bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Processing Model for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Park Chongmyung , Jo Youngtae , Jung Inbum
Published: September 2013

Wireless sensor networks offer a distributed processing environment. Many sensor nodes are deployed in fields that have limited resources such as computing power, network bandwidth, and electric power. The sensor nodes construct their own networks automatically, and the collected data are sent to the sink node. In these traditional wireless sensor networks, network congestion due to packet flooding through the networks shortens the network life time. Clustering or in-network technologies help reduce packet flooding in the networks. Many studies have focused on saving energy in the sensor nodes because the limited available power leads to an important problem of extending the operation of sensor networks as long as possible. However, we focus on the execution time because clustering and local distributed processing already contribute to saving energy by local decision making. In this paper, we present a cooperative processing model based on the processing timeline. Our processing model includes validation of the processing, prediction of the total execution time, and determination of the optimal number of processing nodes for distributed processing in wireless sensor networks. The experiments demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model, and a case study shows that our model can be used for the distributed application.
Observer-Based Robust Control for Switched Stochastic Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Chen Guoxin , Xiang Zhengrong , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the problem of observer-based robust control for a class of switched stochastic systems with time-varying delay. Based on the average dwell time method, an exponential stability criterion for switched stochastic delay systems is proposed. Then, performance analysis and observer-based robust controller design for the underlying systems are developed. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Determinants of Thyrotoxic Cardiomyopathy Recovery
Authors: Oliveros-Ruiz Lucia , Vallejo Maite , Diez Canseco L. Fernando , Cárdenas Manuel , Hermosillo J. Antonio G.
Published: September 2013

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of the disease duration prior to treatment, thyroid hormones level, or both on the reversibility of dilated cardiomyopathy. Between January 2006 and December 2010, a longitudinal study with a 6 months follow-up was carried on. One hundred and seventy patients with hyperthyroidism were referred to the cardiologist, and 127 had a 6 months followup after antithyroid treatment and were evaluated by echocardiography. Dilated cardiomyopathy reversibility criteria were established according to echocardiographic parameters. Complete reversibility existed when all parameters were met, partial reversibility when LVEF was ≥55% plus two or three other parameters, and no reversibility when LVEF was ≤55% regardless of other parameters. The results showed that echocardiography parameters related to the regression of myocardial mass were associated with a disease duration shorter than 10.38 months. This was the main predictive variable for reversal of dilated cardiomyopathy, followed byβ-blocker treatment, and the last predictive variable was the serum level of free triiodothyronine. This study showed that the effect on the myocardium related to thyrotoxicosis was associated with the disease duration before treatment.
Stability and Error Analysis of the Semidiscretized Fractional Nonlocal Thermistor Problem
Authors: Sidi Ammi M. R. , El Hachimi A.
Published: September 2013

A finite difference scheme is proposed for temporal discretization of the nonlocal time-fractional thermistor problem. Stability and error analysis of the proposed scheme are provided.
The Herbert Virtual Museum
Authors: Petridis Panagiotis , Dunwell Ian , Liarokapis Fotis , Constantinou George , Arnab Sylvester , de Freitas Sara , Hendrix Maurice
Published: September 2013

In recent years, virtual reality and augmented reality have emerged as areas of extreme interest as unique methods for visualising and interacting with digital museum artefacts in a different context, for example, as a virtual museum or exhibition, particularly over the Internet. Modern cultural heritage exhibitions have evolved from static to dynamic exhibitions and challenging explorations. This paper presents two different applications developed for the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery that make the user’s experience more immersive, engaging, and interactive. The first application utilizes mobile phone devices in order to enrich the visitors experience in the museum, and the second application is a serious game for cultural heritage and in particular for museum environments focusing on the younger visitors.
A Male with Cooccurrence of Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Anderson Tovi , Buterbaugh Allison , Love Kaitlin , Visootsak Jeannie
Published: September 2013

Down syndrome is the most common identifiable genetic cause of intellectual disability, with a unique physical gestalt that makes diagnosis possible during the newborn period. However, the physical characteristics of Fragile X syndrome are fairly subtle, resulting in the first clinical suspicion often arising from delayed developmental milestones. In addition, maladaptive behavior and autistic-like tendencies, such as hand flapping, poor eye contact, and hand biting, may be noted in Fragile X syndrome but are not as commonly observed in Down syndrome. Recognition of a potential secondary diagnosis, such as Fragile X syndrome, in individuals with Down syndrome is critical because there have been advances in targeted pharmacologic treatments for both conditions. Thus, an accurate diagnosis has implications in improving the individual's quality of life.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Isopropyl β‐(3,4‐Dihydroxyphenyl)‐α‐hydroxypropanoate
Authors: Zhang Qun-Zheng , Tian Xue-Feng , Du Guan-Le , Pan Qing , Wang Yi , Zhang Xun-Li
Published: September 2013

