bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of experimental diabetes and insulin replacement on intestinal metabolism and excretion of 4-nitrophenol in rats
Authors: Fischer Emil , Almási Attila , Bojcsev Sztojan , Fischer Tamás , Kovács Noémi Piroska , Perjési Pál
Published: March 2015

Luminal appearance of 4-nitrophenol (PNP) metabolites (4-nitrophenol-β-glucuronide (PNP-G) and 4-nitrophenol-sulfate (PNP-S)) and activity of the related metabolic enzymes have been investigated in control and experimental diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg i.v.). PNP (500 μmol/L) was luminally perfused in the small intestine and the metabolites were determined in the perfusion solution. Effect of insulin replacement was also investigated in the diabetic rats. It was found that experimental diabetes increased the luminal appearance of PNP-G, which could be completely compensated by rapid-acting insulin administration (1 U/kg i.v.). Activities of the enzymes involved in PNP-G production (UDP-glucuronyltransferase and β-glucuronidase) were also elevated; however, these changes were only partially compensated by insulin. Luminal appearance of PNP-S was not significantly changed by administration of streptozotocin and insulin. Activities of the enzymes of PNP-S production (sulfotransferases and arylsulfatases) did not change in the diabetic rats. The results indicate that experimental diabetes can provoke changes in intestinal drug metabolism. It increased intestinal glucuronidation of PNP but did not influence sulfate conjugation. No direct correlation was found between the changes of metabolic enzyme activities and the luminal appearance of the metabolites.
FORWARD PRICES AS FUNCTIONALS OF THE SPOT PATH IN COMMODITY MARKETS MODELED BY LEVY SEMISTATIONARY PROCESSES
Authors: BENTH FRED ESPEN , BLANCO SARA ANA SOLANILLA
Published: March 2015

We show that the forward price can be represented as a functional of the spot price path in the case of Lévy semistationary (LSS) models for the spot dynamics. The functional is a weighted average of the historical spot price in general, and is derived by means of the Laplace transform. For the special cases of continuous-time autoregressive (CAR) moving average and Gamma-LSS processes for the spot dynamics, we are able to produce an analytical weight function. Both classes of processes are of interest in markets for power, weather and shipping, and we provide a discussion of the results based on numerical examples.
Physics of Viral Shells
Authors: Bruinsma Robijn F. , Klug William S.
Published: March 2015

We review the application of statistical mechanics, elasticity theory, and condensed matter physics to the assembly and maturation of viral capsids.
Exciton-Polariton Bose-Einstein Condensates
Authors: Deveaud Benoît
Published: March 2015

Exciton-polaritons, mixed light-matter quasiparticles in semiconductors, have recently shown evidence for Bose-Einstein condensation. Some of the properties of condensates of exciton-polaritons are reviewed in this article. We first discuss the spontaneous appearance of long-range order and the way this can be easily accessed in the case of polariton fluids. We show that the Penrose-Onsager criterion is valid even for such a very special case of condensate. We then describe the experiments that allow observation of topological defects in the fluid: quantized vortices, half vortices, and hyperbolic spin vortices. We demonstrate through the comparison with the gross Pitaevskii equation that the appearance and stability of such vortices are linked with the dissipative nature of the condensate together with the presence of disorder. We then briefly summarize the experiments on superfluid behavior of the polaritons at large-enough densities and expand somewhat more on the dynamical behavior of turbulence in the wake of an obstacle, with the appearance of vortex streets. We finally show that the Bogoliubov transformation has been revealed through four-wave mixing experiments.
Parallel Framework for Dimensionality Reduction of Large-Scale Datasets
Authors: Samudrala Sai Kiranmayee , Zola Jaroslaw , Aluru Srinivas , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar
Published: March 2015

Dimensionality reduction refers to a set of mathematical techniques used to reduce complexity of the original high-dimensional data, while preserving its selected properties. Improvements in simulation strategies and experimental data collection methods are resulting in a deluge of heterogeneous and high-dimensional data, which often makes dimensionality reduction the only viable way to gain qualitative and quantitative understanding of the data. However, existing dimensionality reduction software often does not scale to datasets arising in real-life applications, which may consist of thousands of points with millions of dimensions. In this paper, we propose a parallel framework for dimensionality reduction of large-scale data. We identify key components underlying the spectral dimensionality reduction techniques, and propose their efficient parallel implementation. We show that the resulting framework can be used to process datasets consisting of millions of points when executed on a 16,000-core cluster, which is beyond the reach of currently available methods. To further demonstrate applicability of our framework we perform dimensionality reduction of 75,000 images representing morphology evolution during manufacturing of organic solar cells in order to identify how processing parameters affect morphology evolution.
Ameloblastic Fibrosarcoma of the Mandible: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Loya-Solis Abelardo , González-Colunga Karla Judith , Pérez-Rodríguez Cynthia M. , Ramírez-Ochoa Natalie Sofía , Ceceñas-Falcón Luis , Barboza-Quintana Oralia
Published: March 2015

