bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Faster Convergence Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm in Sensor Deployment for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yu Xiangyu , Zhang Jiaxin , Fan Jiaru , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2013

In wireless sensor networks (WSN), sensor deployment is one of the main topics for enhancing the sensor's coverage rate. In this paper, by modifying updating equation of onlooker bee and scout bee of original artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, a sensor deployment algorithm based on the modified ABC algorithm is proposed. Some new parameters such as forgetting and neighbor factor for accelerating the convergence speed and probability of mutant for maximizing the coverage rate are introduced. Simulation results showed that comparing with the deployment method based on original ABC and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the proposed approach can achieve a better performance in coverage rate and convergence speed while needing a less total moving distance of sensors.
Systems Approaches Evaluating the Perturbation of Xenobiotic Metabolism in Response to Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Nasal and Bronchial Tissues
Authors: Iskandar Anita R. , Martin Florian , Talikka Marja , Schlage Walter K. , Kostadinova Radina , Mathis Carole , Hoeng Julia , Peitsch Manuel C.
Published: October 2013

Capturing the effects of exposure in a specific target organ is a major challenge in risk assessment. Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) implicates the field of tissue injury in the lung as well as nasal and airway epithelia. Xenobiotic metabolism in particular becomes an attractive tool for chemical risk assessment because of its responsiveness against toxic compounds, including those present in CS. This study describes an efficient integration from transcriptomic data to quantitative measures, which reflect the responses against xenobiotics that are captured in a biological network model. We show here that our novel systems approach can quantify the perturbation in the network model of xenobiotic metabolism. We further show that this approach efficiently compares the perturbation upon CS exposure in bronchial and nasal epithelial cellsin vivosamples obtained from smokers. Our observation suggests the xenobiotic responses in the bronchial and nasal epithelial cells of smokers were similar to those observed in their respective organotypic models exposed to CS. Furthermore, the results suggest that nasal tissue is a reliable surrogate to measure xenobiotic responses in bronchial tissue.
Role of Immunomarkers in the Clinicopathological Analysis of Unicystic Ameloblastoma
Authors: Sah Parul , Menon Aparna , Kamath Asha , Chandrashekar Chetana , Carnelio Sunitha , Radhakrishnan Raghu
Published: October 2013

Purpose. The clinical behavior of unicystic ameloblastoma varies according to its subtype. The assessment of its proliferative capacity, neovascularization, and invasiveness using relevant immunomarkers may aid in appropriate surgical therapeutic protocol.Methods. 18 cases of clinically and histologically confirmed unicystic ameloblastoma, categorized as luminal, intraluminal, or mural subtypes, were analyzed retrospectively. Immunomarkers such as Ki-67, CD34, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were studied to evaluate their behavior.Results. Labeling index of Ki-67 was 4.25% in the intraluminal subtype, compared with 2.14% in the luminal and 4.04% in the mural variant (). CD34 immunostaining was significantly higher in the mural variant (43 per high power field) than the other two subtypes (). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were strongly expressed in mural, moderately in intraluminal, and weakly to absent in luminal variant.Conclusions. High proliferative index, angiogenesis, and protease activity in the mural ameloblastoma, ascertained by the expression of these markers, confirm its aggressive phenotype. The intraluminal and luminal subtype exhibiting decreased expression are compatible with their indolent clinical behavior.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Growth of Gravitational Interfacial Instability Generated by Two Viscous Fluids of Different Densities
Authors: Majumder Snehamoy , Saha Debajit , Mishra Partha
Published: October 2013

In the geophysical context, there are a wide variety of mechanisms which may lead to the formation of unstable density stratification, leading in turn to the development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability and, more generally, interfacial gravity-driven instabilities, which involves moving boundaries and interfaces. The purpose of this work is to study the level set method and to apply the process to study the Rayleigh-Taylor instability experimentally and numerically. With the help of a simple, inexpensive experimental arrangement, the R-T instability has been visualized with moderate accuracy for real fluids. The same physical phenomenon has been investigated numerically to track the interface of two fluids of different densities to observe the gravitational instability with the application of level set method coupled with volume of fraction replacing the Heaviside function. Good agreement between theory and experimental results was found and growth of instability for both of the methods has been plotted.
Validation Thin Layer Chromatography for the Determination of Acetaminophen in Tablets and Comparison with a Pharmacopeial Method
Authors: Pyka Alina , Budzisz Marika , Dołowy Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