Using microwave irradiation heating, isopropyl β‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐α‐hydroxypropanoate was synthesised from 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde and acetylglycine through the formation of 2‐methyl‐4‐(3,4‐acetoxybenzylene)oxazol‐5‐ones, α‐acetylamino‐β‐(3,4‐diacetoxyphenyl)acrylic acid, and β‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)pyruvic acid followed by Clemmensen reduction and esterification. The reaction conditions in terms of operating parameters were optimised by using an orthogonal design of experiment (ODOE) approach, including reaction temperature, reaction time, and microwave power level. Compared with conventional heating, the reaction time was significantly reduced for all reactions and the product yields were increased (except for the third‐step reaction) under microwave heating conditions. The most remarkable microwave enhancement was found in the step of isopropyl β‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐α‐hydroxypropanoate production where the reaction time was reduced from 10 hrs (conventional heating) to 25 mins (microwave heating) whilst the yield was increased from 75.6% to 87.1%, respectively.
Acupuncture De-qi: From Characterization to Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Zhu Shi-Peng , Luo Li , Zhang Ling , Shen Song-Xi , Ren Xiao-Xuan , Guo Meng-Wei , Yang Jia-Min , Shen Xiao-Yu , Xu Yong-Si , Ji Bo , Zhu Jiang , Li Xiao-Hong , Zhang Lu-Fen
Published: September 2013

De-qi refers to the participant’s subjective sensations and objective body responses as well as the acupuncturist’s perceptions while the acupuncturist needles certain acupoints in the participant’s body. In recent years, De-qi is getting increasing attention of the researchers and many efforts have been made to understand its mechanism. By the broad literature survey, this paper explores the subjective De-qi sensation of the patients, its influencing factors, and the resulting physiological responses. The purpose of this paper is expected to find out a possible mechanism of De-qi and to provide certain scientific evidence for acupuncture fundamental research and clinical practice.
On Exact Series Solution of Strongly Coupled Mixed Parabolic Problems
Authors: Soler Vicente , Defez Emilio , Ferrer M. V. , Camacho J.
Published: September 2013

This paper studies the construction of the exact solution for parabolic coupled systems of the type , , , , , and , where , , , and are arbitrary matrices for which the block matrix is nonsingular, and is a positive stable matrix.
Angiotensin II AT1Receptors Are Involved in Neuronal Activation Induced by Amphetamine in a Two-Injection Protocol
Authors: Paz Maria Constanza , Marchese Natalia Andrea , Cancela Liliana M. , Bregonzio Claudia
Published: September 2013

It was already found that Ang II AT1receptors are involved in the neuroadaptative changes induced by a single exposure to amphetamine, and such changes are related to the development of behavioral and neurochemical sensitization. The induction of the immediately early gene c-fos has been used to define brain activated areas by amphetamine. Our aim was to evaluate the participation of AT1receptors in the neuronal activation induced by amphetamine sensitization. The study examined the c-fos expression in mesocorticolimbic areas induced by amphetamine challenge (0.5 mg/kg i.p) in animals pretreated with candesartan, a selective AT1receptor blocker (3 mg/kg p.o × 5 days), and amphetamine (5 mg/kg i.p) 3 weeks before the challenge. Increased c-fos immunoreactivity was found in response to the amphetamine challenge in the dorsomedial caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens, and both responses were blunted by the AT1receptor blocker pretreatment. In the infralimbic prefrontal cortex, increased c-fos immunoreactivity was found in response to amphetamine and saline challenge, and both were prevented by the AT1receptor blocker. No differences were found neither in ventral tegmental area nor prelimbic cortex between groups. Our results indicate an important role for brain Ang II in the behavioral and neuronal sensitization induced by amphetamine.
Utility of Tissue Transglutaminase Immunohistochemistry in Pediatric Duodenal Biopsies: Patterns of Expression and Role in Celiac Disease—A Clinicopathologic Review
Authors: Almarzooqi Saeeda , Houston Ronald H. , Prasad Vinay
Published: September 2013

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a ubiquitous multifunctional protein. It has roles in various cellular processes. tTG is a major target of autoantibodies in celiac disease, and its expression by immunohistochemistry in pediatric celiac disease has not been fully examined. We studied tTG expression in 78 pediatric duodenal biopsies by utilizing an antibody to transglutaminase 2. Serum tTG was positive in all celiac cases evaluated. Serum antiserum endomysial antibody (EMA) and tTG were negative in all control subjects and in inflammatory bowel disease and eosinophilic gastroenteritis. There was a statistically significant difference between cases of celiac disease and normal controls in terms of tTG immunohistochemical staining in duodenal biopsies surface epithelium ( value = 0.0012). There was no significant statistical difference in terms of staining of the villous surface or crypt between the cases of celiac disease and cases with IBD ( value = 0.5970 and 0.5227, resp.). There was no detected correlation between serum tTG values and immunohistochemical positivity on duodenal biopsy in cases of celiac disease ( value = 1). There was no relationship between Marsh classification and positivity of villous surface for tTG ( value = 0.4955). We conclude that tTG has limited utility in diagnosis of celiac disease in pediatric duodenal biopsies.
Fuzzy -Continuous Posets
Authors: Rao S. P. , Li Q. G.
Published: September 2013

