bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING THE IMPACT OF PARTIAL INFORMATION SHARING IN A THREE-ECHELON SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: LIU ZHUPING , ZHAO QIUHONG , WANG SHOUYANG , SHI JIANMING
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the impact of partial information sharing in a three-echelon supply chain. Partial information sharing means that information sharing occurs only between the distributor and the retailer, but not between the distributor and the manufacturer. This paper contributes to the literature by summarizing the circumstances in which information sharing between the retailer and the distributor benefits the manufacturer. In addition, our study points out that such information sharing does not always bring benefits to the manufacturer and that in some cases the information sharing may harm the manufacturer. We explain the reasons why this can happen and give managerial intuition for our results. Using numerical analysis, we illustrate the impact of partial information sharing on the agents in the supply chain with the change of the autoregressive coefficient in the demand process.
KINETIC THEORY FOR GRAVITATING SYSTEMS OF COLLISIONLESS NEUTRAL MATTER
Authors: CREMASCHINI CLAUDIO , STUCHLÍK ZDENĚK
Published: August 2013

The study of the statistical properties of collisionless systems formed by neutral particles subject to gravitational field represents an intriguing theoretical issue. In astrophysics, it directly relates to the description of collisionless gravitating dark matter (DM) halos. Structures of this type are expected to be characterized by intrinsically non-Maxwellian kinetic distribution functions (KDFs) and to exhibit temperature anisotropy, i.e. an anisotropy in the directional particle velocity dispersions. In this paper, a theoretical analysis of the issue is proposed, based on the kinetic theory developed in the framework of the Vlasov–Poisson description for nonrelativistic DM systems at equilibrium. By implementing the method of invariants, explicit solutions for the equilibrium KDFs are constructed and expressed through generalized Gaussian distributions. A perturbative theory is developed which allows them to be cast in terms of Chapman–Enskog series representations and to evaluate analytically the corresponding fluid fields. The conditions for the occurrence of temperature anisotropy are investigated for different physical and geometrical configurations. It is shown that this feature can arise at equilibrium due to specifically-kinetic effects associated with phase-space conservation laws in the presence of a nonuniform gravitational field.
STRETCHABILITY AND SELF-HEALING OF WRINKLED GMR MULTILAYERS ON ELASTOMERIC MEMBRANES
Authors: MELZER MICHAEL , KOPYLOV ALEXANDER , MAKAROV DENYS , SCHMIDT OLIVER G.
Published: August 2013

Stretchable magneto-resistive sensing elements have been introduced lately as a novel component providing magnetic functionality to stretchable consumer electronics involving smart skin or medical diagnostic applications. While spin valves already revealed high stretchability and reliability, GMR multilayers still lack mechanical compliance and production yield. Here, we report on two crucial improvements in fabrication of GMR multilayers to address these limiting issues. On the one hand, we increase the stretchability of wrinkled magnetic nanomembranes on free-standing elastomer membranes by photolithographically structuring them into a meander pattern. The meander can be regarded as a 2D spring, which can accommodate tensile strains in addition to the apparent wrinkling. On the other hand, we highlight a self-healing effect of GMR multilayers, which occurs due to a thermally induced pre-strain in the elastic support. This causes the soft membrane to contract after the GMR elements are prepared on top and closes cracks often induced during fabrication. Relying on this feature we are able to restore the full GMR performance, even if the magneto-sensitive element initially appeared to be without electrical contact before contraction of the free-standing soft membrane.
A vasoconstrictor role for cyclooxygenase-1-mediated prostacyclin synthesis in mouse renal arteries
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Yingzhan , Zhu Ningxia , Li Hui , Luo Wenhong , Zhou Yingbi
Published: August 2013

This study was to determine whether prostacyclin [prostaglandin I2 (PGI2)] evokes mouse renal vasoconstriction and, if so, the underlying mechanism(s) and how its synthesis via cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) influences local vasomotor reaction. Experiments were performed on vessels from C57BL/6 mice and/or those with COX-1 deficiency (COX-1−/−). Results showed that in renal arteries PGI2 evoked contraction more potently than in carotid arteries, where COX-1 is suggested to mediate prominent endothelium-dependent contraction. A similar result was observed with the thromboxane-prostanoid (TP) receptor agonist U46619. However, in renal arteries TP receptor antagonism, which inhibited the contraction, did not result in any relaxation in response to PGI2. Moreover, we noted that the endothelial muscarinic receptor agonist ACh evoked an increase in the production of the PGI2 metabolite 6-keto-PGF1α, which was prevented by endothelial denudation or COX-1−/−. Interestingly, COX-1−/− was further found to abolish a force development that was sensitive to TP receptor antagonism and result in enhanced relaxation evoked by ACh following NO synthase inhibition. Also, in renal arteries the COX substrate arachidonic acid evoked a vasoconstrictor response, which was again abolished by COX-1−/−. Meanwhile, nonselective COX inhibition did not show any effect in vessels from COX-1−/− mice. Thus, in mouse renal arteries, high expression of TP receptors together with little functional involvement from the vasodilator PGI2 receptors results in a potent vasoconstrictor effect evoked by PGI2. Also, our data imply that endogenous COX-1-mediated PGI2 synthesis leads to vasoconstrictor activity and this could be an integral part of endothelium-derived mechanisms in regulating local renal vascular function.
Serum 25(OH)D Level and Parathyroid Hormone in Chinese Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guiyang Urban Community from Southeast of China
Authors: Qiao Zhang , Li-xing Shi , Nian-chun Peng , Shu-jing Xu , Miao Zhang , Hong Li , Hui-jun Zhuang , Ming-xian Gong , Song Zhang , Rui Wang , Ying Hu , Jing-lu Zhang , Shuang Chen
Published: August 2013

