bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persea americanaMill. Seed: Fractionation, Characterization, and Effects on Human Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Ramos-Jerz Maria del R. , Villanueva Socorro , Jerz Gerold , Winterhalter Peter , Deters Alexandra M.
Published: November 2013

Methanolic avocado (Persea americanaMill., Lauraceae) seed extracts were separated by preparative HSCCC. Partition and HSCCC fractions were principally characterized by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Theirin vitroinfluence was investigated on proliferation, differentiation, cell viability, and gene expression on HaCaT and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The methanol-water partition (M) from avocado seeds and HSCCC fraction 3 (M.3) were mostly composed of chlorogenic acid and its isomers. Both reduced NHDF but enhanced HaCaT keratinocytes proliferation. HSCCC fractionM.2composed of quinic acid among chlorogenic acid and its isomers inhibited proliferation and directly induced differentiation of keratinocytes as observed on gene and protein level. Furthermore,M.2increased NHDF proliferation via upregulation of growth factor receptors. Salidrosides and ABA derivatives present in HSCCC fractionM.6increased NHDF and keratinocyte proliferation that resulted in differentiation. The residual solvent fractionM.7contained among low concentrations of ABA derivatives high amounts of proanthocyanidins B1 and B2 as well as an A-type trimer and stimulated proliferation of normal cells and inhibited the proliferation of immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes.
Current Conveyor All‐Pass Sections: Brief Review and Novel Solution
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: November 2013

This study relates to the review of an important analog electronic function in form of all‐pass filter’s realization using assorted current conveyor types and their relative performances, which resulted in a novel solution based on a new proposed active element. The study encompasses notable proposals during last the decade or more, and provides a platform for a broader future survey on the topic for enhancing the knowledge penetration amongst the researchers in the specified field. A new active element named EXCCII (Extra‐X second generation current conveyor) with buffered output is found in the study along with its use in a new first‐order all‐pass section, with possible realization using commercially available IC (AD‐844) and results.
Surface Passivation and Antireflection Behavior of ALD on n-Type Silicon for Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Ing-Song , Wang Yu-Wun , Cheng Hsyi-En , Yang Zu-Po , Lin Chun-Tin
Published: November 2013

Atomic layer deposition, a method of excellent step coverage and conformal deposition, was used to deposit TiO2thin films for the surface passivation and antireflection coating of silicon solar cells. TiO2thin films deposited at different temperatures (200°C, 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C) on FZ n-type silicon wafers are in the thickness of 66.4 nm ± 1.1 nm and in the form of self-limiting growth. For the properties of surface passivation, Si surface is effectively passivated by the 200°C deposition TiO2thin film. Its effective minority carrier lifetime, measured by the photoconductance decay method, is improved 133% at the injection level of  cm−3. Depending on different deposition parameters and annealing processes, we can control the crystallinity of TiO2and find low-temperature TiO2phase (anatase) better passivation performance than the high-temperature one (rutile), which is consistent with the results of work function measured by Kelvin probe. In addition, TiO2thin films on polished Si wafer serve as good ARC layers with refractive index between 2.13 and 2.44 at 632.8 nm. Weighted average reflectance at AM1.5G reduces more than half after the deposition of TiO2. Finally, surface passivation and antireflection properties of TiO2are stable after the cofire process of conventional crystalline Si solar cells.
Modeling Traveler's Day-to-Day Rerouting Behavior considering Multiday Experiences
Authors: Zhang Wen-yi , Guan Wei , Song Li-ying , Mao Bao-hua , Zang Guang-zhi
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes a multiday nonlinear pairwise swapping dynamic (MNPSD) model to describe travelers' day-to-day selfish rerouting behaviors. By introducing a perceived route cost measure, formulated as the descending weighted average of the actual route costs experienced in the past several days, MNPSD can capture various experiential perception levels. It is proved that both stationary path flow pattern and stationary link flow pattern of MNPSD are equivalent to Wardrop user equilibrium. Given that the perceived weight decreases exponentially, numerical sensitivity analyses are executed to explore the effects of experiential perceptions on rerouting behaviors. Numerical results suggest that ( 1 ) the ultimate states of route swaps depend much more on the reaction sensitivity than on the capacity interference, ( 2 ) too much dependence on the historical experience can increase the risk of instability rather than stability, and ( 3 ) for high reaction sensitivity network, the instability can be remedied by incorporating proper perception experience.
The Expression of Netrin-1 in the Thymus and Its Effects on Thymocyte Adhesion and Migration
Authors: Guo Xiao-Kai , Liu Yuan-Feng , Zhou Yu , Sun Xiu-Yuan , Qian Xiao-Ping , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2013