The aim of this paper is to generalize fuzzy continuous posets. The concept of fuzzy subset system on fuzzy posets is introduced; some elementary definitions such as fuzzy -continuous posets and fuzzy -algebraic posets are given. Furthermore, we try to find some natural classes of fuzzy -continuous maps under which the images of such fuzzy algebraic structures can be preserved; we also think about fuzzy -continuous closure operators in alternative ways. An extension theorem is presented for extending a fuzzy monotone map defined on the -compact elements to a fuzzy -continuous map defined on the whole set.
Application of Fuzzy Fractional Kinetic Equations to Modelling of the Acid Hydrolysis Reaction
Authors: Ghaemi Ferial , Yunus Robiah , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil , Suleiman Mohamed , Saleh Shanti Faridah
Published: September 2013

In view of the usefulness and a great importance of the kinetic equation in specific chemical engineering problems, we discuss the numerical solution of a simple fuzzy fractional kinetic equation applied for the hemicelluloses hydrolysis reaction. The fuzzy approximate solution is derived based on the Legendre polynomials to the fuzzy fractional equation calculus. Moreover, the complete error analysis is explained based on the application of fuzzy Caputo fractional derivative. The main advantage of the present method is its superior accuracy which is obtained by using a limited number of Legendre polynomials. The method is computationally interesting, and the numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the method for solving fuzzy fractional differential equations.
Computerized Tomography Technique for the Investigation of the Maxillary First Molar Mesiobuccal Root
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Del Fabbro Massimo , Tsesis Igor , Taschieri Silvio
Published: September 2013

The aim of this paper was to review the literature about the use of computerized tomography to evaluate the presence and characteristics of the second mesiobuccal canal in the maxillary first molar. An electronic search was performed. Frequencies of the presence of second mesiobuccal canal and root anatomy characteristics were extracted from the selected studies. Pooled frequencies were calculated as weighted means. Seven articles were included. A second mesiobuccal canal was present in 59.32% of the teeth, and it was noncommunicating in 58.45% of teeth presenting the canal itself. The most common root canal morphology was single canal or two separated canals. The present paper showed that cone beam CT is a viable radiologic device for the evaluation of the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molars. In fact, it was observed that the frequency of second mesiobuccal canal detection is similar to those presented by clinical studies or micro-CT evaluations.
Disinfection of Dental Unit Water Line Using Aloe Vera: In Vitro Study
Authors: Pareek Sonia , Nagaraj Anup , Sharma Prateek , Atri Mansi , Walia Satinder , Naidu Shravani , Yousuf Asif
Published: September 2013

Context. Dental unit waterlines may be heavily contaminated with microorganisms and are a potential source of infection for both practicing staff and immunocompromised patients particularly. Contamination of dental unit water lines could be inhibited with the use of disinfectants. The present study investigates the effect of aloe-vera-based disinfectant in reducing the microbial growth in dental unit water lines (DUWLs).Aims. To compare the efficacy of aloe vera, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in controlling microbial contamination of DUWLs.Materials and Methods. After obtaining baseline water samples, the dental unit waterlines were treated with aloe vera, 10% hydrogen peroxide, and 5% sodium hypochlorite. Each of the three disinfectants was used in increasing concentrations and their inhibiting effect was compared. Water samples were analyzed for microbiological quality by the total viable count (TVC) method.Statistical Analysis Used. SPSS 16.Results. There was significant reduction in mean CFU/ml when treated with disinfectants each for a period of one week. Aloe-vera solution was found to be the most effective in reducing the microbial colonies.Conclusions. Improving the water quality from dental unit water lines is of considerable importance; chemical-based disinfectants can be replaced with herbal disinfectants for treating microbial contamination in dental unit waterlines.
Differential Item Functioning Related to Age in the Reading Subtest of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults
Authors: Ownby Raymond L. , Waldrop-Valverde Drenna
Published: September 2013

Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when items in a measure perform in ways that are different for members of a target group when the different performance is not related to the individual’s overall ability to be assessed. DIF may arise for a number of reasons but is often evaluated in order to ensure that tests and measures are fair evaluations of a group’s abilities. Based on observations when administering the test, we developed the hypothesis that some items on the reading comprehension subtest of the Test of Functional Health Literacy (TOFHLA) might be differentially more difficult for older adults and the elderly due to its use of the cloze response format, in which the participant is required to determine what word, when placed in a blank space in a sentence, will ensure that the sentence is intelligible. Others have suggested that the cloze response format may make demands on verbal fluency, an ability that is reduced with the increasing age. Our analyses show that age-related DIF may present in a nearly one-half of reading comprehension items of the TOFHLA. Results of this measure in older persons should be interpreted cautiously.
Effect of Ni2+ Doping on the Growth and Properties of Mn-L-Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate Crystals
Authors: Chandra J. Sai , Prameela Rani P. N. V. V. L. , Parvathi V. , Sunandamma Y.
Published: September 2013

The main focus of this work had been to grow good quality crystals from amino acids and amino acid-based materials for nonlinear optics (NLO) applications. For the first time, a series of amino acid complexes doped with transition metal ions were grown in our laboratory from aqueous solutions by slow evaporation technique. Ni(II) ion doped Manganese L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (Ni(II)-MnLHICl) crystals were grown on the same lines and were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and infrared absorption studies. From Powder XRD, the unit cell lattice parameters were calculated as a=1.5301 nm, b=0.8928 nm and c=0.6851 nm. From electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, isotropic “g” factor and spin hamiltonian parameter A all were calculated as 2.0439 and 20×10−4, respectively. From optical absorption studies, crystal field splitting value (Dq) and the interelectron repulsion parameters B and C were calculated for Ni2+ and Mn2+ as Dq=850 cm−1, B=725 cm−1, C=2640 cm−1 and Dq=915 cm−1, B=810 cm−1, C=2780 cm−1, respectively. The presence of various functional groups and the modes of vibrations were confirmed by FTIR studies.
Copper Enhanced Monooxygenase Activity and FT-IR Spectroscopic Characterisation of Biotransformation Products in Trichloroethylene Degrading Bacterium:Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaPM102
Authors: Mukherjee Piyali , Roy Pranab
Published: September 2013