Objective. To evaluate vitamin D status and serum parathyroid hormone (IPTH) of healthy adults living in Guiyang.Design and Participants. We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation in the General Community in Guiyang by cluster sampling method. The data was a part of 1510 participants (634 men, 876 women) aged 20–79 years median 45.2 years from November 2009 to February 2010 in Guiyang Health Measures Survey.Measurements. Aradioimmunoassay was used to measure the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH).Results.The mean serum 25(OH)D level was (20.4 ± 9.0) ng/mL and the highest level among participants aged 40–59 years (22.8 ng/mL). The mean serum PTH level was (32.1 ± 13.7) pg/mL and the lowest level among participants aged 40–50 years (30.8 ng/mL). Serum 25(OH)D was below 50 nmol/liter in 52.3%, below 75 nmol/liter in 84.6%, and above 75 nmol/liter in 15.4% of the respondents. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was 5.4% (5.4% among men and 4.6% among women). The prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism increased (5.8%, 6.5%, and 7.1%, resp.) with decreasing serum 25(OH)D levels among subjects who were 30 to 20, 19.9 to 10, and <10 ng/mL, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with serum PTH.Conclusions. Vitamin D insufficiency and its complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism are common.
Construction of Frames for Shift-Invariant Spaces
Authors: Pilipović Stevan , Simić Suzana
Published: August 2013

We construct a sequence{ϕi(·-j)∣j∈ℤ,  i=1,…,r}which constitutes ap-frame for the weighted shift-invariant spaceVμp(Φ)={∑i=1r∑j∈ℤci(j)ϕi(·-j)∣{ci(j)}j∈ℤ∈ℓμp,  i=1,…,r},p∈[1,∞], and generates a closed shift-invariant subspace ofLμp(ℝ). The first construction is obtained by choosing functionsϕi,i=1,…,r, with compactly supported Fourier transformsϕ^i,i=1,…,r. The second construction, with compactly supportedϕi,i=1,…,r,gives the Riesz basis.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma with Aberrant Expression of CD19, CD20, and CD79a: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Matnani Rahul G. , Stewart Rachel L. , Pulliam Joseph , Jennings Chester D. , Kesler Melissa
Published: August 2013

A case of lymphoma of T-cell derivation with aberrant expression of three B-cell lineage markers (CD19, CD20, and CD79a), which was diagnosed on a left axillary excision, is described. Immunohistochemical studies and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated neoplastic cells expressing CD3, CD19, CD20, and CD79a with absence of CD4, CD8, CD10, CD30, CD34, CD56, CD68, TDT, MPO, PAX-5, and surface immunoglobulin. Gene rearrangement studies performed on paraffin blocks demonstrated monoclonal T-cell receptor gamma chain rearrangement with no evidence of clonal heavy chain rearrangement. The neoplastic cells were negative for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8). At the time of diagnosis, the PET scan demonstrated hypermetabolic neoplastic cells involving the left axilla, bilateral internal jugular areas, mediastinum, right hilum, bilateral lungs, and spleen. However, bone marrow biopsy performed for hemolytic anemia revealed normocellular bone marrow with trilineage maturation. The patient had no evidence of immunodeficiency or infection with EBV or HHV-8. This is the first reported case of a mature T-cell lymphoma with aberrant expression of three B-cell lineage markers. The current report also highlights the need for molecular gene rearrangement studies to determine the precise lineage of ambiguous neoplastic clones.
Recent Developments in Microhydroforming
Authors: Forouhandeh F. , Kumar S. , Ojha S. N. , Balasubramanian R.
Published: August 2013

Microforming is an emerging forming technology area in which small parts of 1 mm or less are formed under a variety of processes and process conditions. The technology is serving several industries like machine tools, medical and surgery, aerospace, atomic power, automotive, and energy sectors. Hydroforming has been a major field of interest for engineering and scientific research as well as designers and developers to look for its optimal process in terms of surface quality and part consolidation. Sheet hydroforming (SHF) process is found to be a special one for sheet metal component manufacturing formed under high fluid pressure. In this paper, an overview of various aspects of research on microforming and microhydroforming (sheet/tube hydroforming) by the authors and others in general has been presented. Most of the papers reviewed herein relate to modeling and simulation of the process and various forming issues such as process parameters, and experimental study of different alloys has been studied. Finally, current ongoing research on micro-SHF work by the authors has been introduced.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Great Toe Mimicking Osteomyelitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Turkmen Ismail , Alpan Bugra , Soylemez Salih , Ozkan Feyza Unlu , Unay Koray , Ozkan Korhan
Published: August 2013