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma is an uncommon odontogenic tumor composed of a benign epithelial component and a malignant ectomesenchymal component most frequently seen in the third and fourth decades of life. It mainly presents as a painful maxillary or mandibular swelling. Radiographs show a radiolucent mass with ill-defined borders. Radical surgical excision and long-term follow-up are the suggested treatment. We report the case of a 22-year-old female with a 2-month history of an asymptomatic swelling in her left mandible. Examination revealed an exophytic growth measuring3×3 cm extending from the mandibular left first premolar to the second molar. The patient underwent a left hemimandibular resection. Histopathological examination revealed a biphasic tumor composed of inconspicuous islands of benign odontogenic epithelium and an abundant malignant mesenchymal component with marked cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and moderate mitotic figures with clear margins; one year after the surgical procedure, the patient is clinically and radiologically disease-free.
Differential Evolution with Population and Strategy Parameter Adaptation
Authors: Gonuguntla V. , Mallipeddi R. , Veluvolu Kalyana C.
Published: March 2015

Differential evolution (DE) is simple and effective in solving numerous real-world global optimization problems. However, its effectiveness critically depends on the appropriate setting of population size and strategy parameters. Therefore, to obtain optimal performance the time-consuming preliminary tuning of parameters is needed. Recently, different strategy parameter adaptation techniques, which can automatically update the parameters to appropriate values to suit the characteristics of optimization problems, have been proposed. However, most of the works do not control the adaptation of the population size. In addition, they try to adapt each strategy parameters individually but do not take into account the interaction between the parameters that are being adapted. In this paper, we introduce a DE algorithm where both strategy parameters are self-adapted taking into account the parameter dependencies by means of a multivariate probabilistic technique based on Gaussian Adaptation working on the parameter space. In addition, the proposed DE algorithm starts by sampling a huge number of sample solutions in the search space and in each generation a constant number of individuals from huge sample set are adaptively selected to form the population that evolves. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on 14 benchmark problems of CEC 2005 with different dimensionality.
Long-Term Clinical Practice Experience with Cinacalcet for Treatment of Hypercalcemic Hyperparathyroidism after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Thiem Ursula , Gessl Alois , Borchhardt Kyra
Published: March 2015

Within this prospective, open-label, self-controlled study, we evaluated the long-term effects of the calcimimetic cinacalcet on calcium and phosphate homeostasis in 44 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism by comparing biochemical parameters of mineral metabolism between pre- and posttreatment periods. Results are described as mean differences (95% CIs) between pre- and posttreatment medians that summarize all repeated measurements of a parameter of interest between the date of initial hypercalcemia and cinacalcet initiation (median of 1.6 (IQR: 0.6–3.8) years) and up to four years after treatment start, respectively. Cinacalcet was initiated after 1.8 (0.8–4.7) years posttransplant and maintained for 6.2 (3.9–7.6) years. It significantly decreased total serum calcium (−0.30 (−0.34 to −0.26) mmol/L,P<0.001) and parathyroid hormone levels (−79 (−103 to −55) pg/mL,P<0.001). Serum levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate to glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) increased simultaneously (Pi: 0.19 (0.15–0.23) mmol/L,P<0.001, TmP/GFR: 0.20 (0.16–0.23) mmol/L,P<0.001). In summary, cinacalcet effectively controlled hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism in KTRs in the long-term and increased low Pi levels without causing hyperphosphatemia, pointing towards a novel indication for the use of cinacalcet in KTRs.
Finding Top-kCovering Irreducible Contrast Sequence Rules for Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Zhao Yuhai , Li Yuan , Yin Ying , Sheng Gang
Published: March 2015

Diagnostic genes are usually used to distinguish different disease phenotypes. Most existing methods for diagnostic genes finding are based on either the individual or combinatorial discriminative power of gene(s). However, they both ignore the common expression trends among genes. In this paper, we devise a novel sequence rule, namely, top-kirreducible covering contrast sequence rules (TopkIRs for short), which helps to build a sample classifier of high accuracy. Furthermore, we propose an algorithm called MineTopkIRs to efficiently discover TopkIRs. Extensive experiments conducted on synthetic and real datasets show that MineTopkIRs is significantly faster than the previous methods and is of a higher classification accuracy. Additionally, many diagnostic genes discovered provide a new insight into disease diagnosis.
Analysis of Switchable Spin Torque Oscillator for Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording
Authors: Zhang Mingsheng , Zhou Tiejun , Yuan Zhimin
Published: March 2015

A switchable spin torque oscillator (STO) with a negative magnetic anisotropy oscillation layer for microwave assisted magnetic recording is analyzed theoretically and numerically. The equations for finding the STO frequency and oscillation angle are derived from Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation with the spin torque term in spherical coordinates. The theoretical analysis shows that the STO oscillating frequency remains the same and oscillation direction reverses after the switching of the magnetization of the spin polarization layer under applied alternative magnetic field. Numerical analysis based on the derived equations shows that the oscillation angle increases with the increase of the negative anisotropy energy density (absolute value) but decreases with the increase of spin current, the polarization of conduction electrons, the saturation magnetization, and the total applied magnetic field in thezdirection. The STO frequency increases with the increase of spin current, the polarization of conduction electrons, and the negative anisotropy energy density (absolute value) but decreases with the increase of the saturation magnetization and the total applied magnetic field in thezdirection.
Intraoperative Computed Tomography versus Perdriolle and Scoliometer Evaluation of Spine Rotation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Pankowski Rafal , Wałejko Szymon , Rocławski Marek , Ceynowa Marcin , Mazurek Tomasz
Published: March 2015