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliaPM102 (NCBI GenBank Acc. no. JQ797560) is capable of growth on trichloroethylene as the sole carbon source. In this paper, we report the purification and characterisation of oxygenase present in the PM102 isolate. Enzyme activity was found to be induced 10.3-fold in presence of 0.7 mM copper with a further increment to 14.96-fold in presence of 0.05 mM NADH. Optimum temperature for oxygenase activity was recorded at36∘C. The reported enzyme was found to have enhanced activity at pH 5 and pH 8, indicating presence of two isoforms. Maximum activity was seen on incubation with benzene compared to other substrates like TCE, chloroform, toluene, hexane, and petroleum benzene.KmandVmaxfor benzene were 3.8 mM and 340 U/mg/min and those for TCE were 2.1 mM and 170 U/mg/min. The crude enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis. Zymogram analysis revealed two isoforms in the 70% purified enzyme fraction. The activity stain was more prominent when the native gel was incubated in benzene as substrate in comparison to TCE. Crude enzyme and purified enzyme fractions were assayed for TCE degradation by the Fujiwara test. TCE biotransformation products were analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy.
Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in the Maxilla
Authors: de Souza Daniel Falbo Martins , Sendyk Daniel Isaac , Seo Juliana , da Fonseca Eduardo Vasques , Naclério-Homem Maria da Graça , Deboni Maria Cristina Zindel
Published: September 2013

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumors of infancy (MNTIs) are rare fast-growing tumors with high recurrence rates. These tumors, which originate in the neural crest, commonly occur in the anterior maxilla of children under the age of one. Here, we describe an MNTI case in a two-month-old girl with increasing swelling in the left cheek. MNTI was diagnosed in this case following tomography and biopsy. The patient's histological and immunohistochemical profile indicated a remarkable combination of neural, melanocytic, and epithelial cell differentiation. One year following tumor excision, a follow-up examination revealed that the child exhibited no tumor recurrence. Approximately 260 cases of MNTI have been reported since this type of tumor was first described. In the present case, early diagnosis minimized the difficulties and risks associated with treatment and facilitated an optimal outcome. Despite complete surgical excision, careful followup is recommended. In addition, maxillary functional orthopedics and reconstruction may be necessary in cases of MNTI.
Nonlinear Adaptive Dynamic Output-Feedback Power-Level Control of Nuclear Heating Reactors
Authors: Dong Zhe
Published: September 2013

Due to the high safety performance of small nuclear reactors, there is a promising future for small reactors. Nuclear heating reactor (NHR) is a small reactor that has many advanced safety features such as the integrated arrangement, natural circulation at any power levels, self-pressurization, hydraulic control rod driving, and passive residual heating removing and can be applied to the fields of district heating, seawater desalination, and electricity production. Since the NHR dynamics has strong nonlinearity and uncertainty, it is meaningful to develop the nonlinear adaptive power-level control technique. From the idea of physically based control design method, a novel nonlinear adaptive power-level control is given for the NHR in this paper. It is theoretically proved that this newly built controller does not only provide globally asymptotic closed-loop stability but is also adaptive to the system uncertainty. Numerical simulation results show the feasibility of this controller and the relationship between the performance and controller parameters.
Numerical Simulation of the Flow Field in Circumferential Grooved Liquid Seals
Authors: Zhang Meng , Wang Xiao-fang , Xu Sheng-li , Wang Wei
Published: September 2013

Circumferential grooved liquid seals are utilized inside turbomachinery to provide noncontacting control of internal incompressible fluid leakage. Accurate prediction of the flow field is fundamental in producing robust and efficient designs. To validate the capabilities of the computational fluid dynamics FLUENT for incompressible fluid seal flow, comparisons of velocity parameters are made to the published experimental results and other CFD code for a circumferential grooved liquid seal. This work employs a pressure-based CFD code FLUENT to calculate the flow field in the seal, using four different turbulence models respectively. The velocity contours are compared with experimental values. It shows good overall agreement of the axial, radial, and azimuthal velocities in the through-flow jet, shear layer, and recirculation zone. Quantitative comparisons of velocity profiles at the center of the groove are made to experiment. This study verifies the prediction accuracy of three turbulence models. Various structures were considered to obtain a better understanding of the circumferential grooved liquid flow characteristics. The best groove structure to control leakage was also found within the limited designed seal. This study will provide a useful reference for designing the circumferential grooved liquid seal.
Profile, Bacteriology, and Risk Factors for Foot Ulcers among Diabetics in a Tertiary Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Otu Akaninyene Asuquo , Umoh Victor Aniedi , Essien Okon Ekwere , Enang Ofem Egbe , Okpa Henry Ohem , Mbu Patrick Ntui
Published: September 2013

