bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Transfer between an Individual Carbon Nanotube and Gas Environment in a Wide Knudsen Number Regime
Authors: Wang Hai-Dong , Liu Jin-Hui , Zhang Xing , Li Tian-Yi , Zhang Ru-Fan , Wei Fei
Published: June 2013

Applications of carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene in thermal management have recently attracted significant attention. However, the lack of efficient prediction formula for heat transfer coefficient between nanomaterials and gas environment limits the further development of this technique. In this work, a kinetic model has been established to predict the heat transfer coefficient of an individual CNT in gas environment. The heat dissipation around the CNT is governed by molecular collisions, and outside the collision layer, the heat conduction is dominant. At nanoscales, the natural convection can be neglected. In order to describe the intermolecular collisions around the CNT quantitatively, a correction factor 1/24 is introduced and agrees well with the experimental observation. The prediction of the present model is in good agreement with our experimental results in free molecular regime. Further, a maximum heat transfer coefficient occurs at a critical diameter of several nanometers, providing guidelines on the practical design of CNT‐based heat spreaders.
Short‐Term Effects of Land Leveling on Irrigation‐Related Some Soil Properties in a Clay Loam Soil
Authors: Öztekin Tekin
Published: June 2013

There are few studies conducted on the short‐term effects of land leveling on soil water holding capacity. The objectives of this study were to analyze the short‐term effects of land leveling on the magnitudes, variances, spatial variability, and distributions of surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soil properties of bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point, water holding capacity and particle size fractions. The study was conducted in a 1.2 ha field with clay loam soil located on the low terraces of Yesilirmak River, Tokat, Turkey. According to the paired t‐test results, water holding capacity, and bulk density significantly increased, while permanent wilting point (P  ≤  0.001) and field capacity (P  ≤  0.05) significantly decreased for surface soil due to land leveling. The reasons for the increases in WHC values in both cut and fill areas (29%, and 12%, resp.) of surface soil are look like the much more decreases in PWP values than those of FC values and the increases in BD values. The moderate positive linear relationship between the surface soil clay contents and cut depths through cut areas (r = 0.64) was also determined in this study.
Potential Role of Meiosis Proteins in Melanoma Chromosomal Instability
Authors: Lindsey Scott F. , Byrnes Diana M. , Eller Mark S. , Rosa Ashley M. , Dabas Nitika , Escandon Julia , Grichnik James M.
Published: June 2013

Melanomas demonstrate chromosomal instability (CIN). In fact, CIN can be used to differentiate melanoma from benign nevi. The exact molecular mechanisms that drive CIN in melanoma have yet to be fully elucidated. Cancer/testis antigens are a unique group of germ cell proteins that are found to be primarily expressed in melanoma as compared to benign nevi. The abnormal expression of these germ cell proteins, normally expected only in the testis and ovaries, in somatic cells may lead to interference with normal cellular pathways. Germ cell proteins that may be particularly critical in CIN are meiosis proteins. Here, we review pathways unique to meiosis with a focus on how the aberrant expression of meiosis proteins in normal mitotic cells “meiomitosis” could impact chromosomal instability in melanoma and other cancers.
Protein Coexpression Using FMDV 2A: Effect of “Linker” Residues
Authors: Minskaia Ekaterina , Ryan Martin D.
Published: June 2013

Many biomedical applications absolutely require, or are substantially enhanced by, coexpression of multiple proteins from a single vector. Foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A (F2A) and “2A-like” sequences (e.g.,Thosea asignavirus 2A; T2A) are used widely for this purpose since multiple proteins can be coexpressed by linking open reading frames (ORFs) to form a single cistron. The activity of F2A “cleavage” may, however, be compromised by both the use of shorter versions of F2A and the sequences (derived from multiple-purpose cloning sites) used to link F2A to the upstream protein. To characterise these effects, different lengths of F2A and T2A were inserted between green and cherry fluorescent proteins. Mutations were introduced in the linker region immediately upstream of both F2A- and T2A-based constructs and activities determined using both cell-free translation systems and transfected cells. In shorter versions of F2A, activity may be affected by both the C-terminal sequence of the protein upstream and, equally strikingly, the residues immediately upstream introduced during cloning. Mutations significantly improved activity for shorter versions of F2A but could decrease activity in the case of T2A. These data will aid the design of cloning strategies for the co-expression of multiple proteins in biomedical/biotechnological applications.
Augmenting Weak Semantic Cognitive Maps with an “Abstractness” Dimension
Authors: Samsonovich Alexei V. , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: June 2013