Numerous indirect methods for apical vertebral rotation (AVR) measurement have been reported and none of them seems to be as accurate as computed tomography evaluation. The aim of this study was to compare spinal rotation changes during innovative technique of intraoperative computed tomography (ICT) evaluation with indirect methods such as Perdriolle and clinical evaluation with scoliometer. We examined 42 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with posterior scoliosis surgery (PSS). The mean age at the time of surgery was 16 years. ICT evaluation was performed before and after scoliosis correction in prone position. Clinical rib hump measure with scoliometer and radiographic Perdriolle were performed before and after surgery. There was 71,5% of average rib hump correction with scoliometer but only 31% of correction with ICT (P=0,026) and there was no significant correlation between them (R=0,297,p=0,26). Mean postcorrectional Perdriolle AVR had a decrease of 16,5°. The average ICT AVR had a decrease of only 1,2° (P=0,003). There was no significant statistic correlation between ICT and Perdriolle AVR evaluation (R=0,297,p=0,2). There is a significant discrepancy in AVR and rib hump assessment between scoliometer and Perdriolle methods and ICT evaluation, which seems to be the most accurate tool for spinal derotation measurement.
IMPATT Diodes Based on 111, 100, and 110 Oriented GaAs: A Comparative Study to Search the Best Orientation for Millimeter-Wave Atmospheric Windows
Authors: Banerjee Bhadrani , Tripathi Anvita , Das Adrija , Singh Kumari Alka , Acharyya Aritra , Banerjee J. P.
Published: March 2015

The authors have carried out the large-signal (L-S) simulation of double-drift region (DDR) impact avalanche transit time (IMPATT) diodes based on 111, 100, and 110 oriented GaAs. A nonsinusoidal voltage excited (NSVE) L-S simulation technique is used to investigate both the static and L-S performance of the above-mentioned devices designed to operate at millimeter-wave (mm-wave) atmospheric window frequencies, such as 35, 94, 140, and 220 GHz. Results show that 111 oriented GaAs diodes are capable of delivering maximum RF power with highest DC to RF conversion efficiency up to 94 GHz; however, the L-S performance of 110 oriented GaAs diodes exceeds their other counterparts while the frequency of operation increases above 94 GHz. The results presented in this paper will be helpful for the future experimentalists to choose the GaAs substrate of appropriate orientation to fabricate DDR GaAs IMPATT diodes at mm-wave frequencies.
Oldenlandia diffusaPromotes Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects in a Rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Sunwoo Yun-Young , Lee Jin-Hee , Jung Ho Yong , Jung Yu Jin , Park Moon-Seo , Chung Yong-An , Maeng Lee-So , Han Young-Min , Shin Hak Soo , Lee Jisoo , Park Sang In
Published: March 2015

Oldenlandia diffusa(OD) is commonly used with various diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disease. Liver cirrhosis is a predominant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we show that the therapeutic effect of OD, which was investigated bothin vitroand chemically, induced HCC model. OD significantly enhanced apoptosis and antiproliferative activity and reduced migration ability of HCC cells.In vivo, OD was treated twice a day for 28 days after confirmed HCC model through 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) imaging. The survival in OD treated groups was shown to have a greater therapeutic effect than the control group. 28 days after OD treatment, OD treated groups resulted in a significant reduction in tumor number, size,18F-FDG uptake, and serum levels such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphate compared to the control group. Also, proliferated cells in tumor sites by OD were reduced compared to the control group. Furthermore, several rats in OD treated group survived over 60 days and liver morphology of these rats showed the difference between tumor mass and normal tissue. These results suggest that OD may have antiproliferative activity, inhibition of metastasis, and apoptotic effects in chemically induced HCC model and can have the potential use for clinical application as anticancer drug of the herbal extract.
Evaluation of Toxic, Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, and Antimutagenic Activities of Natural and Technical Cashew Nut Shell Liquids Using theAllium cepaandArtemia salinaBioassays
Authors: Leite Aracelli de Sousa , Dantas Alisson Ferreira , Oliveira George Laylson da Silva , Gomes Júnior Antonio L. , de Lima Sidney Gonçalo , Citó Antônia Maria das Graças Lopes , de Freitas Rivelilson M. , Melo-Cavalcante Ana Amélia de C. , Dantas Lopes José Arimateia
Published: March 2015

The cashew nut releases a substance that is known as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). There are both natural (iCNSL) and technical (tCNSL) cashew nut shell liquids. This study used anArtemia salinabioassay to evaluate the toxic effects of iCNSL and tCNSL cashew nut shell liquids. It also evaluated the toxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity of CNSL and its effects on the damage induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4·5H2O) on the meristems’ root ofAllium cepa. Effects of the damage induced by CuSO4·5H2O were evaluated before (pre-), during (co-), and after (post-) treatments. The iCNSL contained 94.5% anacardic acid, and the tCNSL contained 91.3% cardanol. The liquids were toxic toA. salina. Toxicity, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity were observed with iCNSL compared with the negative control. Similarly, iCNSL failed to inhibit the toxicity and cytotoxicity of CuSO4·5H2O. The tCNSL was not toxic, cytotoxic, or mutagenic in any of the concentrations. However, the lowest iCNSL concentrations and all of the tCNSL concentrations had preventive, antimutagenic, and reparative effects on micronuclei and on chromosomal aberrations in theA. cepa. Therefore, protective, modulating, and reparative effects may be observed in theA. cepa, depending on the concentration and type of CNSL used.
Danggui Buxue Tang Inhibits 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene: Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice
Authors: Fang Li-Wen , Cheng Chao-Chun , Hwang Tzann-Shun , Huang Wen-Chung , Liou Chian-Jiun , Chen Wen-Chyuan , Wu Shu-Ju
Published: March 2015