Diabetic foot disease is a major medical, social, and economic problem. This retrospective study assessed the profile of diabetes mellitus patients with foot ulcers in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Nigeria. Admission records of all patients admitted unto the medical wards of UCTH over a 5 year period were analysed. The records of diabetic patients were retrieved. Data on patient characteristics and possible risk factors for diabetes mellitus foot ulcers was extracted. Of the 3,882 patients admitted, 297 (7%) were on account of complications of diabetes mellitus. Foot ulcers accounted for 63 (21.2%) of all diabetic admissions. The elderly constituted the majority of patients admitted with foot ulcers. The average duration of stay of diabetics with foot ulcers was 38.5 days. Diabetics admitted for other conditions had average duration of admission of 15.8 days. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism isolated from swabs of foot ulcers. Most of the organisms identified from ulcer swab cultures were sensitive to quinolones and resistant to penicillins. These diabetic foot ulcers were significantly associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, intermittent claudication, and walking barefoot. An effective diabetes foot programme is required to address these risk factors and reverse the current trend.
Weight Loss and Melatonin Reduce Obesity-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rat Testis
Authors: Atilgan Dogan , Parlaktas Bekir S. , Uluocak Nihat , Erdemir Fikret , Kilic Sahin , Erkorkmaz Unal , Ozyurt Huseyin , Markoc Fatma
Published: September 2013

Aim. We aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of weight loss and melatonin on the obesity-induced oxidative damage in rat testes.Materials and Methods. 28 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 rats: control group (Group 1), obesity group (Group 2), obesity + MLT group (Group 3), and weight loss group (Group 4). Rats were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed and 5 cc blood samples were obtained from all of the rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were analysed in the testicular tissues and serum. Spermatogenesis was evaluated with the Johnsen scoring system.Results. The testicular tissue and serum levels of MDA, PC, and SOD activity were increased in the obesity group in comparison to the sham operated group (P<0.05). Weight loss and melatonin treatment ameliorated MDA, PC, and SOD levels in testicular tissue and serum significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mean Johnsen score (P=0.727).Conclusion. Experimentally created obesity caused oxidative stress and both melatonin and weight loss reduced oxidative stress parameters in rat testes.
Visceral Leishmaniasis with Associated Common, Uncommon, and Atypical Morphological Features on Bone Marrow Aspirate Cytology in Nonendemic Region
Authors: Chandra Harish , Chandra Smita , Kaushik Rajeev Mohan
Published: September 2013

Objectives. The present study was conducted to categorise the morphological features on bone marrow aspirate cytology into common, uncommon, and atypical features in a nonendemic region which would be helpful in clinching an early and correct diagnosis especially in clinically unsuspected cases.Methods. The morphological features on bone marrow were categorized into common, uncommon, and atypical in cases of leishmaniasis from non endemic region.Results. Out of total 27 cases, 77.7% were residents of places at the height of 500 m or above and fever was the most common presentation followed by hepatosplenomegaly. Plasmacytosis, hemophagocytosis were the common cytological features while dysmyelopoiesis, presence of leishmania bodies in nonhistiocytic cells, and granuloma with necrosis were uncommon features. Aggregates of LD bodies in form of ring, floret, or strap shapes along with giant cells constitute the atypical morphological features.Conclusion. The knowledge of common, uncommon, and atypical features on bone marrow aspirate cytology is helpful in clinching an early and correct diagnosis of leishmaniasis especially in non endemic areas where clinical suspicion is low. These features will guide the pathologist for vigilant search of LD bodies in the marrow for definite diagnosis and thus will also be helpful in preventing unnecessary workups.
Using Design of Experiments Methods for Assessing Peak Contact Pressure to Material Properties of Soft Tissue in Human Knee
Authors: Bahraminasab Marjan , Jahan Ali , Sahari Barkawi , Arumugam Manohar , Shamsborhan Mahmoud , Hassan Mohd Roshdi
Published: September 2013

Contact pressure in the knee joint is a key element in the mechanisms of knee pain and osteoarthritis. Assessing the contact pressure in tibiofemoral joint is a challenging mechanical problem due to uncertainty in material properties. In this study, a sensitivity analysis of tibiofemoral peak contact pressure to the material properties of the soft tissue was carried out through fractional factorial and Box-Behnken designs. The cartilage was modeled as linear elastic material, and in addition to its elastic modulus, interaction effects of soft tissue material properties were added compared to previous research. The results indicated that elastic modulus of the cartilage is the most effective factor. Interaction effects of axial/radial modulus with elastic modulus of cartilage, circumferential and axial/radial moduli of meniscus were other influential factors. Furthermore this study showed how design of experiment methods can help designers to reduce the number of finite element analyses and to better interpret the results.
CagA-PositiveHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Reduced Sperm Motility, Vitality, and Normal Morphology
Authors: Moretti E. , Collodel G. , Mazzi L. , Campagna M. S. , Figura N.
Published: September 2013

