Particle flow rate in silos under rotational shear

Very recently, To et al. have experimentally explored granular flow in a cylindrical silo, with a bottom wall that rotates horizontally with respect to the lateral wall [Phys. Rev. E 100, 012906 (2019)10.1103/PhysRevE.100.012906]. Here we numerically reproduce their experimental findings, in particular, the peculiar behavior of the mass flow rate Q as a function of the frequency of rotation f. Namely, we find that for small outlet diameters D the flow rate increased with f, while for larger D a nonmonotonic behavior is confirmed. Furthermore, using a coarse-graining technique, we compute the macroscopic density, momentum, and the stress tensor fields. These results show conclusively that changes in the discharge process are directly related to changes in the flow pattern from funnel flow to mass flow. Moreover, by decomposing the mass flux (linear momentum field) at the orifice into two main factors, macroscopic velocity and density fields, we obtain that the nonmonotonic behavior of the linear momentum is caused by density changes rather than by changes in the macroscopic velocity. In addition, by analyzing the spatial distribution of the kinetic stress, we find that for small orifices increasing rotational shear enhances the mean kinetic pressure 〈p^{k}〉 and the system dilatancy. This reduces the stability of the arches, and, consequently, the volumetric flow rate increases monotonically. For large orifices, however, we detected that 〈p^{k}〉 changes nonmonotonically, which might explain the nonmonotonic behavior of Q when varying the rotational shear.

Effect of whole soy and purified daidzein on ambulatory blood pressure and endothelial function--a 6-month double-blind, randomized controlled trial among Chinese postmenopausal women with prehypertension

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Although observational studies suggest that soy foods or isoflavones are cardio-protective, clinical trials on whole soy or isoflavone daidzein (one major isoflavone and the precursor of equol) on blood pressure (BP) and endothelial function (EF) are few and have not been specifically conducted among equol producers, a population most likely to benefit from soy treatment.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We performed a 6-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to examine the effect of whole soy (soy flour) or purified daidzein on BP and EF in prehypertensive or untreated hypertensive postmenopausal women verified to be equol producers. A total of 270 eligible women were recruited and randomized to either one of the three treatment groups, 40 g soy flour (whole soy group), 40 g low-fat milk powder+63 mg daidzein (daidzein group) or 40 g low-fat milk powder (active control group) daily, each given as a solid beverage powder for 6 months. The primary outcome measures were 24 h ambulatory BP (ABP) and EF assessed by flow-mediated dilation using brachial artery ultrasound.

RESULTS

A total of 253 subjects completed the study according to protocol. Urinary isoflavones indicated good compliance with the interventions. Intention to treat and per-protocol analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in the 6-month changes or % changes in parameters of ABP and brachial flow-mediated dilation among the three treatment groups. A further subgroup analysis among hypertensive women (n=138) did not alter the conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole soy and purified daidzein had no significant effect on BP and vascular function among equol-producing postmenopausal women with prehypertension or untreated hypertension.

Increased perinatal remodelling of the pancreas in somatostatin-deficient mice: potential role of transforming growth factor-beta signalling in regulating beta cell growth in early life

Early postnatal life is a critical period for development of the endocrine pancreas, involving remodelling of islet cells and maturation of secretory responses. Factors that regulate these processes are undefined. Somatostatin-secreting delta-cells are abundant in the developing pancreas and, because somatostatin inhibits growth, the hormone may regulate islet expansion in early life. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of somatostatin-deficiency on proliferation, apoptosis and pancreas expansion in the first 3 weeks of life in mice. Pancreases from control or somatostatin-knockout mice were analysed for beta cell, alpha cell and pancreatic volumes by morphometry, proliferation by BrdU incorporation and apoptosis by TUNEL labelling. Signalling pathways associated with proliferation and apoptosis were studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Knockout mice grew normally in the first 3 weeks of life, but had high circulating insulin that normalised by day 21. Beta cell, alpha cell and pancreatic volumes were decreased in knockout mice, accompanied by reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in the pancreas. Decreased growth was not due to impaired Akt signalling, as Akt phosphorylation and nuclear cyclin-D2 increased in the knockout pancreas. Levels of TGF-β1, a factor implicated in tissue remodelling, together with SMAD phosphorylation through which TGF-β mediates its effects, were increased in the knockout pancreas. Beta cell expansion was impaired in knockout mice, potentially compensating for increased insulin secretion from islets lacking inhibitory effects of somatostatin, and was associated with increased TGF-β1 levels. TGF-β1 may represent an important regulator of beta cell mass in early life.

