WDFY4 rs7097397 AA genotype. These findings suggested that WDFY4 rs7097397 A/G may be associated with the risk of RA, especially among younger, female patients, CRP-negative patients and both ACPA positive and negative patients. However, our results were obtained from a moderate-sized sample, and therefore this is a preliminary conclusion. To confirm these findings, validation by a larger study from a more diverse ethnic population is needed.
Mechanisms Underlying Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Kaempferol in HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Hyun , Cho Han , Yu Rina , Lee Ki , Chun Hyang , Park Jung
Published: February 2014

We previously noted that kaempferol, a flavonol present in vegetables and fruits, reduced cell cycle progression of HT-29 cells. To examine whether kaempferol induces apoptosis of HT-29 cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, cells were treated with various concentrations (0–60 μmol/L) of kaempferol and analyzed by Hoechst staining, Annexin V staining, JC-1 labeling of the mitochondria, immunoprecipitation, in vitro kinase assays, Western blot analyses, and caspase-8 assays. Kaempferol increased chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and the number of early apoptotic cells in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, kaempferol increased the levels of cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3 and caspase-7 as well as those of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Moreover, it increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and cytosolic cytochrome c concentrations. Further, kaempferol decreased the levels of Bcl-xL proteins, but increased those of Bik. It also induced a reduction in Akt activation and Akt activity and an increase in mitochondrial Bad. Additionally, kaempferol increased the levels of membrane-bound FAS ligand, decreased those of uncleaved caspase-8 and intact Bid and increased caspase-8 activity. These results indicate that kaempferol induces the apoptosis of HT-29 cells via events associated with the activation of cell surface death receptors and the mitochondrial pathway.
Co-Cultivation—A Powerful Emerging Tool for Enhancing the Chemical Diversity of Microorganisms
Authors: Marmann Andreas , Aly Amal , Lin Wenhan , Wang Bingui , Proksch Peter
Published: February 2014

Marine-derived bacteria and fungi are promising sources of novel bioactive compounds that are important for drug discovery programs. However, as encountered in terrestrial microorganisms there is a high rate of redundancy that results in the frequent re-discovery of known compounds. Apparently only a part of the biosynthetic genes that are harbored by fungi and bacteria are transcribed under routine laboratory conditions which involve cultivation of axenic microbial strains. Many biosynthetic genes remain silent and are not expressed in vitro thereby seriously limiting the chemical diversity of microbial compounds that can be obtained through fermentation. In contrast to this, co-cultivation (also called mixed fermentation) of two or more different microorganisms tries to mimic the ecological situation where microorganisms always co-exist within complex microbial communities. The competition or antagonism experienced during co-cultivation is shown to lead to a significantly enhanced production of constitutively present compounds and/or to an accumulation of cryptic compounds that are not detected in axenic cultures of the producing strain. This review highlights the power of co-cultivation for increasing the chemical diversity of bacteria and fungi drawing on published studies from the marine and from the terrestrial habitat alike.
A Pervaporation Study of Ammonia Solutions Using Molecular Sieve Silica Membranes
Authors: Yang Xing , Fraser Thomas , Myat Darli , Smart Simon , Zhang Jianhua , Diniz da Costa João , Liubinas Audra , Duke Mikel
Published: February 2014

An innovative concept is proposed to recover ammonia from industrial wastewater using a molecular sieve silica membrane in pervaporation (PV), benchmarked against vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). Cobalt and iron doped molecular sieve silica-based ceramic membranes were evaluated based on the ammonia concentration factor downstream and long-term performance. A modified low-temperature membrane evaluation system was utilized, featuring the ability to capture and measure ammonia in the permeate. It was found that the silica membrane with confirmed molecular sieving features had higher water selectivity over ammonia. This was due to a size selectivity mechanism that favoured water, but blocked ammonia. However, a cobalt doped silica membrane previously treated with high temperature water solutions demonstrated extraordinary preference towards ammonia by achieving up to a 50,000 mg/L ammonia concentration (a reusable concentration level) measured in the permeate when fed with 800 mg/L of ammonia solution. This exceeded the concentration factor expected by the benchmark VMD process by four-fold, suspected to be due to the competitive adsorption of ammonia over water into the silica structure with pores now large enough to accommodate ammonia. However, this membrane showed a gradual decline in selectivity, suspected to be due to the degradation of the silica material/pore structure after several hours of operation.
Anticancer and Multidrug Resistance-Reversal Effects of Solanidine Analogs Synthetized from Pregnadienolone Acetate
Authors: Zupkó István , Molnár Judit , Réthy Borbála , Minorics Renáta , Frank Éva , Wölfling János , Molnár Joseph , Ocsovszki Imre , Topcu Zeki , Bitó Tamás , Puskás László
Published: February 2014