Osteoid osteomas are well-known benign tumors, seen generally in long bones. When seen in phalanxes or toes, they can cause a diagnostic dilemma. A young male presented to us with complaints of enlargement of the great toe and severe pain. He had had an ingrown toe-nail operation before, and this situation caused a diagnostic dilemma. In this case report, we emphasize that osteoid osteomas can cause diagnostic dilemmas and it should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis.
The Role of Morphine in Animal Models of Human Cancer: Does Morphine Promote or Inhibit the Tumor Growth?
Authors: Bimonte Sabrina , Barbieri Antonio , Palma Giuseppe , Arra Claudio
Published: August 2013

Morphine, a highly potent analgesic agent, is widely used to relieve pain and suffering of patients with cancer. Additionally, it has been reported that morphine is important in the regulation of cancerous tissue. Morphine relieves pain by acting directly on the central nervous system, although its activities on peripheral tissues are responsible for many adverse side effects. For these reasons, it is very important also to understand the role of morphine in cancer treatment. The published literature reporting the effect of morphine on tumor growth presents some discrepancies, with reports suggesting that morphine may either promote or inhibit the tumor growth. It has been also demonstrated that morphine modulates angiogenesis which is important for primary tumour growth, invasiveness, and the development of metastasis. This review will focus on the latest findings on the role of morphine in the regulation of cancer cell growth and angiogenesis.
The Differential Diagnosis of Two Cases of Chronic Periaortitis
Authors: Kato Takao , Minamino Eri , Nakane Eisaku , Miyamoto Shoichi , Izumi Toshiaki , Haruna Tetsuya , Nohara Ryuji , Inoko Moriaki
Published: August 2013

The imaging features of chronic periaortitis resemble those of infected aneurysms. Two illustrative cases of chronic periaortitis, in which the etiologies were caused by IgG4-related disease, are presented. The first case involved a 68-year-old man who presented with vague discomfort in his lower abdomen. The second case was a 42-year-old man who presented with a fever of 38°C and persistent, vague chest discomfort. Both cases demonstrated an increased amount of connective tissue around the aorta in computed tomography images and low intensity in the T2-weighed sequence and high intensity in the diffusion-weighed sequence, suggesting the presence of inflammation, in the magnetic resonance imaging. Negative blood cultures, elevated IgG4 levels, and pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis as chronic periaortitis due to IgG4-related disease. This is a newly recognized syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by a fibroinflammatory condition, tumefactive lesions, and a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells. Both cases were successfully treated with corticosteroids. Infected aneurysms need to be carefully differentiated from this syndrome in view of the similar imaging features.
Genetic Susceptibility to Chagas Disease: An Overview about the Infection and about the Association between Disease and the Immune Response Genes
Authors: Ayo Christiane Maria , Dalalio Márcia Machado de Oliveira , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Reis Pâmela Guimarães , Sippert Emília Ângela , Jarduli Luciana Ribeiro , Alves Hugo Vicentin , Sell Ana Maria
Published: August 2013

Chagas disease, which is caused by the flagellate parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, affects 8–10 million people in Latin America. The disease is endemic and is characterised by acute and chronic phases that develop in the indeterminate, cardiac, and/or gastrointestinal forms. The immune response during humanT. cruziinfection is not completely understood, despite its role in driving the development of distinct clinical manifestations of chronic infection. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the innate and specific immune response are being widely studied in order to clarify their possible role in the occurrence or severity of disease. Here we review the role of classic and nonclassic MHC,KIR, and cytokine host genetic factors on the infection byT. cruziand the clinical course of Chagas disease.
The Roles of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Shen-Fu Injection on the Postresuscitation Care Bundle
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Chunsheng
Published: August 2013

Survival rates following in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain disappointingly low. Organ injury caused by ischemia and hypoxia during prolonged cardiac arrest is compounded by reperfusion injury that occurs when a spontaneous circulation is restored. A bundle of procedures, which may need to be administered simultaneously, is required. The procedures include prompt identification and treatment of the cause of cardiac arrest, as well as a definitive airway and ventilation together. Additional benefit is possible with appropriate forms of early goal-directed therapy and achieving therapeutic hypothermia within the first few hours, followed by gradual rewarming and ensuring glycaemic control to be within a range of 6 to 10 mmol/L. All these would be important and need to be continued for at least 24 hours. Previous studies have showed that the effects of Shen-Fu injection (SFI) are based on aconitine properties, supplemented by ginsenoside, which can scavenge free radicals, improve energy metabolism, inhibit inflammatory mediators, suppress cell apoptosis, and alleviate mitochondrial damage. SFI, like many other complex prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, was also found to be more effective than any of its ingredient used separately in vivo. As the postresuscitation care bundle is known to be, the present paper focuses on the role of SFI played on the postresuscitation care bundle.
Bilateral Breast Masses with a Rare Etiology
Authors: Thieringer Friederike , Sartorius Gideon , Kalf Katrin , Heinzelmann Viola , Vetter Marcus
Published: August 2013