The emergent consensus on dimensional models of sentiment, appraisal, emotions, and values is on the semantics of the principal dimensions, typically interpreted as valence, arousal, and dominance. The notion of weak semantic maps was introduced recently as distribution of representations in abstract spaces that are not derived from human judgments, psychometrics, or any other a priori information about their semantics. Instead, they are defined entirely by binary semantic relations among representations, such as synonymy and antonymy. An interesting question concerns the ability of the antonymy-based semantic maps to capture all “universal” semantic dimensions. The present work shows that those narrow weak semantic maps are not complete in this sense and can be augmented with other semantic relations. Specifically, including hyponym-hypernym relations yields a new semantic dimension of the map labeled here “abstractness” (or ontological generality) that is not reducible to any dimensions represented by antonym pairs or to traditional affective space dimensions. It is expected that including other semantic relations (e.g., meronymy/holonymy) will also result in the addition of new semantic dimensions to the map. These findings have broad implications for automated quantitative evaluation of the meaning of text and may shed light on the nature of human subjective experience.
Change Point Detection in Time Series Using Higher-Order Statistics: A Heuristic Approach
Authors: Hilas Constantinos S. , Rekanos Ioannis T. , Mastorocostas Paris Ast.
Published: June 2013

Changes in the level of a time series are usually attributed to an intervention that affects its temporal evolution. The resulting time series are referred to as interrupted time series and may be used to identify the events that caused the intervention and to quantify their impact. In the present paper, a heuristic method for level change detection in time series is presented. The method uses higher-order statistics, namely, the skewness and the kurtosis, and can identify both the existence of a change in the level of the time series and the time instance when it has happened. The technique is straightforwardly applicable to the detection of outliers in time series and promises to have several applications. The method is tested with both simulated and real-world data and is compared to other popular change detection techniques.
Isolation of Low Abundance Proteins and Cells Using Buoyant Glass Microbubble Chromatography
Authors: Stefansson Steingrimur , Adams Daniel L. , Tang Cha-Mei
Published: June 2013

Conventional protein affinity chromatography relies on highly porous resins that have large surface areas. These properties are ideal for fast flow separation of proteins from biological samples with maximum yields, but these properties can also lead to increased nonspecific protein binding. In certain applications where the purity of an isolated protein is more important than the yield, using a glass solid phase could be advantageous as glass is nonporous and hydrophilic and has a low surface area and low nonspecific protein binding. As a proof of principle, we used protein A-conjugated hollow glass microbubbles to isolate fluorescently labeled neurofilament heavy chain spiked into serum and compared them to protein A Sepharose and protein A magnetic beads (Dynabeads) using an anti-neurofilament protein antibody. As expected, a greater volume of glass bubbles was required to match the binding capacity of the magnetic beads and Sepharose resins. On the other hand, nonspecific protein binding to glass bubbles was greatly reduced compared to the other resins. Additionally, since the glass bubbles are buoyant and transparent, they are well suited for isolating cells from biological samples and staining themin situ.
30 Years on Selected Issues in the Prevention of HIV among Persons Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Des Jarlais D. C. , Pinkerton S. , Hagan H. , Guardino V. , Feelemyer J. , Cooper H. , Hatzatkis A. , Uuskula A.
Published: June 2013

After 30 years of extensive research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among persons who inject drugs (PWID), we now have a good understanding of the critical issues involved. Following the discovery of HIV in 1981, epidemics among PWID were noted in many countries, and consensus recommendations for interventions for reducing injection related HIV transmission have been developed. While high-income countries have continued to develop and implement new Harm Reduction programs, most low-/middle-income countries have implemented Harm Reduction at very low levels. Modeling of combined prevention programming including needle exchange (NSP) and antiretroviral therapy (ARV) suggests that NSP be given the highest priority. Future HIV prevention programming should continue to provide Harm Reduction programs for PWID coupled with interventions aimed at reducing sexual transmission. As HIV continues to spread in low- and middle-income countries, it is important to achieve and maintain high coverage of Harm Reduction programs in these locations. As PWID almost always experience multiple health problems, it will be important to address these multiple problems within a comprehensive approach grounded in a human rights perspective.
Identification and Characterization of Black Carbon Aerosol Sources in the East Baltic Region
Authors: Byčenkienė Steigvilė , Ulevicius Vidmantas , Dudoitis Vadimas , Pauraitė Julija
Published: June 2013

One-year continuous measurements of aerosol black carbon (BC) at the background site Preila (55°55′N, 21°00′E, 5 m a.s.l., Lithuania) were performed. Temporal and spatial evolution and transport of biomass burning (BB) and volcanic aerosols observed within this period were explained by the air mass backward trajectory analysis in conjunction with the fire detection data produced by the MODIS Rapid Response System and AERONET database. The surface measurements and analysis of the Angström exponent of the absorption coefficient done separately for shorter and longer wavelengths (i.e.,α=370–520 nm andα=660–950 nm) showed that high levels of aerosol BC were related to the transport of air masses rich in BB products from Ukraine caused by active grass burning. During the events the highest mean values of the Angström exponent of the absorption coefficientsα370–520andα590–950 nm were observed (2.4±0.1and1.5±0.1, resp.). The ash plume of the Grimsvötn eruption on May 21, 2011 offered an exceptional opportunity to characterize the volcanic aerosols. The largest ash plume (in terms of aerosol optical thickness) over Lithuania was observed at May 24/25, 2011. The highest values of the Angström exponent of the absorption coefficientsα370–520andα590–950 nm were reached (1.3±0.1and1.4±0.1, resp.).
The Measure-Theoretic Entropy and Topological Entropy of Actions overℤm
Authors: Chang Chih-Hung , Chen Yu-Wen
Published: June 2013