Helicobacter pylori(HP) infection, particularly when caused by strains expressing CagA, may be considered a concomitant cause of male and female reduced fertility. This study explored, in 87 HP-infected males, the relationship between infection by CagA-positive HP strains and sperm parameters. HP infection and CagA status were determined by ELISA and Western blotting; semen analysis was performed following WHO guidelines. The amino acid sequence of human enzymes involved in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism were “blasted” with peptides expressed by HP J99. Thirty-seven patients (42.5%) were seropositive for CagA. Sperm motility (18% versus 32%; ), sperm vitality (35% versus 48%; ) and the percentage of sperm with normal forms (18% versus 22%; ) in the CagA-positive group were significantly reduced versus those in the CagA-negative group. All the considered enzymes showed partial linear homology with HP peptides, but four enzymes aligned with four different segments of the samecagisland protein. We hypothesize a relationship between infection by strains expressing CagA and decreased sperm quality. Potentially increased systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines that occur in infection by CagA-positive strains and autoimmune phenomena that involve molecular mimicry could explain the pathogenetic mechanism of alterations observed.
Mesh Exposure and Associated Risk Factors in Women Undergoing Transvaginal Prolapse Repair with Mesh
Authors: Frankman Elizabeth A. , Alperin Marianna , Sutkin Gary , Meyn Leslie , Zyczynski Halina M.
Published: September 2013

Objective. To determine frequency, rate, and risk factors associated with mesh exposure in women undergoing transvaginal prolapse repair with polypropylene mesh.Methods. Retrospective chart review was performed for all women who underwent Prolift Pelvic Floor Repair System (Gynecare, Somerville, NJ) between September 2005 and September 2008. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for mesh exposure.Results. 201 women underwent Prolift. Mesh exposure occurred in 12% (24/201). Median time to mesh exposure was 62 days (range: 10–372). When mesh was placed in the anterior compartment, the frequency of mesh exposure was higher than that when mesh was placed in the posterior compartment (8.7% versus 2.9%,P=0.04). Independent risk factors for mesh exposure were diabetes (AOR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.6–37.6;P=0.01) and surgeon (AOR = 7.3, 95% CI 1.9–28.6;P=0.004).Conclusion. Women with diabetes have a 7-fold increased risk for mesh exposure after transvaginal prolapse repair using Prolift. The variable rate of mesh exposure amongst surgeons may be related to technique. The anterior vaginal wall may be at higher risk of mesh exposure as compared to the posterior vaginal wall.
Electronically Tunable Wide Band Optical Delay Line Based on InGaAs Quantum Well Microresonators
Authors: Zhang Yan , Taylor Geoff W.
Published: September 2013

A novel electronically tunable optical delay line based on InGaAs quantum well microresonators is proposed for high frequency RF transmission. The device utilizes the charge-controlled blue shift of the absorption edge in InGaAs quantum wells to change the effective refractive indices of the resonators and couplers, therefore, provides an efficient way to produce variable time delay. A theoretical model based on measurements is used to analyze the device performance. Simulation results for five 3 × 27 μm2 cascaded resonators with bias voltages <0.7 V show a continuous tuning range of 7~68 ps, a ripple delay <1.5 ps, and a useable bandwidth of 39.3 GHz.
Mutationally Activated PIK3CAH1047R Cooperates with BRAFV600E to Promote Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Trejo Christy L. , Green Shon , Marsh Victoria , Collisson Eric A. , Iezza Gioia , Phillips Wayne A. , McMahon Martin
Published: September 2013

Adenocarcinoma of the lung, a leading cause of cancer death, frequently displays mutational activation of the KRAS proto-oncogene but, unlike lung cancers expressing mutated EGFR, ROS1, or ALK, there is no pathway-targeted therapy for patients with KRAS-mutated lung cancer. In preclinical models, expression of oncogenic KRASG12D in the lung epithelium of adult mice initiates development of lung adenocarcinoma through activation of downstream signaling pathways. In contrast, mutationally activated BRAFV600E, a KRAS effector, fails to initiate lung carcinogenesis despite highly efficient induction of benign lung tumorigenesis. To test if phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-α (PIK3CA), another KRAS effector, might cooperate with oncogenic BRAFV600E to promote lung cancer progression, we used mice carrying a conditional allele of Pik3ca that allows conversion of the wild-type catalytic subunit of PIK3CA to mutationally activated PIK3CAH1047R. Although expression of PIK3CAH1047R in the lung epithelium, either alone or in combination with PTEN silencing, was without phenotype, concomitant expression of BRAFV600E and PIK3CAH1047R led to dramatically decreased tumor latency and increased tumor burden compared with BRAFV600E alone. Most notably, coexpression of BRAFV600E and PIK3CAH1047R elicited lung adenocarcinomas in a manner reminiscent of the effects of KRASG12D. These data emphasize a role for PI3K signaling, not in lung tumor initiation per se, but in both the rate of tumor growth and the propensity of benign lung tumors to progress to a malignant phenotype. Finally, biologic and biochemical analysis of BRAFV600E/PIK3CAH1047R-expressing mouse lung cancer cells revealed mechanistic clues about cooperative regulation of the cell-division cycle and apoptosis by these oncogenes. Cancer Res; 73(21); 6448–61. ©2013 AACR.
Telomere Length Varies By DNA Extraction Method: Implications for Epidemiologic Research
Authors: Cunningham Julie M. , Johnson Ruth A. , Litzelman Kristin , Skinner Halcyon G. , Seo Songwon , Engelman Corinne D. , Vanderboom Russell J. , Kimmel Grace W. , Gangnon Ronald E. , Riegert-Johnson Douglas L. , Baron John A. , Potter John D. , Haile Robert , Buchanan Daniel D. , Jenkins Mark A. , Rider David N. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Petersen Gloria M. , Boardman Lisa A.
Published: September 2013