Breast masses have a variety of benign and malignant etiologies. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman with bilateral large painful breast masses that developed rapidly in the three weeks before first presentation. Further investigation revealed bilateral ovarian masses. Biopsies of both ovarian masses were taken, and the pathology reported Burkitt’s lymphoma. Additional staging with a PET scan was suggestive of bone marrow involvement, but bone marrow biopsy was negative. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid did not identify malignant cells. The patient underwent CODOX-M/IVAC chemotherapy, and a complete response was demonstrated after one cycle of treatment. Six months after finishing chemotherapy the patient remained in complete remission. To our knowledge this is the first case reporting simultaneous involvement of breast, ovaries, and bones in Burkitt’s lymphoma. Gynecologists and oncologists should be aware of this pattern. Polychemotherapy treatment must be initiated rapidly with curative intent.
Vulvar Nonclear Cell Syringoma Associated with Pruritus and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Akoglu Gulsen , Ibiloglu Ibrahim , Durmazlar Nezih
Published: August 2013

Background. Syringoma is a benign eccrine sweat gland tumor, characterized by multiple skin colored or slightly yellowish papules. Vulvar syringoma without extragenital involvement is an extremely rare variant of syringoma.Mail Observations. Herein, we report a 40-year-old diabetic female patient who presented with only lichenified plaques on the vulvar region without any extragenital lesions. Diagnosis of vulvar syringoma was made depending on the characteristic double lined cystic enlargements and comma-like tails found in histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical stains for estrogen and progesterone receptors were negative.Conclusion. Vulvar syringoma may present with no obvious papules on lichenified plaques.
The Use of a Nanoscale Copper Catalyst in the Catalytic Decomposition of Water Polluted with Organic Dyes
Authors: Kosa Samia A.
Published: August 2013

A supported copper catalyst was used as a catalyst for the decomposition of organic dyes using a commercial chlorinating agent. The catalytic process achieved complete decomposition in only 2 min. Different catalyst to dye concentration ratios is studied to determine the optimal conditions. The catalyst is fully characterized using XRD, SEM, and EDX analysis.
An Accurate Block Solver for Stiff Initial Value Problems
Authors: Musa H. , Suleiman M. B. , Ismail F. , Senu N. , Ibrahim Z. B.
Published: August 2013

New implicit block formulae that compute solution of stiff initial value problems at two points simultaneously are derived and implemented in a variable step size mode. The strategy for changing the step size for
optimum performance involves halving, increasing by a multiple of 1.7, or maintaining the current step size. The stability analysis of the methods indicates their suitability for solving stiff problems. Numerical results are given and compared with some existing backward differentiation formula algorithms. The results indicate an improvement in terms of
accuracy.
Dual-Mode Patch Filter with Metal Wall Structures
Authors: Kang D. , Sung Y.
Published: August 2013

A dual-mode patch filter with metal wall structures is presented. The proposed structure consists of substrate 1 with metal wall structures and substrate 2 with a patch resonator. Because the symmetry of the structure can be perturbed by both long and short strips of the metal wall structures, the dual mode is achieved. The inductive element is introduced to the patch resonator through vias of the metal wall structures. The capacitive element is introduced through a gap between the patch resonator and the metal strips. The measured 3 dB fractional bandwidth for the passband is 10.4%, and the measured minimum insertion loss is 1.3 dB.
A New Fluorescence-Based Reporter Gene Vector as a Tool for Analyzing and Fishing Cells with Activated Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Apfel Johanna , Reischmann Patricia , Müller Oliver
Published: August 2013

The dysregulated Wnt pathway is a major cause for the activation of cell proliferation and reduced differentiation in tumor cells. Therefore the Wnt signaling pathway is the on-top target in searching for new anticancer drugs or therapeutic strategies. Although the key players of the pathway are known, no specific anti-Wnt drug entered a clinical trial by now. Several screening approaches for potential compounds have been performed with a reporter gene assay using multiple T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) binding motifs as promoters which control luciferase orβ-galactosidase as reporter genes. In our work, we designed a reporter gene construct which anchors the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) to the plasma membrane. HEK 293T cells, which were stably transfected with this construct, express eGFP on the outer membrane after activation with either LiCl or WNT3A protein. Thus, cells with activated Wnt pathway could be identified and fished out of a heterogeneous cell pool by the use of magnetic-labeled anti-GFP antibodies. In summary, we present a new tool to easily detect, quantify, and sort cells with activated Wnt signaling pathway in a simple, fast, and cost-effective way.
Nutrition and Healthy Ageing: Calorie Restriction or Polyphenol-Rich “MediterrAsian” Diet?
Authors: Pallauf Kathrin , Giller Katrin , Huebbe Patricia , Rimbach Gerald
Published: August 2013