Netrin-1, a known axon guidance molecule, being a secreted laminin-related molecule, has been suggested to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological conditions, such as organogenesis, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and inflammation-mediated tissue injury. However, its function in thymocyte development is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 is expressed in mouse thymus tissue and is primarily expressed in thymic stromal cells, and the expression of Netrin-1 in thymocytes can be induced by anti-CD3 antibody or IL-7 treatment. Importantly, Netrin-1 mediates the adhesion of thymocytes, and this effect is comparable to or greater than that of fibronectin. Furthermore, Netrin-1 specifically promotes the chemotaxis of CXCL12. These suggest that Netrin-1 may play an important role in thymocyte development.
Heavy Metal Distribution in Opportunistic Beach Nourishment: A Case Study in Greece
Authors: Foteinis Spyros , Kallithrakas-Kontos Nikolaos G. , Synolakis Costas
Published: November 2013

The existence and distribution of persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, in coastal sediment used for opportunistic beach nourishment, is a problem that has not received much attention. Here, we assessed the coastal sediments in one restoration project for the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals, by utilizing an Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) system. Heavy metal point sources included (i) the effluents of small industries (tanneries), (ii) wastewater treatment plant effluents, and (iii) paint and oil scraps from substandard ship maintenance activities that take place on ports breakwaters. A few neighboring beaches were found to have similar heavy metal concentrations, with mean values of Cu, Zn, and Pb ranging from 80 to 130, 15 to 25, and 25 to 40 mg/kg, respectively. Existing legislation regarding dredging activities in Greece appears insufficient for sustainable and environmentally friendly nourishment. We conclude that before opportunistic beach restoration projects materialize with material borrowed from ports and harbors the quality of the dredged material needs to be assessed.
Statistical Approximation for Periodic Functions of Two Variables
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah , Mursaleen M. , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: November 2013

We prove a Korovkin type approximation theorem for a function of two variables by using the notion of statistical summability(C,1,1). We also study the rate of statistical summability(C,1,1)of positive linear operators. Finally we construct an example to show that our result is stronger than those previously proved for Pringsheim's convergence and statistical convergence.
Usage of Fuzzy Spatial Theory for Modelling of Terrain Passability
Authors: Hofmann Alois , Hoskova-Mayerova Sarka , Talhofer Vaclav
Published: November 2013

Geographic support of decision-making processes is based on various geographic products, usually in digital form, which come from various foundations and sources. Each product can be characterized by its quality or by its utility value for the given type of task or group of tasks, for which the product is used. They also usually have different characteristics and thus can very significantly influence the resulting analytical material. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the solution of the question of how it is possible to work with diverse spatial geographic information so that the user has an idea about the resulting product. The concept of fuzzy sets is used for representation of classes, whose boundaries are not clearly (not sharply) set, namely, the fuzzy approach in overlaying operations realized in ESRI ArcGIS environment. The paper is based on a research project which is being solved at the Faculty of Military Technologies of the University of Defence. The research deals with the influence of geographic and climatic factors on the activity of armed forces and the Integrated Rescue System.
Structure and Physiological Actions of Ghrelin
Authors: Delporte Christine
Published: November 2013

Ghrelin is a gastric peptide hormone, discovered as being the endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide presenting a uniquen-octanoylation modification on its serine in position 3, catalyzed by ghrelinO-acyl transferase. Ghrelin is mainly produced by a subset of stomach cells and also by the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and other tissues. Transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational processes generate ghrelin and ghrelin-related peptides. Homo- and heterodimers of growth hormone secretagogue receptor, and as yet unidentified receptors, are assumed to mediate the biological effects of acyl ghrelin and desacyl ghrelin, respectively. Ghrelin exerts wide physiological actions throughout the body, including growth hormone secretion, appetite and food intake, gastric secretion and gastrointestinal motility, glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular functions, anti-inflammatory functions, reproductive functions, and bone formation. This review focuses on presenting the current understanding of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor biology, as well as the main physiological effects of ghrelin.
Synaptic Dysfunction in Prion Diseases: A Trafficking Problem?
Authors: Senatore Assunta , Restelli Elena , Chiesa Roberto
Published: November 2013

Synaptic dysfunction is an important cause of neurological symptoms in prion diseases, a class of clinically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). Experimental data suggest that accumulation of misfoldedPrPCin the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may be crucial in synaptic failure, possibly because of the activation of the translational repression pathway of the unfolded protein response. Here, we report that this pathway is not operative in mouse models of genetic prion disease, consistent with our previous observation that ER stress is not involved. Building on our recent finding that ER retention of mutantPrPCimpairs the secretory trafficking of calcium channels essential for synaptic function, we propose a model of pathogenicity in which intracellular retention of misfoldedPrPCresults in loss of function or gain of toxicity ofPrPC-interacting proteins. This neurotoxic modality may also explain the phenotypic heterogeneity of prion diseases.
Certain Fractional Integral Formulas Involving the Product of Generalized Bessel Functions
Authors: Baleanu D. , Agarwal P. , Purohit S. D.
Published: November 2013

We apply generalized operators of fractional integration involving Appell’s function F3(·) due to Marichev‐Saigo‐Maeda, to the product of the generalized Bessel function of the first kind due to Baricz. The results are expressed in terms of the multivariable generalized Lauricella functions. Corresponding assertions in terms of Saigo, Erdélyi‐Kober, Riemann‐Liouville, and Weyl type of fractional integrals are also presented. Some interesting special cases of our two main results are presented. We also point out that the results presented here, being of general character, are easily reducible to yield many diverse new and known integral formulas involving simpler functions.
Renal Protective Effects of Resveratrol
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Koya Daisuke
Published: November 2013