The transcriptional induction of PIK3CA in tumor cells is dependent on the oncoprotein Y-box binding protein-1

PIK3CA, which codes for the p110alpha catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), is implicated as an oncogene. Despite importance of PIK3CA in cancer, little is known about what drives up its expression in tumor cells. We recently characterized the PIK3CA promoter and reported that it is transcriptionally silenced by the tumor suppressor protein p53. In the present study, we demonstrate that PIK3CA can be induced by the oncogenic transcription factor Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1). Three YB-1-responsive elements were identified on the PIK3CA promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Interestingly, silencing YB-1 with siRNA in models of basal-like breast cancer decreased p110alpha protein levels regardless of whether PIK3CA was wild type, amplified or mutated. This decrease in p110alpha led to a reduction in PI3K activity and the downstream signaling primarily through p90 ribosomal S6 kinase and S6 ribosomal protein. Disruption in PIK3CA-dependent signaling suppressed cellular invasion correlative with loss of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Similarly, silencing YB-1 suppressed invasion and uPA production however this was reversible through the introduction of constitutively active PIK3CA. In conclusion, YB-1 is the first reported oncogene to induce the expression of PIK3CA through transcriptional control of its promoter.

The Phosphoinositide-Dependent Kinase-1 Inhibitor 2-Amino-N-[4-[5-(2-phenanthrenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl]-acetamide (OSU-03012) Prevents Y-Box Binding Protein-1 from Inducing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is integral to basal-like and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her-2)-overexpressing breast cancers. Such tumors are associated with poor prognosis, the majority of which express high levels of EGFR. We reported that EGFR expression is induced by the oncogenic transcription factor Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) that occurs in a manner dependent on phosphorylation by Akt. Herein, we questioned whether blocking Akt with 2-amino-N-[4-[5-(2-phenanthrenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl]-acetamide (OSU-03012), a phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1) small-molecule inhibitor, could prevent YB-1 from binding to the EGFR promoter. MDA-MB-468 and SUM 149 are basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells that were used for our studies because they express high levels of activated PDK-1, YB-1, and EGFR compared with the immortalized breast epithelial cell line 184htrt. In these cell lines, YB-1 preferentially bound to the -1 kilobase of the EGFR promoter, whereas this did not occur in the 184htrt cells based on chromatin immunoprecipitation. When the cells were exposed to OSU-03012 for 6 h, YB-1/EGFR promoter binding was significantly attenuated. To further confirm this observation, gel-shift assays showed that the drug inhibits YB-1/EGFR promoter binding. The inhibitory effect of OSU-03012 on EGFR was also observed at the mRNA and protein levels. OSU-03012 ultimately inhibited the growth of BLBC in monolayer and soft agar coordinate with the induction of apoptosis using an Array-Scan VTI high-content screening system. Furthermore, OSU-03012 inhibited the expression of EGFR by 48% in tumor xenografts derived from MDA-MB-435/Her-2 cells. This correlated with loss of YB-1 binding to the EGFR promoter. Hence, we find that OSU-03012 inhibits YB-1 resulting in a loss of EGFR expression in vitro and in vivo.

Novel mutations and mutation pattern of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in Chinese patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma

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Background: EGFR mutation is a diverse and complex phenomenon. Shigematsu et al (JNCI 97:339,2005), analyzing NSCLC samples from multiple ethnicities and histologic cell types, reported 11 types of in-frame deletions in exon 19 (46%), 9 missense mutation in exons 18, 20, 21 (45%) and 8 in-frame insertion in exons 20 (9%). 3/130 tumors (2.3%) had multiple mutations. Here we report the incidence, mutation pattern and novel finding of EGFR mutation in a homogenous ethnic group with adenocarcinoma of lung. Methods: Between 2004 and 2006 we isolated genomic DNA from 194 (archival 53, prospective 141) primary lung adenocarinoma for PCR amplification of EGFR exon 18–21. We isolated tumor cell by micro-dissection. PCR products were purified and sequenced using the BigDye Terminator Cycly Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit (Applied Biosystem) and run on Applied Biosystem 3100 Genetic Analyzer. Results: We found 79 EGFR mutations in 73 tumors (37.6%). Six (8.2%) had double mutations. IN-FRAME DEL: 10 types in exon 19 (39 cases, 49.4%); 1 type in exon 18 (1 case). MISSENSE MUTATION: 2 types in exon 18 (2 cases); 4 types in exon 20 (5 cases) and 2 types in exon 21 (29 cases, 36.7%) IN-FRAME INSERTION: 3 types in exon 20 (3 cases). Typical exon 19 E746-A750del and exon 21 L858R mutations accounted for 31% and 34%, respectively. We found 11 types of mutations not previously described.( Table ) Four pts with novel mutations received EGFR TKI and 3 attained PR (all with exon 19 del). Two pts have T790M mutations without prior exposure to EGFR TKI and both with double mutations. Conclusion: Mutation pattern of EGFR gene in Chinese pts with adenocarcinoma is similar to the Shigematsu report. The overall incidence of EGFR mutation and multiple mutations are higher but in-frame insertion in exon 20 is less common. Majority of the novel mutations are rare mutations involving exon 18 and 20.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Table: see text]

Altered muscarinic receptor subtype expression and functional responses in cyclophosphamide induced cystitis in rats

In the in vitro study, it was investigated whether the expression of muscarinic receptors and cholinergic responses were altered in the situation of experimental cystitis. Rats were treated with cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally and the bladders were excised 36-100 h later. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting showed all subtypes of the muscarinic receptor (M1-M5) to be present in the specimens from inflamed urinary bladders and controls. In the cyclophosphamide-treated rats, the expression of muscarinic M5 receptors was increased by more than 40 times (p<0.01; n=8) both in the smooth muscle and the urothelium. Both the maximal contractile response to carbachol and to a high potassium concentration was approximately halved in cyclophosphamide-treated tissues, whereas the reduction was substantially greater in response to low carbachol concentrations (<EC(50)). The administration of 4-DAMP inhibited the carbachol-induced contractile responses of inflamed strips less potently than of controls, whereas pirenzepine and methoctramine showed equipotency in the two groups. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NNA increased the contractile effect of carbachol in inflamed detrusor strips, while it had no effect in controls. Immunoblotting showed endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to be up-regulated in cystitis, and immunohistochemistry revealed the change to occur in the urothelium and in the suburothelial layer. The alteration of cholinergic detrusor responses in cyclophosphamide-treated rats depends mainly on a general detriment of contractility but also on indirect effects possibly via nitric oxide synthesis. The most prominent histological alterations occurred in the urothelium in which muscarinic M5 receptors increased in particular. The study further underlines that the urothelium may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis.

Coexistence curve exponent of a binary mixture with a high molecular weight polymer

We studied the effects of a high molecular weight polymer (polyacrylic acid, PAA, M(w)=7.5 x 10(5)) on the coexistence curve of a binary liquid mixture (2,6-lutidine + water, LW). A high precision refractometer was built to measure the temperature dependence of the refractive indexes of the two coexisting phases of phase separated LW samples containing less than 1 mg/cc of PAA. From the refractive indexes we mapped out the coexistence curve and obtained the refractive index difference triangle upn between the two coexisting phases. At temperature T close to the critical temperature T(c), the critical exponent beta such that triangle n inversely proportional to (T-T(c))(beta) was found to be 0.41+/-0.02 which is higher than (0.31+/-0.01) that of pure LW.

Jamming of Granular Flow in a Two-Dimensional Hopper

We study experimentally the jamming phenomenon of granular flow of monodisperse disks of D = 5 mm diameter in a two-dimensional hopper with opening R. The jamming probability J(d) is measured where d identical withR/D. We found that J(d) decreases from 1 to zero when d increases from 2 to 5. From observing the disk configurations of the arch in the jamming events, the jamming probability can be explained quantitatively by treating the arch as the trajectory of a restricted random walker.

Retinal histopathology of an autopsy eye with advanced retinitis pigmentosa in a family with rhodopsin Glu181Lys

PURPOSE

To compare histologic findings in an autopsy eye of an 84-year-old man with advanced retinitis pigmentosa and rhodopsin, Glu181Lys, with two cases of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (one with rhodopsin, Pro23His, and one with rhodopsin, Cys110Arg) and with a normal control, all of comparable age.