Diet plays an important role in mammalian health and the prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Incidence of CVD is low in many parts of Asia (e.g., Japan) and the Mediterranean area (e.g., Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey). The Asian and the Mediterranean diets are rich in fruit and vegetables, thereby providing high amounts of plant bioactives including polyphenols, glucosinolates, and antioxidant vitamins. Furthermore, oily fish which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is an important part of the Asian (e.g., Japanese) and also of the Mediterranean diets. There are specific plant bioactives which predominantly occur in the Mediterranean (e.g., resveratrol from red wine, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein from olive oil) and in the Asian diets (e.g., isoflavones from soybean and epigallocatechin gallate from green tea). Interestingly, when compared to calorie restriction which has been repeatedly shown to increase healthspan, these polyphenols activate similar molecular targets such as Sirt1. We suggest that a so-called “MediterrAsian” diet combining sirtuin-activating foods (= sirtfoods) of the Asian as well as Mediterranean diet may be a promising dietary strategy in preventing chronic diseases, thereby ensuring health and healthy ageing. Future (human) studies are needed which take the concept suggested here of the MediterrAsian diet into account.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-αand Interleukin-6: Potential Interorgan Inflammatory Mediators Contributing to Destructive Periodontal Disease in Obesity or Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Khosravi Roozbeh , Ka Khady , Huang Ting , Khalili Saeed , Nguyen Bich Hong , Nicolau Belinda , Tran Simon D.
Published: August 2013

Obesity has become a worldwide health burden in the last two decades. Obesity has been associated with increased comorbidities, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and destructive periodontal disease. Obesity is also part of a group of risk factors occurring together in an individual, which is referred to as metabolic syndrome. Clinical studies have shown higher risk for destructive periodontal disease in obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the role of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the onset and development of destructive periodontal disease has not yet been fully understood. In this review, we discuss a working model, which focuses on interorgan inflammation as a common etiological factor for destructive periodontal disease associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Specifically, we suggest that elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) or interleukin 6 (IL-6)—both adipokines and known risk factors for destructive periodontal disease—in obesity and metabolic syndrome contribute to the onset and development of destructive periodontal disease. The connections between destructive periodontal disease and systemic conditions, such as obesity or metabolic syndrome, are complex and potentially multidirectional. This review largely focuses on TNF-αand IL-6, inflammatory mediators, as potential common risk factors and does not exclude other biological mechanisms.
Preparation of Polysaccharide-Based Microspheres by a Water-in-Oil Emulsion Solvent Diffusion Method for Drug Carriers
Authors: Baimark Yodthong , Srisuwan Yaowalak
Published: August 2013

Polysaccharide-based microspheres of chitosan, starch, and alginate were prepared by the water-in-oil emulsion solvent diffusion method for use as drug carriers. Blue dextran was used as a water-soluble biomacromolecular drug model. Scanning electron microscopy showed sizes of the resultant microspheres that were approximately 100 μm or less. They were spherical in shape with a rough surface and good dispersibility. Microsphere matrices were shown as a sponge. Drug loading efficiencies of all the microspheres were higher than 80%, which suggested that this method has potential to prepare polysaccharide-based microspheres containing a biomacromolecular drug model for drug delivery applications.
Should Experimental Chemists Be Doing More to Help Evaluate the Toxicological Potential of Nanoparticles?
Authors: Klika Karel D.
Published: August 2013

More general testing of nanoparticles (NP) for properties that are amenable towards biological activity, and thus potentially conducive to nanotoxicity, should be conducted on a broader scale by experimental chemists to help assess the pernicious threat that NP may present to human health or to the environment. For example, evaluation by measuring NP-biomolecule bioaffinity using techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is advocated, thereby echoing a similar call to computational and theoretical chemists to expand their studies and make at least part of their work, where feasible, relevant to nanotoxicity.
Oxidative Damage and Mutagenic Potency of Fast Neutron and UV-B Radiation in Pollen Mother Cells and Seed Yield ofVicia fabaL.
Authors: Abdel Haliem Ekram , Abdullah Hanan , AL-Huqail Asma A.
Published: August 2013

In recent years, there has been a great deal of attention toward free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by exposure of crop plant cells to physical radiations. Henceforth, the current study was planned to compare oxidative stress and mutagenic potential of different irradiation doses of fast neutron (FN) and UV-B on meiotic-pollen mother cells (PMCs), pollen grains (PGs) and seeds yielded from irradiated faba beans seedlings. On the cytogenetic level, each irradiation type had special interference with DNA of PMC and exhibited wide range of mutagenic action on the frequency and type of chromosomal anomalies, fertility of PGs and seed yield productivity based on the irradiation exposure dose and radiation sensitivity of faba bean plants compared with un-irradiated ones. On the molecular level, SDS-PAGE and RPAD-PCR analyses of seeds yielded from irradiated seedlings exhibited distinctive polymorphisms based on size, intensity, appearance, and disappearance of polypeptides bands compared with un-irradiated ones. The total values of protein and DNA polymorphisms reached 88% and 90.80% respectively. The neutron fluency (2.3 × 106 n/cm2) and UV-B dose for 1 hr were recorded as bio-positive effects. The present study proved that genetic variations revealed by cytogenetic test could be supported by gene expression (alterations in RAPD and protein profiles).
Multivalued Pseudo-Picard Operators and Fixed Point Results
Authors: Mınak Gülhan , Acar Özlem , Altun Ishak
Published: August 2013