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene), a natural polyphenolic compound found in grapes and red wine, is reported to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, including renal diseases. These beneficial effects are thought to be due to this compound’s antioxidative properties: resveratrol is known to be a robust scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition to scavenging ROS, resveratrol may have numerous protective effects against age-related disorders, including renal diseases, through the activation of SIRT1. SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, was identified as one of the molecules through which calorie restriction extends the lifespan or delays age-related diseases, and this protein may regulate multiple cellular functions, including apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, glucose/lipid metabolism, autophagy, and adaptations to cellular stress, through the deacetylation of target proteins. Previous reports have shown that resveratrol can ameliorate several types of renal injury, such as diabetic nephropathy, drug-induced injury, aldosterone-induced injury, ischemia-reperfusion injury, sepsis-related injury, and unilateral ureteral obstruction, in animal models through its antioxidant effect or SIRT1 activation. Therefore, resveratrol may be a useful supplemental treatment for preventing renal injury.
Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ambiye Vijay R. , Langade Deepak , Dongre Swati , Aptikar Pradnya , Kulkarni Madhura , Dongre Atul
Published: November 2013

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been described in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the spermatogenic activity of Ashwagandha root extract in oligospermic patients. Forty-six male patients with oligospermia (sperm count < 20 million/mL semen) were enrolled and randomized either to treatment (n=21) with a full-spectrum root extract of Ashwagandha (675 mg/d in three doses for 90 days) or to placebo (n=25) in the same protocol. Semen parameters and serum hormone levels were estimated at the end of 90-day treatment. There was a 167% increase in sperm count (9.59 ± 4.37 × 106/mL to 25.61 ± 8.6 × 106/mL;P<0.0001), 53% increase in semen volume (1.74 ± 0.58 mL to 2.76 ± 0.60 mL;P<0.0001), and 57% increase in sperm motility (18.62 ± 6.11% to 29.19 ± 6.31%;P<0.0001) on day 90 from baseline. The improvement in these parameters was minimal in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, a significantly greater improvement and regulation were observed in serum hormone levels with the Ashwagandha treatment as compared to the placebo. The present study adds to the evidence on the therapeutic value of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as attributed in Ayurveda for the treatment of oligospermia leading to infertility.
Pore Structure and Limit Pressure of Gas Slippage Effect in Tight Sandstone
Authors: You Lijun , Xue Kunlin , Kang Yili , Liao Yi , Kong Lie
Published: November 2013

Gas slip effect is an important mechanism that the gas flow is different from liquid flow in porous media. It is generally considered that the lower the permeability in porous media is, the more severe slip effect of gas flow will be. We design and then carry out experiments with the increase of backpressure at the outlet of the core samples based on the definition of gas slip effect and in view of different levels of permeability of tight sandstone reservoir. This study inspects a limit pressure of the gas slip effect in tight sandstones and analyzes the characteristic parameter of capillary pressure curves. The experimental results indicate that gas slip effect can be eliminated when the backpressure reaches a limit pressure. When the backpressure exceeds the limit pressure, the measured gas permeability is a relatively stable value whose range is less than 3% for a given core sample. It is also found that the limit pressure increases with the decreasing in permeability and has close relation with pore structure of the core samples. The results have an important influence on correlation study on gas flow in porous medium, and are beneficial to reduce the workload of laboratory experiment.
Quercetin Induces Mitochondrial Mediated Apoptosis and Protective Autophagy in Human Glioblastoma U373MG Cells
Authors: Kim Hyeonji , Moon Jeong Yong , Ahn Kwang Seok , Cho Somi Kim
Published: November 2013

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid with known antitumor effects against several types of cancers by promoting apoptotic cell death and inducing cell cycle arrest. However, U373MG malignant glioma cells expressing mutant p53 are resistant to a 24 h quercetin treatment. In this study, the anticancer effect of quercetin was reevaluated in U373MG cells, and quercetin was found to be significantly effective in inhibiting proliferation of U373MG cells in a concentration-dependent manner after 48 and 72 h of incubation. Quercetin induced U373MG cell death through apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased number of cells in the sub-G1 phase, the appearance of fragmented nuclei, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, proteolytic activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7, an increase in caspase-3 and 9 activities, and degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein. Furthermore, quercetin activated JNK and increased the expression of p53, which translocated to the mitochondria and simultaneously led to the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. We also found that quercetin induced autophagy. Pretreatment with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, strongly augmented apoptosis in U373MG cells, indicating that quercetin induced protective autopagy in U373MG cells.
Evaluation of EPS‐PCL Nanofibers as a Nanobiocomposite for Artificial Skin Based on Dermal Fibroblast Culture
Authors: Jung Sang-Myung , Kim Dae Seung , Ju Jung Hyeon , Shin Hwa Sung
Published: November 2013