This paper studies the quantitative behavior of a class of one-dimensional cellular automata, named weakly permutive cellular automata, acting on the space of all doubly infinite sequences with values in a finite ringℤm,m≥2. We calculate the measure-theoretic entropy and the topological entropy of weakly permutive cellular automata with respect to any invariant measure on the spaceℤmℤ. As an application, it is shown that the uniform Bernoulli measure is the unique maximal measure for linear cellular automata among the Markov measures.
Physics-Inspired Optimization Algorithms: A Survey
Authors: Biswas Anupam , Mishra K. K. , Tiwari Shailesh , Misra A. K.
Published: June 2013

Natural phenomenon can be used to solve complex optimization problems with its excellent facts, functions, and phenomenon. In this paper, a survey on physics-based algorithm is done to show how these inspirations led to the solution of well-known optimization problem. The survey is focused on inspirations that are originated from physics, their formulation into solutions, and their evolution with time. Comparative studies of these noble algorithms along with their variety of applications have been done throughout this paper.
Bicarbonates for the Prevention of Postoperative Renal Failure in Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Brulotte Véronique , Leblond François A. , Elkouri Stéphane , Thérasse Éric , Pichette Vincent , Beaulieu Pierre
Published: June 2013

Purpose.Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) can contribute to acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery. We evaluated the incidence of AKI together with the evolution of early biomarkers of renal injury in patients receiving bicarbonates or NaCl 0.9%.Methods.This study involved endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery patients. Group A (n=17) received bicarbonates 3 mL/kg/h for 1 h before the procedure and then 1 mL/kg/h until 6 h after surgery, whereas group B (n=17) received NaCl 0.9% using the same protocol. Biomarkers of renal injury from urine (interleukin-18 (IL-18), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1)) and blood (NGAL, cystatin C) were measured at baseline and 3, 24, and 48 h postoperatively.Results.AKI occurred in 1 patient (2.9%), in the bicarbonates group. IL-18, NAG, NGAL, and KIM-1 significantly rose in both groups after the surgery. There was a greater rise in NGAL and IL-18 after 3 h in the bicarbonates versus NaCl 0.9% group: 1115% versus 240% increase (P=0.03) and 338% increase versus 1.4% decrease (P=0.01).Conclusions.Despite significant elevation in biomarkers of renal injury, we demonstrated a low rate of AKI following endovascular aortic surgery.
Influence of Abscisic Acid and Sucrose on Somatic Embryogenesis in Cactus Copiapoa tenuissima Ritt. forma mostruosa
Authors: Lema-Rumińska J. , Goncerzewicz K. , Gabriel M.
Published: June 2013

Having produced the embryos of cactus Copiapoa tenuissima Ritt. forma monstruosa at the globular stage and callus, we investigated the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) in the following concentrations: 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM on successive stages of direct (DSE) and indirect somatic embryogenesis (ISE). In the indirect somatic embryogenesis process we also investigated a combined effect of ABA (0, 0.1, 1 μM) and sucrose (1, 3, 5%). The results showed that a low concentration of ABA (0‐1 μM) stimulates the elongation of embryos at the globular stage and the number of correct embryos in direct somatic embryogenesis, while a high ABA concentration (10–100 μM) results in growth inhibition and turgor pressure loss of somatic embryos. The indirect somatic embryogenesis study in this cactus suggests that lower ABA concentrations enhance the increase in calli fresh weight, while a high concentration of 10 μM ABA or more changes calli color and decreases its proliferation rate. However, in the case of indirect somatic embryogenesis, ABA had no effect on the number of somatic embryos and their maturation. Nevertheless, we found a positive effect of sucrose concentration for both the number of somatic embryos and the increase in calli fresh weight.
Numerical Simulation of PAHs Formation and Effect of Operating Conditions in DI-Diesel Engines Based on a Comprehensive Chemical Mechanism
Authors: Zhong Bei-Jing , Xi Jun
Published: June 2013

Three-dimensional numerical simulations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation in a Chaochai 6102bzl direct injection diesel engine are performed. n-Heptane is chosen as the fuel. A detailed mechanism, which includes 108 species and 572 elementary reactions that describe n-heptane oxidation and PAH formation, is proposed. A reduced kinetic mechanism, with only 86 reactions and 57 species, is developed and incorporated into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for the numerical simulations. Results show that PAHs, which were mostly deposited at the bottom of the diesel combustion chamber wall, first increased and then decreased with the increase in diesel crank angle. Furthermore, the diesel engine operating conditions (intake vortex intensity, intake air pressure, fuel injection advance angle, diesel load, and engine speed) had a significant effect on PAH formation.
Desmoid Tumour of the Brachial Plexus
Authors: Juliette Orege , Florentius Koech , Francis Ndiangui , Macharia Benson Ndegwa , Neema Mbaruku
Published: June 2013