Adsorption thin layer chromatography (NP-TLC) with densitometry has been established for the identification and the quantification of acetaminophen in three leading commercial products of pharmaceutical tablets coded as brand: P1 (Productno. 1), P2 (Productno. 2), and P3 (Productno. 3). Applied chromatographic conditions have separated acetaminophen from its related substances, namely, 4-aminophenol and and 4′-chloroacetanilide. UV densitometry was performed in absorbance mode at 248 nm. The presented method was validated by specificity, range, linearity, accuracy, precision, detection limit, quantitative limit, and robustness. The TLC-densitometric method was also compared with a pharmacopeial UV-spectrophotometric method for the assay of acetaminophen, and the results confirmed statistically that the NP-TLC-densitometric method can be used as a substitute method. It could be said that the validated NP-TLC-densitometric method is suitable for the routine analysis of acetaminophen in quantity control laboratories.
Evaluation of Contrast Sensitivity after Single Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Aras Ogreden Tulin , Alkin Zeynep , Ozkaya Abdullah , Ibrahim Demirkale Halil , Perente Irfan , Aras Cengiz
Published: October 2013

Purpose. To evaluate visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and central retinal thickness (CRT) after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) injection for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods. In this prospective study, a total of 21 eyes of 21 patients were included. VA, CS, and CRT were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after a single IVT injection. Results. Mean age was 64.57 ± 8.34 years. The mean baseline VA (LogMAR) increased from 1.11 ± 0.63 to 0.55 ± 0.39 (P<0.001), 0.60 ± 0.40 (P<0.001), and 0.78 ± 0.39 (P=0.07) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CS (log CS) at 1 meter improved from 0.66 ± 0.49 to 1.11 ± 0.32 (P<0.001), 0.99 ± 0.38 (P<0.001), and 0.72 ± 0.37 (P=0.8) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CS (log CS) at 3 meters improved from 0.34 ± 0.41 to 0.74 ± 0.41 (P<0.001), 0.64 ± 0.44 (P=0.036), and 0.46 ± 0.49 (P=0.8) at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean baseline CRT decreased from 511 ± 146 μm to 242 ± 119 μm, 277 ± 131 μm, and 402 ± 166 μm at 1, 3, and 6 months after IVT (P<0.001 for each). Conclusion. Single IVT injection improved VA and CS and reduced CRT at 1 and 3 months of treatment. VA and CS returned to baseline levels at 6 months.
Nonlinear Adaptive Equivalent Control Based on Interconnection Subsystems for Air-Breathing Hypersonic Vehicles
Authors: Hu Chaofang , Liu Yanwen
Published: October 2013

For the nonminimum phase behavior of the air-breathing hypersonic vehicle model caused by elevator-to-lift coupling, a nonlinear adaptive equivalent control method based on interconnection subsystems is proposed. In the altitude loop, the backstepping strategy is applied, where the virtual control inputs about flight-path angle and attack angle are designed step by step. In order to avoid the inaccurately direct cancelation of elevator-to-lift coupling when aerodynamic parameters are uncertain, the real control inputs, that is, elevator deflection and canard deflection, are linearly converted into the equivalent control inputs which are designed independently. The reformulation of the altitude-flight-path angle dynamics and the attack angle-pitch rate dynamics is constructed into interconnection subsystems with input-to-state stability via small-gain theorem. For the velocity loop, the dynamic inversion controller is designed. The adaptive approach is used to identify the uncertain aerodynamic parameters. Simulation of the flexible hypersonic vehicle demonstrates effectiveness of the proposed method.
Some Equivalences between Coneb-Metric Spaces andb-Metric Spaces
Authors: Kumam Poom , Dung Nguyen Van , Hang Vo Thi Le
Published: October 2013

We introduce ab-metric on the coneb-metric space and then prove some equivalences between them. As applications, we show that fixed point theorems on coneb-metric spaces can be obtained from fixed point theorems onb-metric spaces.
Reference Sphere Positioning Measurement Based on Line-Structured Light Vision Sensor
Authors: Wu Bin , Zhang Yuan
Published: October 2013