Several natural bioactive molecules have been used in the development of scaffolds to enhance biocompatibility or biodegradability and macroalgae contain many bioactive compounds that regulate the physiological activities of cells. In this study, extrapolymeric substances (EPS) from brown algae, Undaria pinnatifida, were dispersed in poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) nanofiber, fabricated by electrospinning technique to mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM), and tested as a scaffold for the production of artificial skin using rat primary fibroblasts. The level of adhesion, viability, and infiltration of cells on the EPS‐PCL nanofibers were then assessed. The primary fibroblasts attached well, had good viability, and infiltrated through the nanofiber mat without cytotoxicity. Additionally, fibroblast on EPS‐PCL nanofiber overcame the stress derived from high cell density at limited area. These results indicate that EPS‐imbedded nanofiber has the potential to be used as scaffolds to develop artificial skin or as wound‐healing nanomedicines to regenerate injured skin.
Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate/Poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate)/Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Pak Yen Leng , Bin Ahmad Mansor , Shameli Kamyar , Yunus Wan Md Zin Wan , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Zainuddin Norhazlin
Published: November 2013

Nanocomposites of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate/poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate)/layered double hydroxide (PHB/PBAT/LDH) were prepared from a binary blend of PHB/PBAT and stearate‐Zn3Al LDH via a solution casting method using chloroform as solvent in this study. The pristine Zn3Al LDH was synthesized from nitrate salts solution at pH 7 by using coprecipitation technique and then was modified by stearate anions surfactant via ion exchange reaction. As a result, the basal spacing of the LDH was increased from 8.77 to 24.94 Å after the modification. Intercalated nanocomposites were formed due to the presence of diffraction peak in XRD diffractograms. The infrared spectrum of stearate‐Zn3Al LDH exhibited the existence of stearate anions in the synthesized Zn3Al LDH. Mechanical properties with 2 wt% stearate‐Zn3Al LDH loading nanocomposites showed 56 wt% improvements in elongation at break compared to those of the blend.
The Influence of New Colored Light Stimulation Methods on Heart Rate Variability, Temperature, and Well-Being: Results of a Pilot Study in Humans
Authors: Litscher Daniela , Wang Lu , Gaischek Ingrid , Litscher Gerhard
Published: November 2013

Changes of light intensity of different colors can shift many physiological parameters and conditions like melatonin, alertness, body temperature, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate acute temperature, HR, HRV, and state of mind reactivities after illumination with red (631 nm) and blue (456 nm) light (illuminance 140 lux for both). Seven healthy volunteers (5 females, 2 males; mean age ± SD 34.1 ± 11.9 years) were investigated at the Medical University of Graz, using new color light panels. Significant decreases were found only after 10 min blue light stimulation in nose temperature (P=0.046), HR (P<0.05), and total HRV (P=0.029), in association with a significant alteration of the emotional state (stress level score,P=0.006). However, red light stimulation of the same persons did not induce the same effects in these parameters. The effect of blue light as environmental stimulation on human health is not clarified in detail and needs further investigations.
High-ResolutionEn FaceImages of Microcystic Macular Edema in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy
Authors: Gocho Kiyoko , Kikuchi Sachiko , Kabuto Takenori , Kameya Shuhei , Shinoda Kei , Mizota Atsushi , Yamaki Kunihiko , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of microcystic macular edema (MME) determined from theen faceimages obtained by an adaptive optics (AO) fundus camera in patients with autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) and to try to determine the mechanisms underlying the degeneration of the inner retinal cells and RNFL by using the advantage of AO. Six patients from 4 families with ADOA underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Mutational screening of all coding and flanking intron sequences of theOPA1gene was performed by DNA sequencing. SD-OCT showed a severe reduction in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in all patients. A new splicing defect and two new frameshift mutations with premature termination of the Opa1 protein were identified in three families. A reported nonsense mutation was identified in one family. SD-OCT of one patient showed MME in the inner nuclear layer (INL) of the retina. AO images showed microcysts in theen faceimages of the INL. Our data indicate that AO is a useful method to identify MME in neurodegenerative diseases and may also help determine the mechanisms underlying the degeneration of the inner retinal cells and RNFL.
On Optimal Backward Perturbation Analysis for the Linear System with Skew Circulant Coefficient Matrix
Authors: Li Juan , Jiang Zhaolin , Shen Nuo , Zhou Jianwei
Published: November 2013

We first give the style spectral decomposition of a special skew circulant matrixCand then get the style decomposition of arbitrary skew circulant matrix by making use of the Kronecker products between the elements of first row in skew circulant and the special skew circulantC. Besides that, we obtain the singular value of skew circulant matrix as well. Finally, we deal with the optimal backward perturbation analysis for the linear system with skew circulant coefficient matrix on the base of its style spectral decomposition.
New Regularization Models for Image Denoising with a Spatially Dependent Regularization Parameter
Authors: Ma Tian-Hui , Huang Ting-Zhu , Zhao Xi-Le
Published: November 2013