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a herbal decoction that has been used in Chinese medicine to enhance qi and blood circulation. Previously, we found that DBT can suppress allergy-related asthma in mice, leading us to hypothesize that DBT might ameliorate allergy disease. In this study, we evaluated whether DBT can attenuate atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and have an anti-inflammatory effect on AD-like mice. The dorsal skin of female mice was shaved and sensitized cutaneously (skin smear) with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Mice were then given various doses of DBT from days 14 to 29 cutaneously. DBT treatment suppressed ear swelling and skin inflammation and decreased mast cell and eosinophil infiltration into skin and ear tissue. DBT also inhibited levels of IgE and Th2-associated cytokine levels in serum. These results demonstrate that cutaneous administration of DBT reduced the development of AD-like skin lesions in mice.
Scheduling Multilevel Deadline-Constrained Scientific Workflows on Clouds Based on Cost Optimization
Authors: Malawski Maciej , Figiela Kamil , Bubak Marian , Deelman Ewa , Nabrzyski Jarek
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a cost optimization model for scheduling scientific workflows on IaaS clouds such as Amazon EC2 or RackSpace. We assume multiple IaaS clouds with heterogeneous virtual machine instances, with limited number of instances per cloud and hourly billing. Input and output data are stored on a cloud object store such as Amazon S3. Applications are scientific workflows modeled as DAGs as in the Pegasus Workflow Management System. We assume that tasks in the workflows are grouped into levels of identical tasks. Our model is specified using mathematical programming languages (AMPL and CMPL) and allows us to minimize the cost of workflow execution under deadline constraints. We present results obtained using our model and the benchmark workflows representing real scientific applications in a variety of domains. The data used for evaluation come from the synthetic workflows and from general purpose cloud benchmarks, as well as from the data measured in our own experiments with Montage, an astronomical application, executed on Amazon EC2 cloud. We indicate how this model can be used for scenarios that require resource planning for scientific workflows and their ensembles.
Sca-1+ Cells from Fetal Heart with High Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity Exhibit Enhanced Gene Expression for Self-Renewal, Proliferation, and Survival
Authors: Dey Devaveena , Pan Guodong , Varma Nadimpalli Ravi S. , Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj
Published: March 2015

Stem/progenitor cells from multiple tissues have been isolated based on enhanced activity of cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme. ALDH activity has emerged as a reliable marker for stem/progenitor cells, such thatALDHbright/highcells from multiple tissues have been shown to possess enhanced stemness properties (self-renewal and multipotency). So far though, not much is known about ALDH activity in specific fetal organs. In this study, we sought to analyze the presence and activity of the ALDH enzyme in the stem cell antigen-1-positive (Sca-1+) cells of fetal human heart. Biochemical assays showed that a subpopulation of Sca-1+ cells (15%) possess significantly high ALDH1 activity. This subpopulation showed increased expression of self-renewal markers compared to theALDHlowfraction. TheALDHhighfraction also exhibited significant increase in proliferation and pro-survival gene expression. In addition, only theALDHhighand not theALDHlowfraction could give rise to all the cell types of the original population, demonstrating multipotency.ALDHhighcells showed increased resistance against aldehyde challenge compared toALDHlowcells. These results indicate thatALDHhighsubpopulation of the cultured human fetal cells has enhanced self-renewal, multipotency, high proliferation, and survival, indicating that this might represent a primitive stem cell population within the fetal human heart.
“Like Walking into an Empty Room”: Effects of Eurythmy Therapy on Stress Perception in Comparison with a Sports Intervention from the Subjects’ Perspective—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Berger B. , Bertram M. , Kanitz J. , Pretzer K. , Seifert G.
Published: March 2015

Background. Stress and health-related quality of life are important constructs used in treatment evaluation today. This study is based on a randomised controlled trial examining the stress-reducing effect of eurythmy therapy in comparison with step aerobics in 106 healthy but stressed subjects. The aim of the analysis was to characterise changes in the subjective perceptions of the participants.Methods. Interviews were conducted with 76 healthy adults, 36 (f=31/m=5) from the eurythmy group and 40 (f=28/m=12) from the step aerobics group both analysed by content analysis and phenomenologically.Results. The following categories were identified for the eurythmy therapy group:enabling a productive therapeutic response, emergence of a new perceptual space, reevaluation of the accustomed perception, and emergence of new options for action. Step aerobics places increased physical and intellectual demands. These are perceived differently aspleasant and relaxing, insufficiently challenging and/or boring, and too challenging and thus experienced as stress-enhancing. Conclusion. The qualitative results provided revealing insights into the profound effects of and subjective assignments of meaning to external and internal stress factors. Processes of mental reinterpretation leading to stress reduction can be stimulated by physical procedures such as eurythmy therapy.
Delivery of Antibiotics from Cementless Titanium-Alloy Cubes May Be a Novel Way to Control Postoperative Infections
Authors: Bezuidenhout Martin B. , van Staden Anton D. , Oosthuizen Gert A. , Dimitrov Dimitar M. , Dicks Leon M. T.
Published: March 2015

Bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation onto orthopaedic devices are difficult to eradicate. In most cases infection is treated by surgical removal of the implant and cleaning of the infected area, followed by extensive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Such treatment causes great discomfort, is expensive, and is not always successful. In this study we report on the release of vancomycin through polyethersulfone membranes from channels in cementless titanium-alloy cubes. The cubes were constructed with LaserCUSING from Ti6Al4V ELI powder. Vancomycin was released by non-Fickian anomalous (constraint) diffusion. Approximately 50% of the vancomycin was released within the first 17 h. However, sustained delivery of vancomycin for 100 h was possible by reinjecting the channels. Refillable implants may be a novel way to control postoperative infections.
Adult-Onset Woakes’ Syndrome: Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Schoenenberger U. , Tasman A. J.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Woakes’ syndrome, commonly defined as severe recurrent nasal polyps with consecutive destruction of the nasal pyramid, is rare with only a few reports in the literature documenting surgical treatment of the external nose.Case Presentation. We describe the case of an adult patient with Samter’s triad who had been surgically treated from nasal polyposis since 2002. By 2014 a conspicuous deformity of the nasal pyramid had progressively occurred due to a recurrence. The patient underwent revision endoscopic sinus surgery and narrowing of the bony nasal vault by digital compression without osteotomies.Discussion. Having been described over 130 years ago, the etiology of Woakes’ syndrome remains poorly understood. Treatment includes endoscopic sinus surgery and topical treatment. Surgical treatment of the external nose deformity by rhinoplasty is rarely addressed.Conclusion. This case illustrates that the widening of the bony nasal vault may be successfully corrected by digital compression, if the nasal bones are substantially thinned, in combination with surgical treatment of nasal polyps.
A Reverse Theorem on the·-w*Continuity of the Dual Map
Authors: de Kock Mienie , García-Pacheco Francisco Javier
Published: March 2015

Given a Banach spaceX,x∈𝖲X, and𝖩Xx=x*∈𝖲X*:x*x=1, we define the set𝖩X*xof allx*∈𝖲X*for which there exist two sequencesxnn∈N⊆𝖲X∖{x}andxn*n∈N⊆𝖲X*such thatxnn∈Nconverges tox,xn*n∈Nhas a subnetw*-convergent tox*, andxn*xn=1for alln∈N. We prove that ifXis separable and reflexive andX*enjoys the Radon-Riesz property, then𝖩X*xis contained in the boundary of𝖩Xxrelative to𝖲X*. We also show that ifXis infinite dimensional and separable, then there exists an equivalent norm onXsuch that the interior of𝖩Xxrelative to𝖲X*is contained in𝖩X*x.
Establishment of a Comprehensive List of Candidate Antiaging Medicinal Herb Used in Korean Medicine by Text Mining of the Classical Korean Medical Literature, “Dongeuibogam,” and Preliminary Evaluation of the Antiaging Effects of These Herbs
Authors: Choi Moo Jin , Choi Byung Tae , Shin Hwa Kyoung , Shin Byung Cheul , Han Yoo Kyoung , Baek Jin Ung
Published: March 2015

The major objectives of this study were to provide a list of candidate antiaging medicinal herbs that have been widely utilized in Korean medicine and to organize preliminary data for the benefit of experimental and clinical researchers to develop new drug therapies by analyzing previous studies. “Dongeuibogam,” a representative source of the Korean medicine literature, was selected to investigate candidate antiaging medicinal herbs and to identify appropriate terms that describe the specific antiaging effects that these herbs are predicted to elicit. In addition, we aimed to review previous studies that referenced the selected candidate antiaging medicinal herbs. From our chosen source, “Dongeuibogam,” we were able to screen 102 terms describing antiaging effects, which were further classified into 11 subtypes. Ninety-seven candidate antiaging medicinal herbs were selected using the criterion that their antiaging effects were described using the same terms as those employed in “Dongeuibogam.” These candidates were classified into 11 subtypes. Of the 97 candidate antiaging medicinal herbs selected, 47 are widely used by Korean medical doctors in Korea and were selected for further analysis of their antiaging effects. Overall, we found an average of 7.7 previous studies per candidate herb that described their antiaging effects.
Impact of Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cardiovascular Research
Authors: Roura Santiago , Pujal Josep Maria , Gálvez-Montón Carolina , Bayes-Genis Antoni
Published: March 2015