We introduce the concept of multivalued pseudo-Picard (MPP) operator on a metric space. This concept is weaker than multivalued weakly Picard (MWP) operator, which is given by M. Berinde and V. Berinde (2007). Then, we give both fixed point results and examples for MPP operators. Also, we obtain some ordered fixed point results for multivalued maps as application.
Development and Validation of Spectrophotometric Methods for the Determination of Rasagiline in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Kepekci Tekkeli Serife Evrim , Önal Armağan , Bahadori Fatemeh
Published: August 2013

This study presents three simple, rapid, and accurate spectrophotometric methods for the determination of Rasagiline (RSG) in pharmaceutical preparations. The determination procedures depend on the reaction of RSG with chloranilic acid for method A, tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone for method B, and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane for method C. The colored products were quantitated spectrophotometrically at 524, 535, and 843 nm for methods A, B, and C, respectively. Different variables affecting the reaction were optimized. Linearity ranges of the methods with good correlation coefficients (0.9988–0.9996) were observed as 25–300 µg mL−1, 25–350 µg mL−1, and 50–500 µg mL−1for methods A, B, and C, respectively. The formation of products takes place through different mechanisms. The sites of interaction were confirmed by elemental analysis using IR and1H-NMR spectroscopy. The validation of the methods was carried out in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection, and limit of quantitation. No interference was observed from concomitants usually present in dosage forms. The methods were applied successfully to the determination of RSG in pharmaceutical preparations.
Protein Expression of PTEN, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor (IGF-IR), and Lethal Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zu Ke , Martin Neil E. , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Flavin Richard , Lis Rosina T. , Sinnott Jennifer A. , Finn Stephen , Penney Kathryn L. , Ma Jing , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin E. , Bismar Tarek A. , Stampfer Meir J. , Pollak Michael N. , Loda Massimo , Mucci Lorelei A. , Giovannucci Edward
Published: August 2013

Background: Loss of PTEN has been shown to be associated with aggressive behavior of prostate cancer. It is less clear that loss of PTEN also increases the risk of cancer mortality. We investigated the association between PTEN expression and prostate cancer mortality and the potential effect modification by IGF-IR, a direct activator of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway.

Methods: Protein expression in tumor was evaluated using tumor tissues obtained from 805 participants of the Physicians' Health and the Health Professionals Follow-up studies who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy. Proportional hazard models were used to assess PTEN expression and its interaction with IGF-IR, in relation to lethal prostate cancer (cancer-specific death or distant metastases).

Results: Low PTEN expression was associated with an increased risk of lethal prostate cancer [HR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–3.2; Ptrend = 0.04]. The association was attenuated after adjustment for Gleason grade, tumor stage, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis. A significant negative interaction between PTEN and IGF-IR was found (Pinteraction = 0.03). Either reduction in PTEN or increase in IGF-IR expression was sufficient to worsen prognosis. Models including PTEN and IGF-IR expression offer additional predicting power to prostate cancer survival, compared to those only including demographic and clinical factors.

Conclusions: Low PTEN protein expression significantly increases the risk of lethal prostate cancer, particularly when the IGF-IR expression remains at normal level.

Impact: PTEN and IGF-IR expression in tumor are promising candidates for independent prognostic factors to predict lethal prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 1984–93. ©2013 AACR.
Associations between Dietary Acrylamide Intake and Plasma Sex Hormone Levels
Authors: Hogervorst Janneke G. , Fortner Renee T. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Eliassen A. Heather , Hankinson Susan E. , Wilson Kathryn M.
Published: August 2013

Background: The rodent carcinogen acrylamide was discovered in 2002 in commonly consumed foods. Epidemiologic studies have observed positive associations between acrylamide intake and endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer risks, which suggest that acrylamide may have sex-hormonal effects.

Methods: We cross-sectionally investigated the relationship between acrylamide intake and plasma levels of sex hormones and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) among 687 postmenopausal and 1,300 premenopausal controls from nested case–control studies within the Nurses' Health Studies.

Results: There were no associations between acrylamide and sex hormones or SHBG among premenopausal women overall or among never-smokers. Among normal-weight premenopausal women, acrylamide intake was statistically significantly positively associated with luteal total and free estradiol levels. Among postmenopausal women overall and among never-smokers, acrylamide was borderline statistically significantly associated with lower estrone sulfate levels but not with other estrogens, androgens, prolactin, or SHBG. Among normal-weight women, (borderline) statistically significant inverse associations were noted for estrone, free estradiol, estrone sulfate, DHEA, and prolactin, whereas statistically significant positive associations for testosterone and androstenedione were observed among overweight women.

Conclusions: Overall, this study did not show conclusive associations between acrylamide intake and sex hormones that would lend unequivocal biologic plausibility to the observed increased risks of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer. The association between acrylamide and sex hormones may differ by menopausal and overweight status. We recommend other studies investigate the relationship between acrylamide and sex hormones in women, specifically using acrylamide biomarkers.

Impact: The present study showed some interesting associations between acrylamide intake and sex hormones that urgently need confirmation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2024–36. ©2013 AACR.
Association of TP53 Mutational Status and Gender with Survival after Adjuvant Treatment for Stage III Colon Cancer: Results of CALGB 89803
Authors: Warren Robert S. , Atreya Chloe E. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Weinberg Vivian K. , Donner David B. , Mayer Robert J. , Goldberg Richard M. , Compton Carolyn C. , Zuraek Marlene B. , Ye Cynthia , Saltz Leonard B. , Bertagnolli Monica M.
Published: August 2013

Purpose: The TP53 tumor suppressor is frequently mutated in colon cancer, but the influence of such mutations on survival remains controversial. We investigated whether mutations in the DNA-binding domain of TP53 are associated with survival in stage III colon cancer.