METHODS

All eyes were prepared for light and electron microscopy within 6 hours after death.

RESULTS

Extensive photoreceptor degeneration was revealed in the eyes with retinitis pigmentosa. Some macular cones showed membranous swirls only in the eye with rhodopsin, Glu181Lys.

CONCLUSION

The retinal degeneration caused by rhodopsin, Glu181Lys, can feature membranous swirls in the inner segments of cones in the macula. These swirls have not been reported in other cases of dominant retinitis pigmentosa studied so far, and their pathogenesis remains to be defined.

Effect of collagen implants in the reduction of high astigmatism induced by penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the insertion of EagleVision collagen plugs as spacers between corneal relaxing incisions to correct significant residual astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

SETTING

Ambulatory Clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology, Rhode Island Hospital, and Rhode Island Eye Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

METHODS

This study comprised 8 patients meeting the following criteria: had previous PKP, had at least 5.0 diopters of residual keratometric astigmatism with all the sutures removed, were free from eye infection, and were at least 21 years old. All 8 patients had unilateral high astigmatism after PKP. Four eyes were randomly assigned to the control group of astigmatic keratectomy (AK) incisions without the collagen implants and 4 eyes to the experimental group of AK incisions with collagen implants.

RESULTS

Best corrected visual acuity 1 day, 3 weeks, and 1, 2, and 6 months after AK showed decreased astigmatism in all the patients who had the relaxing incisions. The amount of astigmatism was lower in patients who received AK incisions with collagen implants (P < .28). Minimal adverse effects were noted.

CONCLUSION

Implanting a biocompatible material into AK incisions to correct post-PKP astigmatism appears to be safe and may enhance astigmatic correction.

Cataracts, bilateral macular holes, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment induced by lightning

PURPOSE

To report ocular injuries, including a unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, induced by lightning.

METHOD

Case report. A 30-year-old man was injured by lightning.

RESULTS

The patient developed a severe decrease in visual acuity in both eyes, an afferent pupillary defect in his left eye, bilateral cataracts, posterior vitreous detachments, macular holes, and an inferotemporal retinal detachment with an associated flap retinal tear in his left eye.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a case of bilateral cataracts, posterior vitreous detachments, macular holes, and a unilateral retinal detachment associated with lightning. We postulate that the heating of the retinal surface, the concussive forces on the eye, and a sudden lateral contraction of the attached vitreous resulted in bilateral posterior vitreous detachments and a unilateral peripheral retinal break.

Penetrating eye injury from a metal wedge

The authors describe a patient with a penetrating ocular injury from a metal wedge, a common hand tool used by road service technicians for the purpose of opening a locked car door. The patient had a penetrating eye injury from a metal wedge when its sharp end released from a car door lock and retracted upward, striking the right eye. No report exists of ocular injury using a metal wedge for its intended purpose of opening a car door lock. The use of polycarbonate lenses might afford some protection.

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of dominant cone degeneration

PURPOSE

To report the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings in autosomal dominant cone degeneration.

METHODS

The autopsy eyes of a 75-year-old man with autosomal dominant cone degeneration were studied with both light and electron microscopy. In addition, immunofluorescent studies using antibodies to cone opsins and cone alpha transducin were performed.

RESULTS

Histopathologic examination of the fovea disclosed loss of photoreceptors and attenuated retinal pigment epithelium. Reduced numbers of cones could be seen in the parafovea, and only occasional cones were visible in the periphery; rods were preserved in the periphery.

CONCLUSION

The histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings in this case of dominantly inherited cone degeneration correlate well with the loss of cone function and preservation of normal or nearly normal rod function upon clinical examination. This condition affects red, green, and blue cones.

Misdiagnosis of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy after unilateral salpingectomy

A 36-year-old primigravida presented to us with symptoms and signs of ectopic pregnancy repeatedly but was misdiagnosed to have an intrauterine pregnancy based on 1 early ultrasound examination showing an 'intrauterine sac'. She suffered the morbidity due to ectopic pregnancy which included hysterectomy which may have been prevented had the correct diagnosis been made.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit

We report three cases of an orbital soft tissue lesion that fulfills the histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic criteria for solitary fibrous tumor, an entity previously described as a pleural tumor, but recently reported to occur in other locations. All three patients presented with proptosis. Two of the patients were cured by simple excision, and one patient had two recurrences, the last recurrence incompletely excised. The findings indicate that solitary fibrous tumor can occur in the orbit and, like solitary fibrous tumors of other anatomic sites, may behave in a nonaggressive or occasionally, locally aggressive fashion, with as yet no metastatic potential demonstrated in orbital lesions.