The line-structured light vision sensor has been used widely in industrial vision measuring fields due to its simple structure, small volume, light weight, low cost, convenient calibration, and high accuracy of measurement. To locate the reference sphere precisely with line-structured light vision sensor, a mathematical model based on the measuring principle of line-structured light vision sensor is established in the paper. Then, the positioning measurement error is analyzed in detail. The experimental results show that the method is valid and correct. In addition, an accurate measurement area which is from R0 × sin 45° to R0 × sin 75° away from the center of reference sphere is delimited through the statistical analysis of the experimental data. For the robot temperature compensation and calibration of flexible vision measurement system, this method effectively solves the positioning measurement problems about reference sphere with line-structured light vision sensor and has been applied in the industrial flexible online measurement systems successfully.
Topography of Striate-Extrastriate Connections in Neonatally Enucleated Rats
Authors: Laing Robyn J. , Lasiene Jurate , Olavarria Jaime F.
Published: October 2013

It is known that retinal input is necessary for the normal development of striate cortex and its corticocortical connections, but there is little information on the role that retinal input plays in the development of retinotopically organized connections between V1 and surrounding visual areas. In nearly all lateral extrastriate areas, the anatomical and physiological representation of the nasotemporal axis of the visual field mirrors the representation of this axis in V1. To determine whether the mediolateral topography of striate-extrastriate projections is preserved in neonatally enucleated rats, we analyzed the patterns of projections resulting from tracer injections placed at different sites along the mediolateral axis of V1. We found that the correlation between the distance from injection sites to the lateral border of V1 and the distance of the labeling patterns in area 18a was strong in controls and much weaker in enucleates. Data from pairs of injections in the same animal revealed that the separation of area 18a projection fields for a given separation of injection sites was more variable in enucleated than in control rats. Our analysis of single and double tracer injections suggests that neonatal bilateral enucleation weakens, but not completely abolishes, the mediolateral topography in area 18a.
Effect of Ivabradine on Endothelial Function in Diastolic and Right Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Balderas-Muñoz Karla , Castillo-Martínez Lilia , Infante-Vázquez Oscar , Martínez Memije Raúl , Keirns-Davis Candace , Dorantes-García Joel , Narváez-David René , Vázquez-Ortíz Zuilma
Published: October 2013

Background. Ivabradine is an If ion current inhibitor that has proved to reduce mortality in patients with systolic heart failure by slowing heart rate without decreasing myocardial contractility. Photoplethysmography is a simple, low-cost optical technique that can evaluate vascular function and detect changes in blood flow, pulse, and swelling of tissular microvascular space.Objective. To evaluate the effect of ivabradine on endothelial function by photoplethysmography in diastolic and right heart failure patients.Methodology. 15 patients were included (mean age of 78.1 ± 9.2 years) with optimally treated diastolic and right heart failure. They underwent photoplethysmography before and after induced ischemia to evaluate the wave blood flow on the finger, using the maximum amplitude time/total time (MAT/TT) index. Two measurements were made before and after oral Ivabradine (mean 12.5 mg a day during 6 months of followup).Results. In the study group, the MAT/TT index was 29.1 ± 2.2 versus 24.3 ± 3.2 () in basal recording and 30.4 ± 2.1 versus 23.3 ± 2.9 (), before versus after ischemia and before versus after Ivabradine intervention, respectively.Conclusions. Ivabradine administration improves endothelial function (shear stress) in diastolic and right heart failure patients.
Higher Incidence of Lung Adenocarcinomas Induced by DMBA in Connexin 43 Heterozygous Knockout Mice
Authors: Duro de Oliveira Krishna , Vannucci Tedardi Marcello , Cogliati Bruno , Zaidan Dagli Maria Lúcia
Published: October 2013

Gap junctions are communicating junctions which are important for tissue homeostasis, and their disruption is involved in carcinogenic processes. This study aimed to verify the influence of deletion of one allele of the Connexin 43 gene on cancer incidence in different organs. The 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) carcinogenic model, using hebdomadary doses by gavage of 9 mg per animal, was used to induce tumors in Connexin 43 heterozygous or wild-type mice. The experiment began in the eighth week of the mice life, and all of them were euthanized when reaching inadequate physical condition, or at the end of 53 weeks. No statistical differences occurred for weight gain and cancer survival time (P=0.9853) between heterozygous and wild-type mice. Cx43+/−mice presented significantly higher susceptibility to lung cancer (P=0.0200) which was not evidenced for benign neoplasms (P=0.3449). In addition, incidence of ovarian neoplasms was 2.5-fold higher in Cx43+/−mice, although not statistically significant. Other organs showed a very similar cancer occurrence between Cx43 groups. The experiment strengthens the evidence of the relationship between Connexin 43 deficiency and carcinogenesis.
[Retracted] Development of Ecofriendly Corrosion Inhibitors for Application in Acidization of Petroleum Oil Well
Authors: Yadav M. , Kumar Sumit , Yadav P. N.
Published: October 2013