Experimental Design: The impact of TP53 genotype was prospectively evaluated in Cancer and Leukemia Group B 89803, a trial that randomized stage III colon cancer patients to receive adjuvant 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5FU/LV) or 5FU/LV with irinotecan (IFL).

Results: TP53 mutations were identified in 274 of 607 cases. The presence of any TP53 mutation did not predict disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival with either adjuvant regimen when men and women were considered together or as separate groups. However, outcome differences among women became apparent when tumor TP53 genotype was stratified as wild-type versus zinc- or non-zinc-binding mutations in the TP53 DNA-binding domain. DFS at 5 years was 0.59, 0.52, and 0.78 for women with TP53 wild-type tumors, and tumors with zinc- or non-zinc-binding mutations, respectively. Survival at 5 years for these same women was 0.72, 0.59, and 0.90, respectively. No differences in survival by TP53 genotype were observed in men.

Conclusions: The presence of any TP53 mutation within the DNA-binding domain did not predict survival in stage III colon cancer. However, TP53 genotype was predictive of survival in women following adjuvant therapy. Future colon cancer therapeutic trials, with inclusion of correlative molecular markers, should be designed to permit evaluation of survival and/or response to treatment in women separately from men. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5777–87. ©2013 AACR.
The Twist Box Domain Is Required for Twist1-induced Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Gajula Rajendra P. , Chettiar Sivarajan T. , Williams Russell D. , Thiyagarajan Saravanan , Kato Yoshinori , Aziz Khaled , Wang Ruoqi , Gandhi Nishant , Wild Aaron T. , Vesuna Farhad , Ma Jinfang , Salih Tarek , Cades Jessica , Fertig Elana , Biswal Shyam , Burns Timothy F. , Chung Christine H. , Rudin Charles M. , Herman Joseph M. , Hales Russell K. , Raman Venu , An Steven S. , Tran Phuoc T.
Published: August 2013

Twist1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, plays a key role during development and is a master regulator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) that promotes cancer metastasis. Structure–function relationships of Twist1 to cancer-related phenotypes are underappreciated, so we studied the requirement of the conserved Twist box domain for metastatic phenotypes in prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that Twist1 is overexpressed in clinical specimens and correlated with aggressive/metastatic disease. Therefore, we examined a transactivation mutant, Twist1-F191G, in prostate cancer cells using in vitro assays, which mimic various stages of metastasis. Twist1 overexpression led to elevated cytoskeletal stiffness and cell traction forces at the migratory edge of cells based on biophysical single-cell measurements. Twist1 conferred additional cellular properties associated with cancer cell metastasis including increased migration, invasion, anoikis resistance, and anchorage-independent growth. The Twist box mutant was defective for these Twist1 phenotypes in vitro. Importantly, we observed a high frequency of Twist1-induced metastatic lung tumors and extrathoracic metastases in vivo using the experimental lung metastasis assay. The Twist box was required for prostate cancer cells to colonize metastatic lung lesions and extrathoracic metastases. Comparative genomic profiling revealed transcriptional programs directed by the Twist box that were associated with cancer progression, such as Hoxa9. Mechanistically, Twist1 bound to the Hoxa9 promoter and positively regulated Hoxa9 expression in prostate cancer cells. Finally, Hoxa9 was important for Twist1-induced cellular phenotypes associated with metastasis. These data suggest that the Twist box domain is required for Twist1 transcriptional programs and prostate cancer metastasis.

Implications: Targeting the Twist box domain of Twist1 may effectively limit prostate cancer metastatic potential. Mol Cancer Res; 11(11); 1387–400. ©2013 AACR.
Rescue Living-donor Liver Transplantation for Liver Failure Following Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chan See Ching , Sharr William Wei , Chan Albert Chi Yan , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Lo Chung Mau
Published: August 2013

Liver failure following major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is a known but uncommon mode of early treatment failure. When post-hepatectomy liver failure becomes progressive, the only effective treatment for rescuing the patient is liver transplantation. Deceased-donor liver transplantation in this situation is often not feasible because of the shortage of deceased-donor liver grafts. Proceeding with living-donor liver transplantation is an ethical challenge because of the possibility of donor coercion. In addition, tumor status, as confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected specimen, may indicate aggressive cancer that warns against rescue transplantation because of the increased chance of tumor recurrence. Here we describe four cases of rescue living-donor liver transplantation for liver failure after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The patients all survived the transplantation and were free from tumor recurrence after follow-up periods ranging from 6 months to 9 years. Our experience has shown that rescue living-donor liver transplantation for post-hepatectomy liver failure is feasible. Tumor status should be considered carefully because large tumors and tumors with macrovascular invasion are strong contraindications to rescue living-donor liver transplantation.
C-Reactive Protein Is Elevated in Heart Failure Patients with Central Sleep Apnea and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
Authors: Schmalgemeier Heidi , Bitter Thomas , Fischbach Thomas , Horstkotte Dieter , Oldenburg Olaf
Published: August 2013