Over the years, cell therapy has become an exciting opportunity to treat human diseases. Early enthusiasm using adult stem cell sources has been tempered in light of preliminary benefits in patients. Considerable efforts have been dedicated, therefore, to explore alternative cells such as those extracted from umbilical cord blood (UCB). In line, UCB banking has become a popular possibility to preserve potentially life-saving cells that are usually discarded after birth, and the number of UCB banks has grown worldwide. Thus, a brief overview on the categories of UCB banks as well as the properties, challenges, and impact of UCB-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the area of cardiovascular research is presented. Taken together, the experience recounted here shows that UCBMSCs are envisioned as attractive therapeutic candidates against human disorders arising and/or progressing with vascular deficit.
FDA Approval: Ceritinib for the Treatment of Metastatic Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase–Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Khozin Sean , Blumenthal Gideon M. , Zhang Lijun , Tang Shenghui , Brower Margaret , Fox Emily , Helms Whitney , Leong Ruby , Song Pengfei , Pan Yuzhuo , Liu Qi , Zhao Ping , Zhao Hong , Lu Donghao , Tang Zhe , Al Hakim Ali , Boyd Karen , Keegan Patricia , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: March 2015

On April 29, 2014, the FDA granted accelerated approval to ceritinib (ZYKADIA; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation), a breakthrough therapy-designated drug, for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–positive, metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. The approval was based on a single-arm multicenter trial enrolling 163 patients with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC who had disease progression on (91%) or intolerance to crizotinib. Patients received ceritinib at a starting dose of 750 mg orally once daily. The objective response rate (ORR) by a blinded independent review committee was 44% (95% CI, 36–52), and the median duration of response (DOR) was 7.1 months. The ORR by investigator assessment was similar. Safety was evaluated in 255 patients. The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities included diarrhea (86%), nausea (80%), increased alanine transaminase (80%), increased aspartate transaminase (75%), vomiting (60%), increased glucose (49%), and increased lipase (28%). Although 74% of patients required at least one dose reduction or interruption due to adverse reactions, the discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was low (10%). With this safety profile, the benefit–risk analysis was considered favorable because of the clinically meaningful ORR and DOR. Clin Cancer Res; 21(11); 2436–9. ©2015 AACR.
A Protein Interaction between β-Catenin and Dnmt1 Regulates Wnt Signaling and DNA Methylation in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Jing , Du Zhanwen , Ravasz Mate , Dong Bohan , Wang Zhenghe , Ewing Rob M.
Published: March 2015

Aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is an important step in the initiation and progression of tumor development in diverse cancers. The central effector of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin (CTNNB1), is a multifunctional protein, and has been extensively studied with respect to its roles in cell–cell adhesion and in regulation of Wnt-driven transcription. Here, a novel mass spectrometry–based proteomics technique in colorectal cancer cells expressing stabilized β-catenin, was used to identify a protein–protein interaction between β-catenin and DNA methyltransferase I (Dnmt1) protein, the primary regulator of DNA methylation patterns in mammalian cells. Dnmt1 and β-catenin strongly colocalized in the nuclei of colorectal cancer cells, and the interaction is mediated by the central domain of the Dnmt1 protein. Dnmt1 protein abundance is dependent upon the levels of β-catenin, and is increased in cells expressing stabilized mutant β-catenin. Conversely, the Dnmt1 regulates the levels of nuclear β-catenin and β-catenin/TCF–driven transcription. In addition, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A), a regulator of DNMT1 stability, was identified as a component of the Dnmt1–β-catenin protein complex and perturbation of the Dnmt1–β-catenin interaction altered DNA methylation. In summary, a functional protein–protein interaction was identified between two critically important oncoproteins, in turn revealing a link between Wnt signaling and downstream nuclear functions mediated by Dnmt1.

Implications: Two critical oncoproteins, Dnmt1 and β-catenin, mutually regulate one each other's levels and activities in colorectal cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res; 13(6); 969–81. ©2015 AACR.
Reflexed Compression Suture for the Management of Atonic Postpartum Hemorrhage with an Abnormally Adherent Placenta
Authors: Li Guang Tai , Li Xiao Fan , Li Ji , Liu Ya Jing , Xu Hong Mei
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening condition with a worldwide occurrence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a reflexed compression suture in controlling severe atonic PPH with placenta accreta. Methods: Eleven women with severe PPH due to uterine inertia or placenta accreta were administered the reflexed compression suture. The procedure was to reflex the fundus onto the anterior wall of the uterus for compressing hemostasis and to form a ‘belt-like' binding suture to reinforce the effectiveness of pressing the myometrium. Results: Ten of the 11 women (90.9%) were successfully treated with the suture, and the uterus was preserved. None of these patients developed complications related to this method. Only in 1 patient with placenta increta could the bleeding not be stanched, and a peripartum hysterectomy was performed. Two women had pregnancies after the suture. Conclusion: The reflexed compression suture is a simple, swift, safe and effective technique of controlling uterine atonic bleeding, particularly in patients with an abnormally adherent placenta. The advantage of not having to conduct a hysterotomy also lies in reducing the duration of anesthesia and blood loss.
In Silico Post Genome-Wide Association Studies Analysis of C-Reactive Protein Loci Suggests an Important Role for Interferons
Authors: Vaez Ahmad , Jansen Rick , Prins Bram P. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , de Geus Eco J.C. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Nolte Ilja M. , Snieder Harold , Alizadeh Behrooz Z.
Published: March 2015

Background—

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have successfully identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). An important limitation of GWASs is that the identified variants merely flag the nearby genomic region and do not necessarily provide a direct link to the biological mechanisms underlying their corresponding phenotype. Here we apply a bioinformatics-based approach to uncover the functional characteristics of the 18 SNPs that had previously been associated with CRP at a genome-wide significant level.