We consider simultaneously estimating the restored image and the spatially dependent regularization parameter which mutually benefit from each other. Based on this idea, we refresh two well-known image denoising models: the LLT model proposed by Lysaker et al. (2003) and the hybrid model proposed by Li et al. (2007). The resulting models have the advantage of better preserving image regions containing textures and fine details while still sufficiently smoothing homogeneous features. To efficiently solve the proposed models, we consider an alternating minimization scheme to resolve the original nonconvex problem into two strictly convex ones. Preliminary convergence properties are also presented. Numerical experiments are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models and the efficiency of our numerical scheme.
Activation of Glycine and Extrasynaptic GABAAReceptors by Taurine on the Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons of the Trigeminal Subnucleus Caudalis
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoang , Bhattarai Janardhan Prasad , Park Soo Joung , Han Seong Kyu
Published: November 2013

The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) has been known for the processing and transmission of orofacial nociceptive information. Taurine, one of the most plentiful free amino-acids in humans, has proved to be involved in pain modulation. In this study, using whole-cell patch clamp technique, we investigated the direct membrane effects of taurine and the action mechanism behind taurine-mediated responses on the SG neurons of the Vc. Taurine showed non-desensitizing and repeatable membrane depolarizations and inward currents which remained in the presence of amino-acid receptors blocking cocktail (AARBC) with tetrodotoxin, indicating that taurine acts directly on the postsynaptic SG neurons. Further, application of taurine at different doses (10 μM to 3 mM) showed a concentration dependent depolarizations and inward currents with the EC50of 84.3 μM and 723 μM, respectively. Taurine-mediated responses were partially blocked by picrotoxin (50 μM) and almost completely blocked by strychnine (2 μM), suggesting that taurine-mediated responses are via glycine receptor (GlyR) activation. In addition, taurine (1 mM) activated extrasynaptic GABAAreceptor (GABAAR)-mediated currents. Taken together, our results indicate that taurine can be a target molecule for orofacial pain modulation through the activation of GlyRs and/or extrasynaptic GABAARs on the SG neurons.
A Rule-Based Model for Bankruptcy Prediction Based on an Improved Genetic Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Wang Shuihua , Ji Genlin
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we proposed a hybrid system to predict corporate bankruptcy. The whole procedure consists of the following four stages: first, sequential forward selection was used to extract the most important features; second, a rule-based model was chosen to fit the given dataset since it can present physical meaning; third, a genetic ant colony algorithm (GACA) was introduced; the fitness scaling strategy and the chaotic operator were incorporated with GACA, forming a new algorithm—fitness-scaling chaotic GACA (FSCGACA), which was used to seek the optimal parameters of the rule-based model; and finally, the stratifiedK-fold cross-validation technique was used to enhance the generalization of the model. Simulation experiments of 1000 corporations’ data collected from 2006 to 2009 demonstrated that the proposed model was effective. It selected the 5 most important factors as “net income to stock broker’s equality,” “quick ratio,” “retained earnings to total assets,” “stockholders’ equity to total assets,” and “financial expenses to sales.” The total misclassification error of the proposed FSCGACA was only 7.9%, exceeding the results of genetic algorithm (GA), ant colony algorithm (ACA), and GACA. The average computation time of the model is 2.02 s.
Blood Requisition and Utilization Practice in Surgical Patients at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Belayneh Tadesse , Messele Gashaw , Abdissa Zewditu , Tegene Birehanemeskel
Published: November 2013

Background.Although blood ordering is a common practice in surgical field, the average requirement for a particular procedure is usually based on subjective anticipation of blood loss rather than on evidence based estimates. Overordering with minimal utilization squanders technical time, reagent and imposes extra expenses on patients. This study was conducted to assess blood utilization practices.Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar Hospital. Five-month data were collected from all discharged surgical patients and blood bank registries. Blood utilization was calculated using crossmatch to transfusion ratio (C/T), transfusion probability (%T), and transfusion index (TI) indices.Results.A total of 982 patients were requested to prepare 1,072 crossmatched units. Of these, 468 units were transfused for 286 patients. The overall ratios of C/T, %T, and TI index were 2.3, 47%, and 0.77, respectively. Blood transfusion from the units crossmatched was 43.6%. Moreover, the highest C/T ratio was observed in elective surgical patients.Conclusions.The overall blood utilization was encouraging, but excessive crossmatching with minimal transfusion practice was observed in elective surgical patients. Blood ordering pattern for elective procedures needs to be revised and overordering of blood should be minimized. Moreover, the hospital with blood transfusion committee should formulate maximum surgical blood ordering policies for elective surgical procedures and conduct regular auditing.
An Improved Ant Colony Algorithm and Its Application in Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Huang Min , Ding Ping
Published: November 2013