Acquired heterochromia with horner syndrome in two adults

BACKGROUND

Heterochromia iridis, asymmetry of iris pigmentation, has been well described with congenital Horner syndrome. Acquired heterochromia associated with lesions in the ocular sympathetic pathways in adulthood, however, is rare.

METHODS

Two cases are reported in which sympathectomy in adults resulted in ipsilateral Horner syndrome with heterochromia. In each case, pharmacologic testing with cocaine and hydroxyamphetamine was performed.

RESULTS

In both cases, sympathectomy occurred at the level of the second order neuron, but hydroxyamphetamine testing suggested at least partial third order neuron involvement.

CONCLUSION

Acquired heterochromia can occur in adults. The partial response to hydroxyamphetamine in the two cases presented may reflect trans-synaptic degeneration of the postganglionic neuron. A reduction in trophic influences on iris melanocytes may have contributed to the observed heterochromia.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. Report of a case with oncocytic features arising in a patient with chronic dacryops

A 62-year-old woman had recrudescence of growth of a lacrimal gland fossa cystic mass present for more than 40 years. Results of histopathologic examination of the excised specimen showed infiltrating nests of epidermoid and mucin-producing cells, consistent with a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Also present were numerous large oncocytic cells partially lining the lumens of the multiloculated cyst and penetrating the adjacent stroma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma with prominent oncocytic features arising in a previously documented chronic cystic lesion of the lacrimal gland. Because of the population of oncocytes (a metaplastic phenomenon encountered in ductular epithelial cells) among the cells lining the cyst, the authors conclude that the carcinoma arose from a long-standing dacryops. This conclusion was also supported by the electron microscopic demonstration of duct-type secretory granules within the mitochondria-rich oncocytes.

Posterior chamber intraocular lens dislocations and malpositions

Decentration and malposition of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOL) accounts for one of the remaining and unresolved conditions associated with the implantation of these lenses. This condition assumes importance since in approximately 50% of cases where a PC IOL is removed there is an aspect of improper positioning. The common types of malpositions are: pupil capture; sunset syndrome; sunrise syndrome; horizontal decentration; and the windshield wiper syndrome. This paper will explore the causes and management of these conditions and discuss the virtues of capsular bag implantation.

Presence of retinal autoantigen in normal mice: absence in strains with retinal degeneration

We examined the eyes of four strains of mice to determine if some or all contained an antigen which might cross-react with an antigen of guinea pig retina. To do this, we prepared guinea-pig antibody to guinea-pig retinal extract by immunizing Hartley guinea pigs with guinea-pig retinal extract in two different adjuvants. The retinal tissue of Balb/c and C57B1/6J mice stained well when we used the guinea-pig antibody to guinea-pig retinal extract. In contrast, the eyes of a subline, i.e., C57B1/6J-rd with retinal degeneration, did not stain. Likewise, the eyes of C3H/HeJ and SJL mice with abnormal retinas did not stain. The latter two strains are known to have retinal degeneration. The control studies were negative. This study shows that normal murine eyes have at least one antigen which cross-reacts with a guinea-pig retinal antigen. It also shows abnormal mouse retinas lack this antigen.

Semiconductor laser endophotocoagulation of the retina

Laser endophotocoagulation is an important technique in vitreoretinal surgery. We performed successful retinal endophotocoagulation in the eyes of Dutch-belted rabbits, using high-power phased-array semiconductor lasers, emitting at 808 and 817 nm. The laser itself measured 25 X 30 X 21 mm, was air cooled, and was portable. At a treatment power of 100 mW, uniformly white photocoagulation lesions were seen at exposure durations of 0.2 to 1.0 s. Lesions were similar in appearance to argon laser photocoagulation lesions, as determined by ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography. Thin-section histologic examination of acute lesions revealed injury localized to the outer retina; chorioretinal scar formation was noted ten days after photocoagulation. To our knowledge, this study is the first in which therapeutically useful lesions were produced using a diode laser and demonstrates the feasibility of using these highly efficient and compact laser sources for ophthalmic photocoagulation.