Methods and Results—

In the first phase of in silico sequencing, we explore the vicinity of GWAS SNPs to identify all linked variants. In the second phase of expression quantitative trait loci analysis, we attempt to identify all nearby genes whose expression levels are associated with the corresponding GWAS SNPs. These 2 phases generate several relevant genes that serve as input to the next phase of functional network analysis. Our in silico sequencing analysis using 1000 Genomes Project data identified 7 nonsynonymous SNPs, which are in moderate to high linkage disequilibrium (
r
 2
>0.5) with the GWAS SNPs. Our expression quantitative trait loci analysis, which was based on one of the largest single data sets of genome-wide expression probes (n>5000) identified 23 significantly associated expression probes belonging to 15 genes (false discovery rate <0.01). The final phase of functional network analysis revealed 93 significantly enriched biological processes (false discovery rate <0.01).

Conclusions—

Our post-GWAS analysis of CRP GWAS SNPs confirmed the previously known overlap between CRP and lipids biology. Additionally, it suggested an important role for interferons in the metabolism of CRP.
Lack of Association Between Epicardial Fat Volume and Extent of Coronary Artery Calcification, Severity of Coronary Artery Disease, or Presence of Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities in a Diverse, Symptomatic Patient Population
Authors: Tanami Yutaka , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kishi Satoru , Matheson Matthew , Vavere Andrea L. , Rochitte Carlos E. , Dewey Marc , Chen Marcus Y. , Clouse Melvin E. , Cox Christopher , Kuribayashi Sachio , Lima Joao A.C. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin
Published: March 2015

Background—

Epicardial fat may play a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We explored the relationship of epicardial fat volume (EFV) with the presence and severity of CAD or myocardial perfusion abnormalities in a diverse, symptomatic patient population.

Methods and Results—

Patients (n=380) with known or suspected CAD who underwent 320-detector row computed tomographic angiography, nuclear stress perfusion imaging, and clinically driven invasive coronary angiography for the CORE320 international study were included. EFV was defined as adipose tissue within the pericardial borders as assessed by computed tomography using semiautomatic software. We used linear and logistic regression models to assess the relationship of EFV with coronary calcium score, stenosis severity by quantitative coronary angiography, and myocardial perfusion abnormalities by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Median EFV among patients (median age, 62.6 years) was 102 cm
3
(interquartile range: 53). A coronary calcium score of ≥1 was present in 83% of patients. Fifty-nine percent of patients had ≥1 coronary artery stenosis of ≥50% by quantitative coronary angiography, and 49% had abnormal myocardial perfusion results by SPECT. There were no significant associations between EFV and coronary artery calcium scanning, presence severity of ≥50% stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography, or abnormal myocardial perfusion by SPECT.

Conclusions—

In a diverse population of symptomatic patients referred for invasive coronary angiography, we did not find associations of EFV with the presence and severity of CAD or with myocardial perfusion abnormalities. The clinical significance of quantifying EFV remains uncertain but may relate to the pathophysiology of acute coronary events rather than the presence of atherosclerotic disease.
Relationship Between Daily Exposure to Biomass Fuel Smoke and Blood Pressure in High-Altitude Peru
Authors: Burroughs Peña Melissa , Romero Karina M. , Velazquez Eric J. , Davila-Roman Victor G. , Gilman Robert H. , Wise Robert A. , Miranda J. Jaime , Checkley William
Published: March 2015

Household air pollution from biomass fuel use affects 3 billion people worldwide; however, few studies have examined the relationship between biomass fuel use and blood pressure. We sought to determine if daily biomass fuel use was associated with elevated blood pressure in high altitude Peru and if this relationship was affected by lung function. We analyzed baseline information from a population-based cohort study of adults aged ≥35 years in Puno, Peru. Daily biomass fuel use was self-reported. We used multivariable regression models to examine the relationship between daily exposure to biomass fuel smoke and blood pressure outcomes. Interactions with sex and quartiles of forced vital capacity were conducted to evaluate for effect modification. Data from 1004 individuals (mean age, 55.3 years; 51.7% women) were included. We found an association between biomass fuel use with both prehypertension (adjusted relative risk ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.6–9.9) and hypertension (adjusted relative risk ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–7.0). Biomass fuel users had a higher systolic blood pressure (7.0 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 4.4–9.6) and a higher diastolic blood pressure (5.9 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, 4.2–7.6) when compared with nonusers. We did not find interaction effects between daily biomass fuel use and sex or percent predicted forced vital capacity for either systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure. Biomass fuel use was associated with a higher likelihood of having hypertension and higher blood pressure in Peru. Reducing exposure to household air pollution from biomass fuel use represents an opportunity for cardiovascular prevention.
Ethos and Logos: A Second-Century Debate Between “Pagan” and Christian Philosophers
Authors: Ramelli Ilaria L.E.
Published: March 2015

This essay analyses the most significant sources—some overlooked so far—on the debate on ethos and logos that was lively between “pagan” and Christian philosophers in the second century ce. Epictetus’s attribution of a behaviour based on ethos to the Christians should not be regarded as utterly negative, but should rather be connected with his teacher Musonius’s high appreciation of ethos, even over logos. Marcus Aurelius’s and Celsus’s negative attitude toward Christianity as an obstinate, irrational habit can be explained by the possible influence of Montanism, while the Syriac apology to Marcus ascribed to Melito reacts to anti-Christian accusations of irrationality by attaching logos to the Christians and a behaviour based on a bad ethos to “paganism”—the same as was done by Clement of Alexandria, one of the Christian intellectuals most committed to demonstrating the rationality of Christian belief. Literary problems related to the apology are tackled, and parallels are pointed out with both Justin and Bardaisan, two other Christian Platonists who attempted to construe Christianity as philosophy.