Optimal path planning is an important issue in vehicle routing problem. This paper proposes a new vehicle routing path planning method which adds path weight matrix and save matrix. The method uses a new transition probability function adding the angle factor function and visibility function, while setting penalty function in a new pheromone updating model to improve the accuracy of the route searching. Finally, after each cycle, we use 3-opt method to update the optimal solution to optimize the path length. The results of comparison also confirm that this method is better than the traditional ant colony algorithm for vehicle routing path planning method. The result of computer simulation confirms that the method can plan a more rational rescue path focused on the real traffic situation.
Synergistic Effect between Cisplatin and Sunitinib Malate on Human Urinary Bladder-Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Arantes-Rodrigues Regina , Pinto-Leite Rosário , Fidalgo-Gonçalves Lio , Palmeira Carlos , Santos Lúcio , Colaço Aura , Oliveira Paula
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to analyse sunitinib malatein vitroability to enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity in T24, 5637, and HT1376 human urinary bladder-cancer cell lines. Cells were treated with cisplatin (3, 6, 13, and 18 μM) and sunitinib malate (1, 2, 4, 6, and 20 μM), either in isolation or combined, over the course of 72 hours. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, acridine orange, and monodansylcadaverine staining and flow cytometry were performed. The combination index (CI) was calculated based on the Chou and Talalay method. In isolation, cisplatin and sunitinib malate statistically (). Autophagy and apoptosis studies showed a greater incidence when the combined treatment was put into use. This hints at the possibility of a new combined therapeutic approach. If confirmedin vivo, this conjugation may provide a means of new perspectives in muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer treatment.
Low-Cytotoxic Synthetic Bromorutaecarpine Exhibits Anti-Inflammation and Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 Activities
Authors: Lee Chi-Ming , Gu Jiun-An , Rau Tin-Gan , Yang Che-Hsiung , Yang Wei-Chi , Huang Shih-Hao , Lin Feng-Yen , Lin Chun-Mao , Huang Sheng-Tung
Published: November 2013

Rutaecarpine (RUT), the major bioactive ingredient isolated from the Chinese herbEvodia rutaecarpa, possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammation and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, its high cytotoxicity hampers pharmaceutical development. We designed and synthesized a derivative of RUT, bromo-dimethoxyrutaecarpine (Br-RUT), which showed no cytotoxicity at 20 μM. Br-RUT suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor-αrelease in concentration-dependent (0~20 μM) manners in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages; protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 induced by LPS were downregulated. Br-RUT inhibited cell migration and invasion of ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells with 0~48 h of treatment. Furthermore, Br-RUT enhanced the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 and activated endothelial NOS in human aortic endothelial cells. These results suggest that the synthetic Br-RUT possesses very low cytotoxicity but retains its activities against inflammation and vasodilation that could be beneficial for cardiovascular disease therapeutics.
Xuebijing Protects Rats from Sepsis Challenged withAcinetobacter baumanniiby Promoting Annexin A1 Expression and Inhibiting Proinflammatory Cytokines Secretion
Authors: He Xian-Di , Wang Yan , Wu Qiong , Wang Hua-Xue , Chen Zhen-Dong , Zheng Rong-Sheng , Wang Zi-Shu , Wang Jun-Bin , Yang Yan
Published: November 2013

Xuebijing (XBJ) injection is a herbal medicine that has been widely used in the treatment of sepsis in China; however, its role in the development and progression ofAcinetobacter baumanniisepsis and the underlying mechanisms remain uninvestigated. In the present study, fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to normal-control group, sepsis-control group, and sepsis + XBJ group, each containing three subgroups of different treatment time periods (6, 12, and 24 hrs following injection, resp.). The sepsis model was established by intraperitoneal injection ofA. baumanniiATCC 19606. For XBJ treatment, 4 mL/kg XBJ was administrated simultaneously by intravenous injection through caudal vein every 12 hrs. All animals demonstrated ill state, obvious intestinal dysfunction, histopathological lung damages, and overactive inflammatory responses afterA. baumanniiinfection, and these events could be partially reversed by XBJ treatment from the beginning of infection. XBJ induced an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory mediator annexin A1; however, two proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), were decreased at the each monitored time point. These findings suggested that XBJ via its cytokine-mediated anti-inflammatory effects might have a potential role in preventing the progression ofA. baumanniiinfection to sepsis by early administration.
High Throughput Quantitative Bioanalytical LC/MS/MS Determination of Gemifloxacin in Human Urine
Authors: Kadi Adnan A. , Angawi Rihab F. , Attwa Mohamed W. , Darwish Hany W. , Abdelhameed Ali Saber
Published: November 2013

A highly specific, sensitive, and rapid method, to quantify gemifloxacin in human urine using HPLC coupled to the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer system, was developed and validated. Gemifloxacin and ofloxacin (internal standard) were rapidly extracted from urine samples without any tedious pretreatment procedure. Urine samples were filtered through a Millex‐GP, 0.22 μm syringe filter. Optimal chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on Zorbax SB‐C18 (30 mm × 2 mm i.d., 3.5 μm maintained at ambient temperature). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid (pH 3.2) and acetonitrile (80 : 20) and a flow rate of 0.2 mL min−1 for 4 min. The analytes were monitored by electrospray ionization in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method provided a linear response (r = 0.9998) from a quantitation range of 5 ng mL−1 to at least 500 ng mL−1. The mean extraction recovery % of gemifloxacin from spiked human urine was 101.33 ± 2.58%. The reproducibility of the method was reliable with the intra‐ and inter‐day precision of <2% and accuracy within 2%. The established method was reliably applied for the determination of gemifloxacin in volunteers’ urine samples with the mean recoveries of gemifloxacin from Factive tablets 320 mg > 97.0%.
Production of Alkaline Protease by Solvent-Tolerant AlkaliphilicBacillus circulansMTCC 7942 Isolated from Hydrocarbon Contaminated Habitat: Process Parameters Optimization
Authors: Patil Ulhas , Chaudhari Ambalal
Published: November 2013