A set of solanidine analogs with antiproliferative properties were recently synthetized from pregnadienolone acetate, which occurs in Nature. The aim of the present study was an in vitro characterization of their antiproliferative action and an investigation of their multidrug resistance-reversal activity on cancer cells. Six of the compounds elicited the accumulation of a hypodiploid population of HeLa cells, indicating their apoptosis-inducing character, and another one caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The most effective agents inhibited the activity of topoisomerase I, as evidenced by plasmid supercoil relaxation assays. One of the most potent analogs down-regulated the expression of cell-cycle related genes at the mRNA level, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2, and induced growth arrest and DNA damage protein 45 alpha. Some of the investigated compounds inhibited the ABCB1 transporter and caused rhodamine-123 accumulation in murine lymphoma cells transfected by human MDR1 gene, expressing the efflux pump (L5178). One of the most active agents in this aspect potentiated the antiproliferative action of doxorubicin without substantial intrinsic cytostatic capacity. The current results indicate that the modified solanidine skeleton is a suitable substrate for the rational design and synthesis of further innovative drug candidates with anticancer activities.
Synergism of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors with Camptothecin Derivatives in Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Hamilton Gerhard , Klameth Lukas , Rath Barbara , Thalhammer Theresia
Published: February 2014

Advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a dismal prognosis. Modulation of the camptothecin topotecan, approved for second-line therapy, may improve response. Our recent finding of synergistic enhancement of the cytotoxic activity of camptothecin (CPT) by cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitors is extended here to a panel of camptothecin analogs comprising 10-hydroxy-CPT (HOCPT), topotecan (TPT; 9-[(dimethylamino)-methyl]-10-hydroxy-CPT), 9-amino-CPT (9AC), 9-nitrocamptothecin (rubitecan), SN38 (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) and 10-hydroxy-9-nitrocamptothecin (CPT109) in combination with PD0332991, CDK4I, roscovitine and olomoucine. SCLC cell lines employed are chemoresistant NCI-H417 and DMS153 and the chemosensitive SCLC26A line established at our institution. The CPT analogs exhibiting highest cytotoxicity towards the three SCLC lines tested were SN38 and 9AC, followed by rubitecan, HOCPT, TPT and CPT109. NCI-H417 and DMS153 revealed an approximately 25-fold and 7-fold higher resistance compared to the chemosensitive SCLC26A cell line. Whereas the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD0332991 proved less effective to chemosensitize SCLC cells to CPT analogs, the CDK inhibitors CDK4I, roscovitine and olomoucine gave comparable chemosensitization effects in combination with 9AC, SN38, rubitecan and to a lesser extent with TPT and CPT109, not directly related with topoisomerase mRNA expression. In conclusion, small chemical modifications of the parent CPT structure result in differing cytotoxicities and chemomodulatory effects in combination with CDKIs of the resulting analogs.
Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activities of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Containing an N-Acyl Hydrazone Subunit
Authors: Chelucci Rafael , Dutra Luiz , Lopes Pires Maria , De Melo Thais , Bosquesi Priscila , Chung Man , Dos Santos Jean
Published: February 2014

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 1–5 containing an N-acyl hydrazone subunit were prepared and their antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities assessed in vitro and in vivo. Compounds 1–5 inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate and/or arachidonic acid, with inhibition rates of 18.0%–61.1% and 65.9%–87.3%, respectively. Compounds 1 and 5 were the most active compounds, inhibiting adenosine-diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation by 57.2% and 61.1%, respectively. The inhibitory rates for arachidonic-acid-induced platelet aggregation were similar for compound 2 (80.8%) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 80%). After their oral administration to mice, compounds 1, 3, and 5 showed shorter mean bleeding times than ASA. Compounds 1 and 5 also protected against thromboembolic events, with survival rates of 40% and 33%, respectively, compared with 30% for ASA. In conclusion, these results indicate that these novel NSAIDs containing an NAH subunit may offer better antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities than ASA.
Comparative Evaluation of the Radical-Scavenging Activities of Fucoxanthin and Its Stereoisomers
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Fang Hua , Xie Quanling , Sun Jipeng , Liu Rui , Hong Zhuan , Yi Ruizao , Wu Hao
Published: February 2014