In the present investigation the protective ability of 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐2‐octadecylimidazoline (AEODI) and 1‐(2‐octadecylamidoethyl)‐2‐octadecylimidazoline (ODAEODI) as corrosion inhibitors for N80 steel in 15% hydrochloric acid has been studied, which may find application as ecofriendly corrosion inhibitors in acidizing processes in petroleum industry. Different concentration of synthesized inhibitors AEODI and ODAEODI was added to test solution (15% HCl), and corrosion inhibition of N80 steel was tested by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and AC impedance measurements. Influence of temperature (298 to 323 K) on the inhibition behaviour was studied. Surface studies were performed by using SEM. It was found that both the inhibitors were effective inhibitors, and their inhibition efficiency was significantly increased with increasing their concentration. Polarization curves revealed that the used inhibitors represent mixed‐type inhibitors. The adsorption of used inhibitors led to a reduction in the double‐layer capacitance and an increase in the charge transfer resistance. The adsorption of used compounds was found to obey Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption of the corrosion inhibitors at the surface of N80 steel is the root cause of corrosion inhibition.
An Approach for Simulation of the Muscle Force Modeling It by Summation of Motor Unit Contraction Forces
Authors: Raikova Rositsa , Aladjov Hristo , Celichowski Jan , Krutki Piotr
Published: October 2013

Muscle force is due to the cumulative effect of repetitively contracting motor units (MUs). To simulate the contribution of each MU to whole muscle force, an approach implemented in a novel computer program is proposed. The individual contraction of an MU (the twitch) is modeled by a 6-parameter analytical function previously proposed; the force of one MU is a sum of its contractions due to an applied stimulation pattern, and the muscle force is the sum of the active MUs. The number of MUs, the number of slow, fast-fatigue-resistant, and fast-fatigable MUs, and their six parameters as well as a file with stimulation patterns for each MU are inputs for the developed software. Different muscles and different firing patterns can be simulated changing the input data. The functionality of the program is illustrated with a model consisting of 30 MUs of rat medial gastrocnemius muscle. The twitches of these MUs were experimentally measured and modeled. The forces of the MUs and of the whole muscle were simulated using different stimulation patterns that included different regular, irregular, synchronous, and asynchronous firing patterns of MUs. The size principle of MUs for recruitment and derecruitment was also demonstrated using different stimulation paradigms.
Habit Breaking Appliance for Multiple Corrections
Authors: Abraham Reji , Kamath Geetha , Sodhi Jasmeet Singh , Sodhi Sonia , Rita Chandki , Sai Kalyan S.
Published: October 2013

Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking are the most commonly seen oral habits which act as the major etiological factors in the development of dental malocclusion. This case report describes a fixed habit correcting appliance,Hybrid Habit Correcting Appliance(HHCA), designed to eliminate these habits. This hybrid appliance is effective in less compliant patients and if desired can be used along with the fixed orthodontic appliance. Its components can act as mechanical restrainers and muscle retraining devices. It is also effective in cases with mild posterior crossbites.
A Taiwanese Propolis Derivative Induces Apoptosis through Inducing Endoplasmic Reticular Stress and Activating Transcription Factor-3 in Human Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Suk Fat-Moon , Lien Gi-Shih , Huang Wei-Jan , Chen Chia-Nan , Lu Shao-Yu , Yang Ying-Chen , Yan Ming-De , Liang Yu-Chih
Published: October 2013