Background: Manifestation of central sleep apnea (CSA) with Cheyne-Stokes respiration is of major prognostic impact in chronic heart failure (CHF). Inflammatory processes have been linked to a progression of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. While an association of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to obstructive sleep apnea has been documented before, there is a lack of information regarding variation of CRP levels in patients with CSA. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate a potential association of CRP levels to CSA severity in CHF patients. Methods: High sensitivity CRP levels were analyzed in 966 patients with CHF (BMI 26.3 ± 4.6, New York Heart Association class 2.6 ± 0.5, left ventricular ejection fraction 29.4 ± 7.9%, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP, level 2,209 ± 3,315 pg/ml) without sleep-disordered breathing (SDB; Apnea-Hypopnea Index, AHI, <5/h) or various degrees of CSA, documented by in-hospital cardiorespiratory polygraphy or polysomnography. Results: The CRP concentration in CHF patients was 0.550 ± 0.794 mg/dl in patients without SDB (AHI 0-4/h, n = 403) versus 0.488 ± 0.708 mg/dl in patients with mild CSA (AHI 5-14/h, n = 123, p = n.s.) and 0.660 ± 0.963 mg/dl in patients with moderate CSA (AHI 15-29/h, n = 160, p = n.s.). In patients with severe CSA (AHI ≥30/h, n = 280), significantly higher CRP concentrations were documented (0.893 ± 1.384 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed AHI, NT-proBNP and heart rate to be independently associated with elevated CRP levels. Conclusion: Severe CSA in CHF patients is associated with elevated levels of CRP, a systemic marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This might explain in part the negative prognostic impact of CSA in these patients.
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Triolo Giacinto , Pierro Luisa , Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , De Benedetto Umberto , Gagliardi Marco , Manitto Maria Pia , Bandello Francesco
Published: August 2013

Background: To report the morphological macular findings detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to determine their prevalence in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods: SD-OCT scans of 176 eyes from 90 patients affected by RP were reviewed. A careful evaluation was carried out on photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, external limiting membrane (ELM), inner limiting membrane thickening (ILMT), epiretinal membranes (ERMs), retinal micropseudocysts (MPCs), cystoid macular edema (CME), macular holes (MHs) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Results: The photoreceptor IS/OS junction was absent in the foveal region of 24 eyes (13.6%) and disrupted in 84 eyes (47.7%). The ELM was absent in 24 eyes (13.6%), whereas the ILMT was found in 118 eyes (67%). The presence of an ERM was detected in 48 eyes (27.3%). Some sort of vitreomacular alteration (ILMT and/or ERM) was identifiable in a total of 94.3% of eyes with RP. The presence of MPCs was detected in 32 eyes (18.2%). An evident CME was found in 22 eyes (12.5%). We also found MHs in 8 eyes (4.5%) and CNV in 3 eyes (1.7%). Conclusions: Our data indicate that RP is associated with alterations of many retinal layers. In particular, the vitreoretinal interface is affected in 94% of patients, and MPC can be identified in 18% of eyes. SD-OCT may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism involved in RP.
Leukotriene B4, an Endogenous Stimulator of the Innate Immune Response against Pathogens
Authors: Le Bel Manon , Brunet Alexandre , Gosselin Jean
Published: August 2013

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is an endogenous lipid mediator of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid by the sequential action of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase. This mediator was initially recognized for its involvement in the recruitment of neutrophils. However, in the last decade, LTB4 has been clearly demonstrated to play a significant role in the control of microbial infections through its ability to activate host innate defenses. In this review, we will focus on the modulator effects of LTB4 on the innate defenses and discuss its therapeutic potential against viral pathogens.
Cross-National Comparison of Medical Costs Shared by Payers and Patients: A Study of Postmenopausal Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Based on Assumption Case Scenarios and Reimbursement Fees
Authors: Hamada Shota , Hinotsu Shiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Toi Masakazu , Kawakami Koji
Published: August 2013

Background: The objectives of this study were to estimate and cross-nationally compare the medical costs shared by payers and patients and the distributions of medical costs by cost category. Material and Methods: We estimated the medical costs covered from definitive diagnosis to completion of treatments of early-stage breast cancer and follow-up, assuming almost identical medical care provided in Japan, the UK, and Germany. The analysis was performed from the payer's perspective. Medical costs were calculated by multiplying the unit costs by the number of units consumed, based on assumption case scenarios. The medical costs incurred by payers or patients were estimated according to the cost-sharing and the cost-bearing systems in each country. Results: The total medical costs in Japan were much lower than those in the UK and Germany, and these differences were mainly caused by the low costs of surgery and radiotherapy in Japan. For the base-case scenario, the co-payment in Japan (€ 3,486) was found to be 6.4-fold higher than that in Germany (€ 548). The payers in the European countries paid 2.9-fold more than those in Japan (€ ∼25,000 vs. € 8,627). Conclusion: Our results will be useful for policy makers in considering how to share medical costs and how to allocate limited resources.