Desmoid tumours of the brachial plexus are rare and may occur in extra-abdominal sites. The tumours are of fibroblastic origin and, although benign, are locally aggressive. Their relationship to critical neurovascular structures in their anatomic locations presents a challenge to the operating surgeons trying to adhere to the principles of surgery. Surprisingly little neurosurgical literature exists which was devoted to this topic despite the challenge these lesions present in surgery both at surgery and in choosing adjuvant therapies. We report a case of a large brachial plexus tumour in a patient which was diagnosed radiologically and histopathologically and the patient underwent surgical excision with good outcome. Desmoid tumours histologically are benign and are usually composed of proliferating, benign fibroblasts in an abundant matrix of collagen. They do not transform into malignant tumours or metastasize. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment; however, adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy remain controversial.
The Effect of Diabetes-Associated Autoantigens on Cell Processes in Human PBMCs and Their Relevance to Autoimmune Diabetes Development
Authors: Vcelakova Jana , Blatny Radek , Halbhuber Zbynek , Kolar Michal , Neuwirth Ales , Petruzelkova Lenka , Ulmannova Tereza , Kolouskova Stanislava , Sumnik Zdenek , Pithova Pavlina , Krivjanska Maria , Filipp Dominik , Stechova Katerina
Published: June 2013

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is considered to be a T-helper- (Th-) 1 autoimmune disease; however, T1D pathogenesis likely involves many factors, and sufficient tools for autoreactive T cell detection for the study of this disease are currently lacking. In this study, using gene expression microarrays, we analysed the effect of diabetes-associated autoantigens on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the purpose of identifying (pre)diabetes-associated cell processes. Twelve patients with recent onset T1D, 18 first-degree relatives of the TD1 patients (DRL; 9/18 autoantibody positive), and 13 healthy controls (DV) were tested. PBMCs from these individuals were stimulated with a cocktail of diabetes-associated autoantigens (proinsulin, IA-2, and GAD65-derived peptides). After 72 hours, gene expression was evaluated by high-density gene microarray. The greatest number of functional differences was observed between relatives and controls (69 pathways), from which 15% of the pathways belonged to “immune response-related” processes. In the T1D versus controls comparison, more pathways (24%) were classified as “immune response-related.” Important pathways that were identified using data from the T1D versus controls comparison were pathways involving antigen presentation by MHCII, the activation of Th17 and Th22 responses, and cytoskeleton rearrangement-related processes. Genes involved in Th17 and TGF-beta cascades may represent novel, promising (pre)diabetes biomarkers.
Comparison between the Repression Potency of siRNA Targeting the Coding Region and the 3′-Untranslated Region of mRNA
Authors: Lai Ching-Fang , Chen Chih-Ying , Au Lo-Chun
Published: June 2013

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are applied for post-transcriptional gene silencing by binding target mRNA. A target coding region is usually chosen, although the3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) can also be a target. This study elucidates whether the coding region or3′-UTR elicits higher repression. pFLuc and pRLuc are two reporter plasmids. A segment ofFLucgene was PCR-amplified and inserted behind the stop codon of theRLucgene of the pRLuc. Similarly, a segment ofRLucgene was inserted behind the stop codon ofFLuc. Two siFLuc and two siRLuc were siRNAs designed to target the central portions of these segments. Therefore, the siRNA encountered the same targets and flanking sequences. Results showed that the two siFLuc elicited higher repression when theFLucsegment resided in the coding region. Conversely, the two siRLuc showed higher repression when theRLucsegment was in the3′-UTR. These results indicate that both the coding region and the3′-UTR can be more effective targets. The thermodynamic stability of the secondary structures was analyzed. The siRNA elicited higher repression in the coding region when the target configuration was stable, and needed to be solved by translation. A siRNA may otherwise favor the target at3′-UTR.
Development of the Complex General Linear Model in the Fourier Domain: Application to fMRI Multiple Input-Output Evoked Responses for Single Subjects
Authors: Rio Daniel E. , Rawlings Robert R. , Woltz Lawrence A. , Gilman Jodi , Hommer Daniel W.
Published: June 2013

A linear time-invariant model based on statistical time series analysis in the Fourier domain for single subjects is further developed and applied to functional MRI (fMRI) blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) multivariate data. This methodology was originally developed to analyze multiple stimulus input evoked response BOLD data. However, to analyze clinical data generated using a repeated measures experimental design, the model has been extended to handle multivariate time series data and demonstrated on control and alcoholic subjects taken from data previously analyzed in the temporal domain. Analysis of BOLD data is typically carried out in the time domain where the data has a high temporal correlation. These analyses generally employ parametric models of the hemodynamic response function (HRF) where prewhitening of the data is attempted using autoregressive (AR) models for the noise. However, this data can be analyzed in the Fourier domain. Here, assumptions made on the noise structure are less restrictive, and hypothesis tests can be constructed based on voxel-specific nonparametric estimates of the hemodynamic transfer function (HRF in the Fourier domain). This is especially important for experimental designs involving multiple states (either stimulus or drug induced) that may alter the form of the response function.
Drag Coefficient during Strong Typhoons
Authors: Wang Binglan , Song Lili , Chen Wenchao
Published: June 2013