Activating transcription factor-(ATF-) 3, a stress-inducible transcription factor, is rapidly upregulated under various stress conditions and plays an important role in inducing cancer cell apoptosis. NBM-TP-007-GS-002 (GS-002) is a Taiwanese propolin G (PPG) derivative. In this study, we examined the antitumor effects of GS-002 in human hepatoma Hep3B and HepG2 cellsin vitro. First, we found that GS-002 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in dose-dependent manners. Several main apoptotic indicators were found in GS-002-treated cells, such as the cleaved forms of caspase-3, caspase-9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). GS-002 also induced endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress as evidenced by increases in ER stress-responsive proteins including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α), phosphorylated protein endoplasmic-reticular-resident kinase (PERK), and ATF-3. The induction of ATF-3 expression was mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in GS-002-treated cells. Furthermore, we found that GS-002 induced more cell apoptosis in ATF-3-overexpressing cells. These results suggest that the induction of apoptosis by the propolis derivative, GS-002, is partially mediated through ER stress and ATF-3-dependent pathways, and GS-002 has the potential for development as an antitumor drug.
Neuroprotective Effects of a Variety of Pomegranate Juice Extracts against MPTP-Induced Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Human Primary Neurons
Authors: Braidy Nady , Selvaraju Subash , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Vaishnav Ragini , Al-Adawi Samir , Al-Asmi Abdullah , Al-Senawi Hamed , Abd Alrahman Alobaidy Ammar , Lakhtakia Ritu , Guillemin Gilles J.
Published: October 2013

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is an environmental toxin which selectively induces oxidative damage and mitochondrial and proteasomal dysfunctions to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leading to Parkinsonian syndrome in animal models and humans. MPTP is one of the most widely usedin vitromodels to investigate the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and, screen for novel therapeutic compounds that can slow down or ameliorate this progressive degenerative disease. We investigated the therapeutic effect of pomegranate juice extracts (PJE), Helow, Malasi, Qusum, and Hamadh against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in primary human neurons by examining extracellular LDH activity, intracellular NAD+and ATP levels, and endogenous antioxidant levels including lipid peroxidation products, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. MPTP induced a reduction in SOD and GPx activities and intracellular NAD+, ATP, and GSH levels parallel to an increase in extracellular LDH and CAT activities, although lipid peroxidation was not altered. We report that helow and malasi can ameliorate MPTP-induced neurotoxicity by attenuating the observed changes in redox function to a greater extent than qusum and hamedh. Selected PJE varieties may exhibit properties which may be of therapeutic value to slow down age-related degeneration and neurodegeneration in particular.
Cyclin D1 G870A Polymorphism and Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Meng , Dai Weijian , Zhou Huanqin
Published: October 2013

Recently, there have been a number of studies on the association between cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism and nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk. However, the results of previous reports remain controversial and ambiguous. Thus, we performed a meta‐analysis to explore more precisely the association between cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism and the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. No significant association was found between cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism and nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk in total population analysis. In the subgroup meta‐analysis by ethnicity, a negative association was shown in Caucasian subgroup, and no significant association in any genetic models among Asians was observed. In summary, positive results have been shown on the search for polymorphic variants influencing the risk of NPC. This meta‐analysis provides evidence of the association between CCND1 G870A polymorphism and NPC risk, supporting the hypothesis that CCND1 870A allele probably acts as an important NPC protective factor in Caucasians but not in Asians. Since the results of our meta‐analysis are preliminary and may be biased by the relatively small number of subjects, they still need to be validated by well‐designed studies using larger samples in the future.
The Effect of Reduction Mammaplasty on the Vertebral Column: A Radiologic Study
Authors: Karaaslan Onder , Demirkiran H. Gokhan , Silistreli Ozlem , Sonmez Erhan , Bedir Yagmur Kaan , Can Melih , Caliskan Gorkem , Aslan Cem , Ayhan Oral Meltem , Kankaya Yuksel
Published: October 2013

Some studies emphasized that anatomic mechanisms of vertebral aberrations could be associated with large breasts. The effect of mammaplasty operation on the vertebral column and body posture seems to be beneficial; in this trial, it was planned to investigate the objective radiologic effect of reduction mammaplasty on the posture of the vertebral column in a group of patients operated due to the large breasts. Thirty‐four white women with large breasts were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to their breast cup sizes. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral and thoracic spine were taken at baseline preoperatively, and the same radiographic images were taken in an average of 12 months later than the reduction mammaplasty operation. All were evaluated and compared for thoracic kyphosis angle and lumbar lordosis angle both preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 40,53 preoperatively and 39,38 postoperatively. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements in all groups (P > 0,05). The mean lumbar lordosis angle was 54,71 preoperatively and 53,18 postoperatively. Regarding the preoperative and postoperative measurements of lumbar lordosis angles, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (P > 0,05). Although breast size may be an important factor that affects body posture, reduction mammaplasty operations have little or no radiologic effect on the vertebral column.
The Role of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins in Atherosclerosis: The Myths and the Facts
Authors: Maiolino Giuseppe , Rossitto Giacomo , Caielli Paola , Bisogni Valeria , Rossi Gian Paolo , Calò Lorenzo A.
Published: October 2013