Background: Both shorter and longer telomeres in peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) DNA have been associated with cancer risk. However, associations remain inconsistent across studies of the same cancer type. This study compares DNA preparation methods to determine telomere length from patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: We examined PBL relative telomere length (RTL) measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in 1,033 patients with colorectal cancer and 2,952 healthy controls. DNA was extracted with phenol/chloroform, PureGene, or QIAamp.

Results: We observed differences in RTL depending on DNA extraction method (P < 0.001). Phenol/chloroform-extracted DNA had a mean RTL (T/S ratio) of 0.78 (range 0.01–6.54) compared with PureGene-extracted DNA (mean RTL of 0.75; range 0.00–12.33). DNA extracted by QIAamp yielded a mean RTL of 0.38 (range 0.02–3.69). We subsequently compared RTL measured by qPCR from an independent set of 20 colorectal cancer cases and 24 normal controls in PBL DNA extracted by each of the three extraction methods. The range of RTL measured by qPCR from QIAamp-extracted DNA (0.17–0.58) was less than from either PureGene or phenol/chloroform (ranges, 0.04–2.67 and 0.32–2.81, respectively).

Conclusions: RTL measured by qPCR from QIAamp-extracted DNA was less than from either PureGene or phenol/chloroform (P < 0.001).

Impact: Differences in DNA extraction method may contribute to the discrepancies between studies seeking to find an association between the risk of cancer or other diseases and RTL. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2047–54. ©2013 AACR.
Equol-Producing Status, Isoflavone Intake, and Breast Density in a Sample of U.S. Chinese Women
Authors: Tseng Marilyn , Byrne Celia , Kurzer Mindy S. , Fang Carolyn Y.
Published: September 2013

Background: Differences in ability to metabolize daidzein to equol might help explain inconsistent findings about isoflavones and breast cancer. We examined equol-producing status in relation to breast density, a marker of breast cancer risk, and evaluated whether an association of isoflavone intake with breast density differs by equol-producing status in a sample of Chinese immigrant women.

Methods: Participants were 224 women, ages 36 to 58 years, enrolled in a study on diet and breast density. All women completed dietary recall interviews, underwent a soy challenge to assess equol-producing status, and received a mammogram assessed for breast density using a computer-assisted method.

Results: In our sample, 30% were classified as equol producers. In adjusted linear regression models, equol producers had significantly lower mean dense tissue area (32.8 vs. 37.7 cm2, P = 0.03) and lower mean percent breast density (32% vs. 35%, P = 0.03) than nonproducers. Significant inverse associations of isoflavone intake with dense area and percent density were apparent, but only in equol producers (interaction P = 0.05 for both).

Conclusions: These results support the possibility that equol-producing status affects breast density and that effects of isoflavones on breast density depend on ability to metabolize daidzein to equol.

Impact: Although these findings warrant confirmation in a larger sample, they offer a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings about soy intake and breast density and possibly breast cancer risk as well. The findings further suggest the importance of identifying factors that influence equol-producing status and exploring appropriate targeting of interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 1975–83. ©2013 AACR.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonism as a Novel Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Skor Maxwell N. , Wonder Erin L. , Kocherginsky Masha , Goyal Anju , Hall Ben A. , Cai Yi , Conzen Suzanne D.
Published: September 2013

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 10% to 20% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer. Finding effective targets for chemotherapy-resistant TNBC has proven difficult in part because of TNBC's molecular heterogeneity. We have previously reported that likely because of the antiapoptotic activity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast epithelial and cancer cells, high GR expression/activity in early-stage TNBC significantly correlates with chemotherapy resistance and increased recurrence. We hypothesized that pretreatment with mifepristone, a GR antagonist, would potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapy in GR+ TNBCs by inhibiting the antiapoptotic signaling pathways of GR and increasing the cytotoxic efficiency of chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: TNBC cell apoptosis was examined in the context of physiologic glucocorticoid concentrations, chemotherapy, and/or pharmacologic concentrations of mifepristone. We used high-throughput live microscopy with continuous recording to measure apoptotic cells stained with a fluorescent dye and Western blot analysis to detect caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. The effect of mifepristone on GR-mediated gene expression was also measured. TNBC xenograft studies were performed in female severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice and tumors were measured following treatment with vehicle, paclitaxel, or mifepristone/paclitaxel.

Results: We found that although mifepristone treatment alone had no significant effect on TNBC cell viability or clonogenicity in the absence of chemotherapy, the addition of mifepristone to dexamethasone/paclitaxel treatment significantly increased cytotoxicity and caspase-3/PARP cleavage. Mifepristone also antagonized GR-induced SGK1 and MKP1/DUSP1 gene expression while significantly augmenting paclitaxel-induced GR+ MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor shrinkage in vivo.