Fucoxanthin (Fuco) is a characteristic carotenoid of brown seaweeds. In the present study, Fuco and its stereoisomers 9'Z-Fuco, 13Z- and 13'Z-Fuco were extracted from Laminaria japonica Aresch. They were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and reversed-phase HPLC. The radical-scavenging activities of the three stereoisomers were evaluated toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2-2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical. The order of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity was 13Z- and 13'Z-Fuco > (all-E)-Fuco > 9'Z-Fuco. The order of 2-2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities were 9'Z-Fuco > (all-E)-Fuco > 13Z-and 13'Z-Fuco. The order of superoxide radical-scavenging activity was 13Z- and 13'Z-Fuco > (all-E)-Fuco > 9'Z-Fuco. The scavenging activities of Fuco and its stereoisomers toward the four radical types were all dose-dependent. The ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide radical-scavenging activities were all weaker than that of tocopherol (VE), while their hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities were stronger than that of VE. The results confirmed that Fuco and its stereoisomers have potent antioxidant activities.
Nonlinear Analyses of Adobe Masonry Walls Reinforced with Fiberglass Mesh
Authors: Giamundo Vincenzo , Lignola Gian , Prota Andrea , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: February 2014

Adobe constructions were widespread in the ancient world, and earth was one of the most used construction materials in ancient times. Therefore, the preservation of adobe structures, especially against seismic events, is nowadays an important structural issue. Previous experimental tests have shown that the ratio between mortar and brick mechanical properties (i.e., strength, stiffness and elastic modulus) influences the global response of the walls in terms of strength and ductility. Accurate analyses are presented in both the case of unreinforced and reinforced with fiberglass mesh when varying the mechanical properties of the materials composing the adobe masonry structure. The main issues and variability in the behavior of seismic resisting walls when varying the mechanical properties are herein highlighted. The aim of the overall research activity is to improve the knowledge about the structural behavior of adobe structural members unreinforced and reinforced with fiberglass mesh inside horizontal mortar joints.
Finger-Vein Image Enhancement Using a Fuzzy-Based Fusion Method with Gabor and Retinex Filtering
Authors: Shin Kwang , Park Young , Nguyen Dat , Park Kang
Published: February 2014

Because of the advantages of finger-vein recognition systems such as live detection and usage as bio-cryptography systems, they can be used to authenticate individual people. However, images of finger-vein patterns are typically unclear because of light scattering by the skin, optical blurring, and motion blurring, which can degrade the performance of finger-vein recognition systems. In response to these issues, a new enhancement method for finger-vein images is proposed. Our method is novel compared with previous approaches in four respects. First, the local and global features of the vein lines of an input image are amplified using Gabor filters in four directions and Retinex filtering, respectively. Second, the means and standard deviations in the local windows of the images produced after Gabor and Retinex filtering are used as inputs for the fuzzy rule and fuzzy membership function, respectively. Third, the optimal weights required to combine the two Gabor and Retinex filtered images are determined using a defuzzification method. Fourth, the use of a fuzzy-based method means that image enhancement does not require additional training data to determine the optimal weights. Experimental results using two finger-vein databases showed that the proposed method enhanced the accuracy of finger-vein recognition compared with previous methods.
Incremental Structured Dictionary Learning for Video Sensor-Based Object Tracking
Authors: Xue Ming , Yang Hua , Zheng Shibao , Zhou Yi , Yu Zhenghua
Published: February 2014

To tackle robust object tracking for video sensor-based applications, an online discriminative algorithm based on incremental discriminative structured dictionary learning (IDSDL-VT) is presented. In our framework, a discriminative dictionary combining both positive, negative and trivial patches is designed to sparsely represent the overlapped target patches. Then, a local update (LU) strategy is proposed for sparse coefficient learning. To formulate the training and classification process, a multiple linear classifier group based on a K-combined voting (KCV) function is proposed. As the dictionary evolves, the models are also trained to timely adapt the target appearance variation. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations on challenging image sequences compared with state-of-the-art algorithms demonstrate that the proposed tracking algorithm achieves a more favorable performance. We also illustrate its relay application in visual sensor networks.
Enhancement of Gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by novel exosome‐mediated delivery of the Survivin‐T34A mutant
Authors: Aspe Jonathan R. , Diaz Osterman Carlos J. , Jutzy Jessica M.S. , Deshields Simone , Whang Sonia , Wall Nathan R.
Published: February 2014

Background

Current therapeutic options for advanced pancreatic cancer have been largely disappointing with modest results at best, and though adjuvant therapy remains controversial, most remain in agreement that Gemcitabine should stand as part of any combination study. The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein Survivin is a key factor in maintaining apoptosis resistance, and its dominant‐negative mutant (Survivin‐T34A) has been shown to block Survivin, inducing caspase activation and apoptosis.