The oxidative modification hypothesis of atherosclerosis, which assigns to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) a crucial role in atherosclerosis initiation and progression, is still debated. This review examines the role played by oxidized LDLs in atherogenesis taking into account data derived by studies based on molecular and clinical approaches. Experimental data carried out in cellular lines and animal models of atherosclerosis support the proatherogenic role of oxidized LDLs: (a) through chemotactic and proliferating actions on monocytes/macrophages, inciting their transformation into foam cells; (b) through stimulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) recruitment and proliferation in the tunica intima; (c) through eliciting endothelial cells, SMCs, and macrophages apoptosis with ensuing necrotic core development. Moreover, most of the experimental data on atherosclerosis-prone animals benefiting from antioxidant treatment points towards a link between oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. The evidence coming from cohort studies demonstrating an association between oxidized LDLs and cardiovascular events, notwithstanding some discrepancies, seems to point towards a role of oxidized LDLs in atherosclerotic plaque development and destabilization. Finally, the results of randomized clinical trials employing antioxidants completed up to date, despite demonstrating no benefits in healthy populations, suggest a benefit in high-risk patients. In conclusion, available data seem to validate the oxidative modification hypothesis of atherosclerosis, although additional proofs are still needed.
Local Gene Transfer of OPG Prevents Joint Damage and Disease Progression in Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Qingguo , Gong Weiming , Ning Bin , Nie Lin , Wooley Paul H. , Yang Shang-You
Published: October 2013

This study examined the influence of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene transfer on a murine collagen‐induced arthritis model. A single periarticular injection of AAV‐OPG or AAV‐LacZ on the arthritic paw successfully incorporated the exogenous gene to the local tissue and resulted in marked transgene expression in the joint homogenate for at least three weeks. Clinical disease scores were significantly improved in OPG treated mice starting at 28‐day post‐treatment (P < 0.05). Histological assessment demonstrated that OPG gene transfer dramatically protected mice from erosive joint changes compared with LacZ controls (P < 0.05), although treatment appeared less effective on the local inflammatory progress. MicroCT data suggested significant protection against subchondral bone mineral density changes in OPG treated CIA mice. Interestingly, mRNA expressions of IFN‐g and MMP3 were noticeably diminished following OPG gene transfer. Overall, gene transfer of OPG effectively inhibited the arthritis‐associated periarticular bone erosion and preserved the architecture of arthritic joints, and the study provides evidence that the cartilage protection of the OPG gene therapy may be associated with the down‐regulation of MMP3 expression.
Refinements of Hardy-Type Inequalities
Authors: Tian Jingfeng , Zhou Yang-Xiu
Published: October 2013

Using Hu Ke's inequality, which is a sharped Hölder's inequality, we present some new refinements of Hardy-type inequalities proposed by Imoru.
Kai-Xin-San, a Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, and Poria, Stimulates the Expression and Secretion of Neurotrophic Factors in Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Zhu Kevin Yue , Xu Sherry Li , Choi Roy Chi-Yan , Yan Artemis Lu , Dong Tina Ting-Xia , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung
Published: October 2013

Kai-xin-san (KXS), a Chinese herbal decoction prescribed by Sun Simiao inBeiji Qianjin Yaofangabout 1400 years ago, contains Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, and Poria. In China, KXS has been used to treat stress-related psychiatric diseases with the symptoms of depression and forgetfulness. Although animal study has supported the antidepression function of KXS, the mechanism in cellular level is still unknown. Here, a chemically standardized water extract of KXS was applied onto cultured astrocytes in exploring the action mechanisms of KXS treatment, which significantly stimulated the expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors, including NGF, BDNF, and GDNF, in a dose-dependent manner: the stimulation was both in mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the water extracts of four individual herbs did not significantly stimulate the expression of neurotrophic factors, which could explain the optimized effect of KXS in a herbal decoction. The KXS-induced expression of neurotrophic factors did not depend on signaling mediated by estrogen receptor or protein kinase. The results suggested that the antidepressant-like action of KXS might be mediated by an increase of expression of neurotrophic factors in astrocytes, which fully supported the clinical usage of this decoction.
Thermalization of Lévy Flights: Path-Wise Picture in 2D
Authors: Żaba Mariusz , Garbaczewski Piotr
Published: October 2013