Conclusions: These results suggest that mifepristone pretreatment could be a useful strategy for increasing tumor cell apoptosis in chemotherapy-resistant GR+ TNBC. Clin Cancer Res; 19(22); 6163–72. ©2013 AACR.
A Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Mcl-1 Blocks Pancreatic Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Abulwerdi Fardokht , Liao Chenzhong , Liu Meilan , Azmi Asfar S. , Aboukameel Amro , Mady Ahmed S.A. , Gulappa Thippeswamy , Cierpicki Tomasz , Owens Scott , Zhang Tao , Sun Duxin , Stuckey Jeanne A. , Mohammad Ramzi M. , Nikolovska-Coleska Zaneta
Published: September 2013

Using a high-throughput screening (HTS) approach, we have identified and validated several small-molecule Mcl-1 inhibitors (SMI). Here, we describe a novel selective Mcl-1 SMI inhibitor, 2 (UMI-77), developed by structure-based chemical modifications of the lead compound 1 (UMI-59). We have characterized the binding of UMI-77 to Mcl-1 by using complementary biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods and determined its antitumor activity against a panel of pancreatic cancer cells and an in vivo xenograft model. UMI-77 binds to the BH3-binding groove of Mcl-1 with Ki of 490 nmol/L, showing selectivity over other members of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family. UMI-77 inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, accompanied by cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that UMI-77 blocks the heterodimerization of Mcl-1/Bax and Mcl-1/Bak in cells, thus antagonizing the Mcl-1 function. The Bax/Bak-dependent induction of apoptosis was further confirmed using murine embryonic fibroblasts that are Bax- and Bak-deficient. In an in vivo BxPC-3 xenograft model, UMI-77 effectively inhibited tumor growth. Western blot analysis in tumor remnants revealed enhancement of proapoptotic markers and significant decrease of survivin. Collectively, these promising findings show the therapeutic potential of Mcl-1 inhibitors against pancreatic cancer and warrant further preclinical investigations. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(3); 565–75. ©2013 AACR.
Severe Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Identification, Associated Health Risks, and Treatment Approaches
Authors: Kelly Aaron S. , Barlow Sarah E. , Rao Goutham , Inge Thomas H. , Hayman Laura L. , Steinberger Julia , Urbina Elaine M. , Ewing Linda J. , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: September 2013

Severe obesity afflicts between 4% and 6% of all youth in the United States, and the prevalence is increasing. Despite the serious immediate and long-term cardiovascular, metabolic, and other health consequences of severe pediatric obesity, current treatments are limited in effectiveness and lack widespread availability. Lifestyle modification/behavior-based treatment interventions in youth with severe obesity have demonstrated modest improvement in body mass index status, but participants have generally remained severely obese and often regained weight after the conclusion of the treatment programs. The role of medical management is minimal, because only 1 medication is currently approved for the treatment of obesity in adolescents. Bariatric surgery has generally been effective in reducing body mass index and improving cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors; however, reports of long-term outcomes are few, many youth with severe obesity do not qualify for surgery, and access is limited by lack of insurance coverage. To begin to address these challenges, the purposes of this scientific statement are to (1) provide justification for and recommend a standardized definition of severe obesity in children and adolescents; (2) raise awareness of this serious and growing problem by summarizing the current literature in this area in terms of the epidemiology and trends, associated health risks (immediate and long-term), and challenges and shortcomings of currently available treatment options; and (3) highlight areas in need of future research. Innovative behavior-based treatment, minimally invasive procedures, and medications currently under development all need to be evaluated for their efficacy and safety in this group of patients with high medical and psychosocial risks.
Subpopulation of Proepicardial Cells Is Derived From the Somatic Mesoderm in the Chick Embryo
Authors: Schlueter Jan , Brand Thomas
Published: September 2013

Rationale:

The proepicardium (PE) is a transient structure forming at the venous pole of the heart and gives rise to the epicardium, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. The embryological origin of the PE is presently unclear. Asymmetrical formation of the PE on the right inflow tract is a conserved feature of many vertebrate embryos, and in the chicken is under the control of fibroblast growth factor 8 and snail homolog 1.

Objective:

To gain further insight into the process of asymmetrical PE formation, we studied the role of
TWIST1
during PE formation in the chick embryo.

Methods and Results:

TWIST1
is asymmetrically expressed on the right side in the somatic mesoderm under the control of snail homolog 1. Fate mapping experiments revealed a contribution of the somatic mesoderm to the PE. After colonization of the heart, this cell lineage gives rise to the epicardium, smooth muscle cells, and potentially fibroblast. Suppression of
TWIST1
function in the right coelomic cavity caused a severe disruption of the villous protrusions of the PE and Wilms tumor 1 and transcription factor 21 expression. Rescue with the corresponding mouse cDNA normalized gene expression and PE morphology. Forced expression of
TWIST1
on the left side induced ectopic expression domains of Wilms tumor 1 and transcription factor 21.

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of the PE has its origin outside of the currently proposed domain in the splanchnic layer of the lateral plate mesoderm. The phenotype in embryos subjected to
TWIST1
loss- or gain-of-function suggests an important contribution of somatic mesoderm to the mesothelial cell layer of the PE.