Using data from wind towers during typhoons Hagupit and Nuri, drag coefficient was estimated. The relationship between drag coefficient and atmospheric stability was examined. The results indicate that the drag coefficient decreased when atmosphere stability changed from weakly stable or unstable to neutral. Relationship between drag coefficient and wind speed was also examined, and the results indicate that the relationships between drag coefficient and wind speed were similar to other researchers’ result, but the wind thresholds were different due to different observation sites. Quantitative expressions between drag coefficient and wind speed were derived.
Pathophysiological Role of Global Cerebral Ischemia following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Current Experimental Evidence
Authors: Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: June 2013

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the subtype of stroke with one of the highest mortality rates and the least well-understood pathophysiologies. One of the very early events which may occur after SAH is a significant decrease of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) caused by the excessive increase of intracranial pressure during the initial bleeding. A severely decreased CPP results in global cerebral ischemia, an event also occurring after cardiac arrest. The aim of the current paper is to review the pathophysiological events occurring in experimental models of SAH and global cerebral ischemia and to evaluate the contribution and the importance of global cerebral ischemia for the pathophysiology of SAH.
Photovoltaic High-Frequency Pulse Charger for Lead-Acid Battery under Maximum Power Point Tracking
Authors: Hsieh Hung-I. , Shih Sheng-Fang , Hsieh Jen-Hao , Wang Chi-Hao
Published: June 2013

A photovoltaic pulse charger (PV-PC) using high-frequency pulse train for charging lead-acid battery (LAB) is proposed not only to explore the charging behavior with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) but also to delay sulfating crystallization on the electrode pores of the LAB to prolong the battery life, which is achieved due to a brief pulse break between adjacent pulses that refreshes the discharging of LAB. Maximum energy transfer between the PV module and a boost current converter (BCC) is modeled to maximize the charging energy for LAB under different solar insolation. A duty control, guided by a power-increment-aided incremental-conductance MPPT (PI-INC MPPT), is implemented to the BCC that operates at maximum power point (MPP) against the random insolation. A 250 W PV-PC system for charging a four-in-series LAB (48 Vdc) is examined. The charging behavior of the PV-PC system in comparison with that of CC-CV charger is studied. Four scenarios of charging statuses of PV-BC system under different solar insolation changes are investigated and compared with that using INC MPPT.
Adaptive Synchronization of Complex Dynamical Multilinks Networks with Similar Nodes
Authors: Wang Weiping , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Yuan Jialiang , Xiao Jinghua , Yang Yixian
Published: June 2013

This paper studies the synchronization of complex dynamical networks with multilinks and similar nodes. The dynamics of all the nodes in the networks are impossible to be completely identical due to the differences of parameters or the existence of perturbations. Networks with similar nodes are universal in the real world. In order to depict the similarity of the similar nodes, we give the definition of the minimal similarity of the nodes in the network for the first time. We find the threshold of the minimal similarity of the nodes in the network. If the minimal similarity of the nodes is bigger than the threshold, then the similar nodes can achieve synchronization without controllers. Otherwise, adaptive synchronization method is adopted to synchronize similar nodes in the network. Some new synchronization criteria are proposed based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Macular Hole after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis in a 26-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Bikbova Guzel , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Sakurai Madoka , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study is to describe the 26-year-old patient with developed macular hole after bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). A macular hole with sharp margins and irregular surface of surrounding retina appeared in the left eye of the female 26-year-old patient two months after LASIK for correction of myopia (followup of 6 months). Although the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after LASIK was 1.0, after the macular hole has developed BCVA became 0.5. After surgery, the final visual acuity recovered to 0.7. Macular hole may develop after LASIK for myopia correction due to unknown changes of vitreoretinal interface. Complete informed consent must be obtained from patients with high myopic eyes before LASIK.
The Concept of Sasang Health Index and Constitution-Based Health Assessment: An Integrative Model with Computerized Four Diagnosis Methods
Authors: Kim Jaeuk U. , Ku Boncho , Kim Young-Min , Do Jun-Hyeong , Jang Jun-Su , Jang Eunsu , Jeon Young Ju , Kim Keun Ho , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: June 2013

Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) shares its philosophy with that of personalized medicine: it provides constitution-specific treatment and healthcare individualized for each patient. In this work, we propose the concept of the Sasang Health Index (SHI) as an attempt to assess the individualized health status in the framework of SCM. From the target population of females in their fifties and older, we recruited 298 subjects and collected their physiological data, including complexion, radial pulse, and voice, and their questionnaire responses. The health status of each subject was evaluated by two Korean medical doctors independently, and the SHI model was obtained by combining all the integrative features of the phenotype data using a regression technique. As a result, most subjects belonged to either the healthy, subhealthy, or slightly diseased group, and the intraclass correlation coefficient between the two doctors’ health scoring reached 0.95. We obtained an SHI model for each constitution type with adjustedR-squares of 0.50, 0.56, and 0.30, for the TE, SE, and SY constitution types, respectively. In the proposed SHI model, the significant characteristics used in the health assessment consisted of constitution-specific features in accordance with the classic literature and features common to all the constitution types.
Retinal Layers Changes in Human Preclinical and Early Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Support Early Retinal Neuronal and Müller Cells Alterations
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Midena Edoardo
Published: June 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the changes in thickness of individual inner and outer macular and peripapillary retinal layers in diabetes.Methods. 124 subjects (124 eyes) were enrolled: 74 diabetics and 50 controls. Macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR), any intraocular treatment and refractive error>6diopters were the main exclusion criteria. Full ophthalmic examination, stereoscopic fundus photography, and spectral domain-OCT were performed. After automatic retinal segmentation (layering) in 5 layers, the thickness of each layer was calculated, and values compared among groups.Results. Thirty patients had no DR, 44 patients had non proliferative DR. A significant increase of inner plexiform and nuclear layers was found in DR eyes versus controls (P<0.001). A significant decrease (P<0.01) of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and at specific sites of retinal ganglion cell layer (P=0.02) was documented in the macula. In the peripapillary area there were no differences between diabetics and controls.Conclusions. Decreased RNFL thickness and increased INL/OPL thickness in diabetics without DR or with initial DR suggest early alterations in the inner retina. On the contrary, the outer retina seems not to be affected at early stages of DM. Automatic intraretinal layering by SD-OCT may be a useful tool to diagnose and monitor early intraretinal changes in DR.
Nitric Oxide Is a Mediator of Antiproliferative Effects Induced by Proinflammatory Cytokines on Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: Quintana-Lopez Laura , Blandino-Rosano Manuel , Perez-Arana Gonzalo , Cebada-Aleu Alberto , Lechuga-Sancho Alfonso , Aguilar-Diosdado Manuel , Segundo Carmen
Published: June 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in several biological processes. In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), proinflammatory cytokines activate an inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS) inβcells, thus increasing NO levels and inducing apoptosis. The aim of the current study is to determine the role of NO (1) in the antiproliferative effect of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-αon cultured isletβcells and (2) during the insulitis stage prior to diabetes onset using the Biobreeding (BB) rat strain as T1DM model. Our results indicate that NO donors exert an antiproliferative effect onβcell obtained from cultured pancreatic islets, similar to that induced by proinflammatory cytokines. This cytokine-induced antiproliferative effect can be reversed by L-NMMA, a general NOS inhibitor, and is independent of guanylate cyclase pathway. Assays using NOS isoform specific inhibitors suggest that the NO implicated in the antiproliferative effect of proinflammatory cytokines is produced by inducible NOS, although not in an exclusive way. In BB rats, early treatment with L-NMMA improves the initial stage of insulitis. We conclude that NO is an important mediator of antiproliferative effect induced by proinflammatory cytokines on culturedβcell and is implicated inβ-cell proliferation impairment observed early from initial stage of insulitis.
Effect of the Antibiotic Neomycin on the Toxicity of the Glycoside Vicine in Rats
Authors: Arbid Mahmoud S. , Koriem Khaled M. M. , Asaad Gihan F. , Megahed Hoda A.
Published: June 2013

Vicine is hydrolyzed by microflora to highly reactive free radical generating compound divicine which causes mortality and other adverse effects. This study in the rats established the effect of a broad spectrum and poorly absorbed antibiotic, neomycin sulfate on the toxicity of vicine. The results showed extremely decrease in mortality rate in the group pretreated with neomycin. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct) value, and red blood cells (RBCs) count were significantly decreased after injection of vicine and the improvement of these values in the group pretreated with neomycin. The same results were observed in white blood cells (WBCs). The results showed a significant decrease in glucose level and returned to normal in group pretreated with neomycin. Glutathione (GSH) was significantly decreased in the vicine group and returned to normal value in the group pretreated with neomycin. Lipid peroxide (TBARs) was significantly increased in the group treated with vicine and neomycin pretreated group decreased to the normal level. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) activity was significantly decreased and returned to normal level in rats pretreated with neomycin. Serum protein and globulin were significantly decreased but serum albumin showed insignificant decrease in vicine and neomycin groups compared to control. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly decreased in the vicine group. The group pretreated with neomycin showed significantly increased activities of AST and ALT compared with vicine group. In conclusion, neomycin pretreatment of rats injected with glycoside vicine decreased to a great extent of its toxic and mortality effects and is useful in favism and hemolytic anemia.
Suzuki-Type Generalization of Chatterjea Contraction Mappings on
Complete Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Imdad Mohammad , Erduran Ali
Published: June 2013