In the present investigation, a newly isolated organic solvent-tolerant and alkaliphilic bacterial strain was reported from a hydrocarbon (gasoline and diesel) contaminated soil collected from the petrol station, Shirpur (India). The strain was identified asBacillus circulansMTCC 7942, based on phenotype, biochemical, and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence. The capability ofBacillus circulansto secrete an extracellular, thermostable, alkaline protease and grow in the presence of organic solvents was explored.Bacillus circulansproduced maximum alkaline protease (412 U/mL) in optimized medium (g/L): soybean meal, 15; starch, 10; KH2PO4, 1; MgSO4·7H2O, 0.05; CaCl2, 1; Na2CO3, 8; pH 10.0 at 37°C and 100 rpm. The competence of strain to grow in various organic solvents—n-octane, dodecane,n-decane, N,N-dimethylformamide,n-hexane, and dimethyl sulfoxide, establishes its potential as solvent-stable protease source for the possible applications in nonaqueous reactions and fine chemical synthesis.
Aging Might Increase the Incidence of Infection from Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Lin Yun , Li Zhi Zhong , Zhang Jingmei , Zhang Jinrong , Fan Qian , Du Jie
Published: November 2013

Aim. The elderly are the major population receiving the implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PPM). Infection is a devastating complication. The present study is to verify the relationship between age and PPM implantation infection.Methods. All patients (162 adult and 292 elder patients) received the implantation of PPM. Subcutaneous tissue samples solution was collected in three time points, the first sample was got at skin incision, and the second sample was got when the PPM had been implanted. And the third sample was got after 0.9% NaCl quick rinse. And the tissue solutions were cultured. If culture results are positive, it is considered as evidence of the presence of bacteria in pocket in operation of PPM implantation.Results. The data demonstrated that compared with that in the adult patients, subcutaneous bacterial survival rate was higher significantly in the elderly.Staphylococcus epidermidisis the major bacterial strain. The rinse decreased subcutaneous bacterial survival rates in the adult group.Conclusion. With the age increasing, PPM implantation might be easier to result in infection. Simple rinse can prevent implantation infection significantly. However, age alleviated the protective effects of rinse. Therefore, we should pay more attention to post implantation infection in the elderly.
Chemical Looping Combustion of Methane: A Technology Development View
Authors: Bhoje Rutuja , Kale Ganesh R. , Labhsetwar Nitin , Borkhade Sonali
Published: November 2013

Methane is a reliable and an abundantly available energy source occurring in nature as natural gas, biogas, landfill gas, and so forth. Clean energy generation using methane can be accomplished by using chemical looping combustion. This theoretical study for chemical looping combustion of methane was done to consider some key technology development points to help the process engineer choose the right oxygen carrier and process conditions. Combined maximum product (H2O + CO2) generation, weight of the oxygen carrier, net enthalpy of CLC process, byproduct formation, CO2emission from the air reactor, and net energy obtainable per unit weight (gram) of oxygen carrier in chemical looping combustion can be important parameters for CLC operation. Carbon formed in the fuel reactor was oxidised in the air reactor and that increased the net energy obtainable from the CLC process but resulted in CO2emission from the air reactor. Use of CaSO4as oxygen carrier generated maximum energy (−5.3657 kJ, 800°C) per gram of oxygen carrier used in the CLC process and was found to be the best oxygen carrier for methane CLC. Such a model study can be useful to identify the potential oxygen carriers for different fuel CLC systems.
Barrier Lyapunov Function-Based Sliding Mode Control for Guaranteed Tracking Performance of Robot Manipulator
Authors: Han Seong Ik , Cheong Jeong Yun , Lee Jang Myung
Published: November 2013

We propose a decentralized error-bounded sliding mode control mechanism that ensures the prescribed tracking performance of a robot manipulator. A tracking error-transformed sliding surface was constructed and the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) was used to ensure the transient and steady-state time performance of the positioning function of a robot manipulator as well as satisfy the ordinary sliding mode control properties. Unknown nonlinear functions and approximation errors are estimated by the RBF network and adaptive compensator. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme was determined by comparing the results of an experiment evaluation with those of the conventional sliding mode control (SMC) and finite-time terminal sliding mode control (FTSMC) methods.
Gene Expression ofIGF1,IGF1R, andIGFBP3in Epiretinal Membranes of Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Preliminary Study
Authors: Romaniuk Dorota , Kimsa Malgorzata W. , Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara , Kimsa Magdalena C. , Kabiesz Adam , Romaniuk Wanda , Mazurek Urszula
Published: November 2013