Galen’s judgment about the Christians shows interesting parallels with, and differences from, that of Epictetus. For both intellectuals an engagement with Christian doctrines of creation is argued for (this is usually admitted in the case of Galen, but not in that of Epictetus). Another second-century anti-Christian accusation of the lack of logos is the charge of onolatry. Lucian’s attitude toward the Christians is showed to be less simplistic than generally believed: he allowed for the ascription of logos and a certain intellectual development to Christianity and its founder. But for Christians to claim that the Logos was on their side, they had to develop a theology of the Logos, which identified Jesus Christ with God’s Logos. This operation, anticipated by Philo and Hellenistic Judaism, started from the Prologue of John and was continued by Justin, most Valentinians, Clement, and especially Origen, and then by the Patristic philosophy which depended on Origen. Thanks to Origen, who was deeply respected by “pagan” philosophers too, Christianity could no longer be charged with being a religion for irrational people.
Ṣulḥ: Arbitration in the Arab–Islamic World
Authors: al-Humaidhi Hamad
Published: March 2015

Ṣulḥ, the basis of dispute resolution in the Arab world, is governed not only by rules of law and legal process. Relational factors and the notion of collective interests such as family, tribe, community, country, religion, and race, also come into play. Harmony within the culture is perceived as a duty on its members, including third-party interveners: i.e., a judge, arbitrator, or conciliator. For this reason, regional implementation of alternative dispute resolution techniques should take into consideration collective interests as well as ṣulḥ as core of the Islamic system in order to resolve the dispute while maintaining familial, religious, and community ties. This article discusses the history of ṣulḥ, its foundations and implementation within the Arab–Islamic region. The conclusion will draw a distinction between the Arab view of ṣulḥ versus alternative dispute resolution in the West.
The Impact of Speculation on Global Food Accessibility and Food Security
Authors: Cochrane Logan , Adams Mogamat , Kunhibava Sherin
Published: March 2015

The global food price spikes of 2008 and 2011 resulted in tens of millions of people being pushed into poverty. The cause of these spikes is diverse, including short, medium and long-term factors. The extent each respectively contributed is a matter of on-going debate. This article will explore the role of speculation and futures markets as one of the causes of the global price spikes. This will be followed by an exploration of the understanding of risk, uncertainty and speculation in Islamic law, and how these elements should be curbed in order to prevent food price spikes.
Coreoleuciscus aeruginos (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), a new species from the Seomjin and Nakdong rivers, Korea
Authors: SONG HA-YOON , BANG IN-CHUL
Published: March 2015

Coreoleuciscus splendidus was first reported as a monotypic species. Recent morphological and genetic studies have revealed that the species is represented by two disjunct and distinct lineages. The two lineages of C. splendidus include populations inhabiting the Han and Geum rivers in the East Korea Subdistrict and populations inhabiting the Seomjin and Nakdong rivers in the South Korea Subdistrict. In this study, significant differences were found between these two independent lineages through a high degree of genetic divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene as well as conspicuous morphological differences in body coloration and shapes of black stripes on dorsal, anal and caudal fin rays. These morphological and genetic differences provide supporting evidence that the populations in the South Korea Subdistrict represent a new species, Coreoleuciscus aeruginos.
Rotylenchus castilloi n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae), a new species with long stylet from northern Iran
Authors: TALEZARI ATEFEH , POURJAM EBRAHIM , KHEIRI AHMAD , LIÉBANAS GRACIA , ALIRAMAJI FARZAD , PEDRAM MAJID , LIÉBANAS GRACIA , ALIRAMAJI FARZAD , PEDRAM MAJID , REZAEE SAEED , ATIGHI MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: March 2015

Rotylenchus castilloi n. sp., a new bisexual species is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species is characterised by having a hemispherical, continuous lip region with an irregular corncob-like appearance under SEM, very long stylet (62–68 µm), vulva located at 49.7–62.2% of body length from anterior end, with a protruding double epiptygma, a rounded to convex-conoid (rarely bi-lobed) tail with 8–12 annuli and specific sequences of D2-D3 segments of 28S and ITS1-rRNA genes. Differences between the new species and four other species of the genus (R. mesorobustus, R. cazorlaensis, R. magnus and R. jaeni) are discussed. Morphologically, the new species can be separated from these species mostly by its body length, lip region characters, stylet length and location of phasmid. Phylogenetic analyses using 721 bp partial sequences of D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S and 590 bp ITS1-rRNA genes revealed the new species forming a clade with two isolates of R. eximius and two isolates of R. unisexus, two morphologically unrelated species.