Motivated by Suzuki (2008), we prove a Suzuki-type fixed point theorem employing Chatterjea contraction on partial metric spaces.
Results from a Community-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Program for LGBT Smokers
Authors: Matthews Alicia K. , Li Chien-Ching , Kuhns Lisa M. , Tasker Timothy B. , Cesario John A.
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Little is known about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people’s response to smoking cessation interventions. This descriptive study examined the benefits of a community-based, culturally tailored smoking cessation treatment program for LGBT smokers.Methods. A total ofN=198LGBT individuals recruited from clinical practice and community outreach participated in group-based treatment. Sessions were based on the American Lung Association’s “Freedom from Smoking Program” (ALA-FFS) and were tailored to LGBT smokers’ needs. Seven-day smoking point prevalence abstinence served as the primary outcome.Results. Participants (Mage = 40.5) were mostly White (70.4%) and male (60.5%) and had at least a college degree (58.4%). Forty-four percent scored in the moderate range on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence pretreatment, and 42.4% completed treatment (≥75% sessions). Higher educational attainment and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were associated with treatment completion. Self-reported quit rates were 32.3% at posttreatment assessment. Treatment attendance (OR = 2.45), use of NRT (OR = 4.24), and lower nicotine dependency (OR = 0.73) were positively associated with quitting smoking.Conclusions. Results suggest the benefits of offering LGBT smokers culturally tailored smoking cessation treatments. Future research could improve outcomes by encouraging treatment attendance and promoting NRT uptake.
Effects of Dietary Weight Loss and Exercise on Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-3 in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mason Caitlin , Xiao Liren , Duggan Catherine , Imayama Ikuyo , Foster-Schubert Karen E. , Kong Angela , Campbell Kristin L. , Wang Ching-Yun , Alfano Catherine M. , Blackburn George L. , Pollack Michael , McTiernan Anne
Published: June 2013

High levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I may increase the risk of common cancers in humans. We hypothesized that weight loss induced by diet and/or exercise would reduce IGF-I in postmenopausal women. Four hundred and thirty nine overweight or obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2] women (50–75 years) were randomly assigned to: (i) exercise (N = 117), (ii) dietary weight loss (N = 118), (iii) diet + exercise (N = 117), or (iv) control (N = 87). The diet intervention was a group-based program with a 10% weight loss goal. The exercise intervention was 45 minutes/day, 5 days/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. Fasting serum IGF-I and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 were measured at baseline and 12 months by radioimmunoassay. Higher baseline BMI was associated with lower IGF-I and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio. Although no significant changes in either IGF-I or IGFBP-3 were detected in any intervention arm compared with control, the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio increased significantly in the diet (+5.0%, P < 0.01) and diet + exercise (+5.4%, P < 0.01) groups compared with control. Greater weight loss was positively associated with change in both IGF-I (Ptrend = 0.017) and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio (Ptrend < 0.001) in the diet group, but inversely with change in IGFBP-3 in the diet + exercise group (Ptrend = 0.01). No consistent interaction effects with baseline BMI were detected. Modified IGF-I bioavailability is unlikely to be a mechanism through which caloric restriction reduces cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(8); 1457–63. ©2013 AACR.
Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Level Is an Independent Predictor of Recurrence and Survival in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cho Eun Ju , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Choi Won-Mook , Lee Min Jong , Cho Yuri , Lee Dong Hyeon , Lee Yun Bin , Kwon Jung Hee , Yu Su Jong , Lee Jeong Min , Suh Kyung-Suk , Kim Kion , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Chung Yong , Lee Hyo-Suk
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) reflects hepatic synthetic function and plays an important role in the development and progression of various cancers. In this study, we investigated whether pretreatment serum IGF-I levels predict time-to-recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment.

Experimental Design: Consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, or percutaneous ethanol injection as curative treatments of early hepatocellular carcinoma were included from two prospective cohorts and the training set (n = 101) and the validation set (n = 91) were established. Serum samples were collected before treatment and the levels of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were analyzed with regard to their associations with recurrence and survival.

Results: In the training set, patients with low IGF-I levels showed significantly shorter TTR [median, 14.6 months; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8–27.5] than patients with high IGF-I levels (median, 50.8 months; 95% CI, 36.9–64.7; P < 0.001) during a median follow-up period of 52.4 months. In the multivariate analysis, low levels of IGF-I were an independent predictor of recurrence (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.52–4.08; P < 0.001). Furthermore, together with high-serum α-fetoprotein and multiple tumors, low levels of IGF-I remained an independent predictor of poorer survival (HR, 8.00; 95% CI, 1.94–33.01; P = 0.004). Applied to the independent validation set, low-serum IGF-I levels maintained their prognostic value for shorter TTR and OS.

Conclusions: Low-baseline IGF-I levels independently correlated with shorter TTR and poorer survival in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4218–27. ©2013 AACR.
A Poor Prognosis Subtype of HNSCC Is Consistently Observed across Methylome, Transcriptome, and miRNome Analysis
Authors: Jung Alain C. , Job Sylvie , Ledrappier Sonia , Macabre Christine , Abecassis Joseph , de Reyniès Aurélien , Wasylyk Bohdan
Published: June 2013

Purpose: Distant metastasis after treatment is observed in about 20% of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). In the absence of any validated robust biomarker, patients at higher risk for metastasis cannot be provided with tailored therapy. To identify prognostic HNSCC molecular subgroups and potential biomarkers, we have conducted genome-wide integrated analysis of four omic sets of data.