The molecular mechanism formation of secondary epiretinal membranes (ERMs) after proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or primary idiopathic ERMs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the present study focused on the assessment ofIGF1,IGF1R, andIGFBP3mRNA levels in ERMs and PBMCs from patients with PDR. The examined group comprised 6 patients with secondary ERMs after PDR and the control group consisted of 11 patients with idiopathic ERMs. Quantification ofIGF1,IGF1R, andIGFBP3mRNAs was performed by real-time QRT-PCR technique. In ERMs,IGF1andIGF1RmRNA levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes compared to control subjects. In PBMCs, there were no statistically significant differences ofIGF1,IGF1R, andIGFBP3expression between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. In conclusion, our study indicatedIGF1andIGF1Rdifferential expression in ERMs, but not in PBMCs, of diabetic and nondiabetic patients, suggesting that these factors can be involved in the pathogenesis or progression of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. This trial is registered withNCT00841334.
IRP2 Regulates Breast Tumor Growth
Authors: Wang Wei , Deng Zhiyong , Hatcher Heather , Miller Lance D. , Di Xiumin , Tesfay Lia , Sui Guangchao , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Torti Frank M. , Torti Suzy V.
Published: November 2013

Experimental and epidemiologic evidence suggests that dysregulation of proteins involved in iron metabolism plays a critical role in cancer. The mechanisms by which cancer cells alter homeostatic iron regulation are just beginning to be understood. Here, we demonstrate that iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2) plays a key role in iron accumulation in breast cancer. Although both IRP1 and IRP2 are overexpressed in breast cancer, the overexpression of IRP2, but not IRP1, is associated with decreased ferritin H and increased transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). Knockdown of IRP2 in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells increases ferritin H expression and decreases TfR1 expression, resulting in a decrease in the labile iron pool. Further, IRP2 knockdown reduces growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in the mouse mammary fat pad. Gene expression microarray profiles of patients with breast cancer demonstrate that increased IRP2 expression is associated with high-grade cancer. Increased IRP2 expression is observed in luminal A, luminal B, and basal breast cancer subtypes, but not in breast tumors of the ERBB2 molecular subtype. These results suggest that dysregulation of IRP2 is an early nodal point underlying altered iron metabolism in breast cancer and may contribute to poor outcome of some patients with breast cancer. Cancer Res; 74(2); 497–507. ©2013 AACR.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Impact of Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 Control in Bladder Cancer as Monitored Longitudinally by PET Imaging
Authors: Allen Michael D. , Luong Phuong , Hudson Chantelle , Leyton Julius , Delage Barbara , Ghazaly Essam , Cutts Rosalind , Yuan Ming , Syed Nelofer , Lo Nigro Cristiana , Lattanzio Laura , Chmielewska-Kassassir Malgorzata , Tomlinson Ian , Roylance Rebecca , Whitaker Hayley C. , Warren Anne Y. , Neal David , Frezza Christian , Beltran Luis , Jones Louise J. , Chelala Claude , Wu Bor-Wen , Bomalaski John S. , Jackson Robert C. , Lu Yong-Jie , Crook Tim , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Mather Stephen , Foster Julie , Sosabowski Jane , Avril Norbert , Li Chien-Feng , Szlosarek Peter W.
Published: November 2013

Targeted therapies have yet to have significant impact on the survival of patients with bladder cancer. In this study, we focused on the urea cycle enzyme argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer, based on our discovery of the prognostic and functional import of ASS1 in this setting. ASS1 expression status in bladder tumors from 183 Caucasian and 295 Asian patients was analyzed, along with its hypothesized prognostic impact and association with clinicopathologic features, including tumor size and invasion. Furthermore, the genetics, biology, and therapeutic implications of ASS1 loss were investigated in urothelial cancer cells. We detected ASS1 negativity in 40% of bladder cancers, in which multivariate analysis indicated worse disease-specific and metastasis-free survival. ASS1 loss secondary to epigenetic silencing was accompanied by increased tumor cell proliferation and invasion, consistent with a tumor-suppressor role for ASS1. In developing a treatment approach, we identified a novel targeted antimetabolite strategy to exploit arginine deprivation with pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) as a therapeutic. ADI-PEG20 was synthetically lethal in ASS1-methylated bladder cells and its exposure was associated with a marked reduction in intracellular levels of thymidine, due to suppression of both uptake and de novo synthesis. We found that thymidine uptake correlated with thymidine kinase-1 protein levels and that thymidine levels were imageable with [18F]-fluoro-L-thymidine (FLT)–positron emission tomography (PET). In contrast, inhibition of de novo synthesis was linked to decreased expression of thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase. Notably, inhibition of de novo synthesis was associated with potentiation of ADI-PEG20 activity by the antifolate drug pemetrexed. Taken together, our findings argue that arginine deprivation combined with antifolates warrants clinical investigation in ASS1-negative urothelial and related cancers, using FLT-PET as an early surrogate marker of response. Cancer Res; 74(3); 896–907. ©2013 AACR.