Methods

In this study, exosomes, collected from a melanoma cell line built to harbor a tetracycline‐regulated Survivin‐T34A, were plated on the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MIA PaCa‐2) cell line. Evaluation of the presence of Survivin‐T34A in these exosomes followed by their ability to induce Gemcitabine‐potentiative cell killing was the objective of this work.

Results

Here we show that exosomes collected in the absence of tetracycline (tet‐off) from the engineered melanoma cell do contain Survivin‐T34A and when used alone or in combination with Gemcitabine, induced a significant increase in apoptotic cell death when compared to Gemcitabine alone on a variety of pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

This exosomes/Survivin‐T34A study shows that a new delivery method for anticancer proteins within the cancer microenvironment may prove useful in targeting cancers of the pancreas.
Charge and spin transport in mesoscopic superconductors
Authors: Wolf M J , Hübler F , Kolenda S , Beckmann D
Published: February 2014

Background: Non-equilibrium charge transport in superconductors has been investigated intensely in the 1970s and 1980s, mostly in the vicinity of the critical temperature. Much less attention has been paid to low temperatures and the role of the quasiparticle spin.

Results: We report here on nonlocal transport in superconductor hybrid structures at very low temperatures. By comparing the nonlocal conductance obtained by using ferromagnetic and normal-metal detectors, we discriminate charge and spin degrees of freedom. We observe spin injection and long-range transport of pure, chargeless spin currents in the regime of large Zeeman splitting. We elucidate charge and spin transport by comparison to theoretical models.

Conclusion: The observed long-range chargeless spin transport opens a new path to manipulate and utilize the quasiparticle spin in superconductor nanostructures.
First record of Orobdella kawakatsuorum (Hirudinida: Arhynchobdellida: Erpobdelliformes) from Kunashir Island, Kuril Islands
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Gongalsky Konstantin
Published: February 2014

Specimens of the genus Orobdella Oka, 1895 from Kunashir Island, the Kuril Islands, are identified as Orobdella kawakatsuorum Richardson, 1975. Mitochondrial tRNALeu and ND1 data confirm the species identification of the Kunashir specimens. This is the first record of the genus Orobdella from the Kuril Islands.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Focal Intestinal Perforation in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Authors: Böhler Thomas , Bruder Ingo , Ruef Peter , Arand Jörg , Teufel Manfred , Mohrmann Matthias , Hentschel Roland
Published: February 2014

In preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) <1500 g the most important acquired intestinal diseases are necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP). We analyzed data of the neonatology module of national external comparative quality assurance for inpatients in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Between 2010 and 2012, 59 of 3549 VLBW infants developed FIP (1.7%), 128 of them NEC (3.6%). In approximately 3% of infants with BW<1000 g FIP was diagnosed, which was nearly 9 times more often than in infants with BW between 1250 and 1499 g (FIP frequency 0.36%). NEC frequency increased with decreasing BW and was more than 10 times higher in the smallest infants (BW<750 g: 7.87%) compared to those with BW between 1250 and 1499 g (0.72%). The BW limit of 1250 g differentiates between groups of patients with distinguished risks for NEC and FIP.
Testicular Manifestation of a Transformed Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Borgmann Hendrik , Vallo Stefan , Ruf Christian , Schmidt Anke , Thon Walter Ferdinand
Published: February 2014

Testicular neoplasms occur in more than 90% of cases, due to primary testicular germ cell tumors. Other entities are non germ cell tumors of the testis, testicular manifestation of lymphomas or metastases. International and interdisciplinary co-operation has led to the development of urological guidelines and to good therapeutic success for testicular neoplasms. The gold standard for treatment of a testicular neoplasm is the radical orchiectomy. However, for individual cases with suspected lymphoma, a treatment decision differing from the guidelines may be reasonable. We present the case of a 38-year-old man with testicular manifestation of a transformed mycosis fungoides, which is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.