Experimental Design: Using state-of-the-art technologies, a core set of 45 metastasizing and 55 nonmetastasizing human papillomavirus (HPV)-unrelated HNSCC patient samples were analyzed at four different levels: gene expression (transcriptome), DNA methylation (methylome), DNA copy number (genome), and microRNA (miRNA) expression (miRNome). Molecular subgroups were identified by a model-based clustering analysis. Their clinical relevance was evaluated by survival analysis, and functional significance by pathway enrichment analysis.

Results: Patient subgroups selected by transcriptome, methylome, or miRNome integrated analysis are associated with shorter metastasis-free survival (MFS). A common subgroup, R1, selected by all three omic approaches, is statistically more significantly associated with MFS than any of the single omic-selected subgroups. R1 and non-R1 samples display similar DNA copy number landscapes, but more frequent chromosomal aberrations are observed in the R1 cluster (especially loss at 13q14.2-3). R1 tumors are characterized by alterations of pathways involved in cell–cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune response, and apoptosis.

Conclusions: Integration of data across several omic profiles leads to better selection of patients at higher risk, identification of relevant molecular pathways of metastasis, and potential to discover biomarkers and drug targets. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4174–84. ©2013 AACR.
Relationship between Fluoride Concentration and Activity against Virulence Factors and Viability of a Cariogenic Biofilm: in vitro Study
Authors: Pandit S. , Kim H.-J. , Song K.-Y. , Jeon J.-G.
Published: June 2013

Despite widespread use of various concentrations of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against cariogenic biofilms has not been much studied. Herein we investigated the relationship between fluoride concentration and activity against virulence factors and viability of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. The 70-hour-old biofilms were exposed to 0, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm F-. The changes of virulence factors and viability of the biofilms were analyzed using biochemical methods and laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy. At 1-2,000 ppm F-, the activity of fluoride against acid production, acid tolerance, and extracellular polysaccharide formation of S. mutans biofilms accurately followed a sigmoidal pattern of concentration dependence (R2 = 0.94-0.99), with EC50 values ranging from 3.07 to 24.7 ppm F-. Generally, the activity of fluoride against the virulence factors was concentration-dependently augmented in 10-100 ppm F- and did not increase further at concentrations higher than 100 ppm F-. However, fluoride did not alter glucosyltransferase activity and viability of S. mutans biofilm cells in all concentrations tested. These results can provide a basis for the selection of appropriate fluoride concentrations that reduce the physiological ability of cariogenic biofilms.
In vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Mouth Rinse with Trimetaphosphate on Enamel Demineralization
Authors: Favretto C.O. , Danelon M. , Castilho F.C.N. , Vieira A.E.M. , Delbem A.C.B.
Published: June 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) addition to mouth rinses to inhibit enamel demineralization. Design: Bovine enamel blocks (n = 88) were selected by surface hardness and divided into eight treatment groups (n = 11 per group): placebo, 100 or 225 μg F/ml; the rinses with 100 μg F/ml had differing TMP concentrations (range 0-0.6%). The blocks were subjected to pH cycling for 5 days and treated twice a day with mouth rinses. After that, surface and cross-sectional hardness as well as fluoride in enamel were measured. Results: The groups containing both 100 μg F/ml and 0.4% TMP inhibited demineralization most effectively (p < 0.001). This formulation yielded lower values of lesion areas than the formulations containing 100 or 225 μg F/ml but no TMP. The addition of 0.4% TMP increased the fluoride in enamel. Conclusion: It is possible to improve the effectiveness of a mouth rinse with 100 µg F/ml by addition of TMP, this being superior in inhibiting enamel demineralization compared with mouth rinses containing 225 µg F/ml.
Analysis of Sterol-Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1c Target Genes in Mouse Liver during Aging and High-Fat Diet
Authors: Capel Frédéric , Rolland-Valognes Gaëlle , Dacquet Catherine , Brun Manuel , Lonchampt Michel , Ktorza Alain , Lockhart Brian , Galizzi Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2013

Background: The sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1c contributes to the transcriptional coordination of cholesterol, fatty acid, and carbohydrate metabolisms. Alterations in these processes accelerate the progression of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance during aging and obesity. Methods: Using an ex vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to microarray (ChIP-on-chip) technique combined with genome-wide gene expression analysis, we analyzed the transcriptomic adaptations mediated by Srebp-1c binding to gene promoters in the liver of mice fed with a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for either 1 or 12 months. Results: Aging had a higher transcriptional impact than HFD and modified the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and oxidative stress. HFD was associated with a marked induction of genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The prolonged high-fat feeding together with the aging effects stimulates inflammatory pathways. ChIP-on-chip applied to aging and HFD analyses revealed that the binding of SREBP-1c to a series of promoters accompanied a paralleled modification of gene expression. Therefore, SREBP-1c could play a role in aging and high-fat feeding through the regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Conclusions: This study represents an original ex vivo experiment to elucidate the molecular events involved in metabolic disorders.