We analyze two-dimensional (2D) random systems driven by a symmetric Lévy stable noise which in the presence of confining potentials may asymptotically set down at Boltzmann-type thermal equilibria. In view of the Eliazar-Klafter no-go statement, such dynamical behavior is plainly incompatible with the standard Langevin modeling of Lévy flights. No explicit path-wise description has been so far devised for the thermally equilibrating random motion we address, and its formulation is the principal goal of the present work. To this end we prescribe a priori the target pdf ρ∗ in the Boltzmann form ~exp[] and next select the Lévy noise (e.g., its Lévy measure) of interest. To reconstruct random paths of the underlying stochastic process we resort to numerical methods. We create a suitably modified version of the time honored Gillespie algorithm, originally invented
in the chemical kinetics context. A statistical analysis of generated sample trajectories allows us to infer a surrogate pdf dynamics which sets down at a predefined target, in consistency with the associated kinetic (master) equation.
Influence of Eu3+-Doped on Phase Transition Kinetics of Pseudoboehmite
Authors: Zhu Fuliang , Meng Yanshuang
Published: October 2013

The influence of Eu3+-doped on phase transition kinetics of pseudoboehmite has not been reported in the literature. Through dropping Eu(NO3)3into pseudoboehmite colloidal solution, pseudoboehmite xerogel was produced using spray pyrolysis. The influence of Eu3+-doped on the mechanism of pseudoboehmite phase transition kinetics has been calculated and analyzed by TG/DSC, XRD, and Kissinger equation. Part of Eu3+ion formed compound EuAl12O19, which existed betweenα-Al2O3grains. Bulk diffusion of Al3+was prevented from compound EuAl12O19. Therefore, phase transition kinetics rate ofθ-Al2O3 → α-Al2O3was slowed down, causing an increase of phase transition activation energy and elevation of phase transition temperature.
Effect of Viscosity Variation on the Micropolar Fluid Squeeze Film Lubrication of a Short Journal Bearing
Authors: Naduvinamani N. B. , Kadadi Archana K.
Published: October 2013

A theoretical study of the effect of the viscosity variation on the squeeze film performance of a short journal bearing operating with micropolar fluid is presented. The modified Reynolds equation accounting for the viscosity variation in micropolar fluid is mathematically derived. To obtain a closed form solution, the short bearing approximation under constant load is considered. The modified Reynolds equation is solved for the fluid film pressure and then the bearing characteristics, such as obtaining the load carrying capacity and the squeeze film time. According to the results evaluated, the micropolar fluid as a lubricant improves the squeeze film characteristics and results in a longer bearing life, whereas the viscosity variation factor decreases the load carrying capacity and squeezes film time. The result is compared with the corresponding Newtonian case.
Influences of InGaP Conical Frustum Nanostructures on the Characteristics of GaAs Solar Cells
Authors: Dinh Lam Nguyen , Kim Youngjo , Kim Kangho , Lee Jaejin
Published: October 2013

Conical frustums with quasihexagonal nanostructures are fabricated on an InGaP window layer of single junction GaAs solar cells using a polystyrene nanosphere lithography technique followed by anisotropic etching processes. The optical and photovoltaic characteristics of the conical frustum nanostructured solar cells are investigated. Reflectance of the conical frustum nanostructured solar cells is significantly reduced in a wide range of wavelengths compared to that of the planar sample. The measured reflectance reduction is attributed to the gradual change in the refractive index of the InGaP conical frustum window layer. An increase of 15.2% in the power conversion efficiency has been achieved in the fabricated cell with an optimized conical frustum nanostructure compared to that of the planar cell.
Russell Body Gastroenteritis: An Aberrant Manifestation of Chronic Inflammation in Gastrointestinal Mucosa
Authors: Bhaijee Feriyl , Brown Keith A. , Long Billy W. , Brown Alexandra S.
Published: October 2013

First described in 1998, Russell body gastritis is a rare chronic inflammatory condition characterized by abundant intramucosal polyclonal plasma cells, which contain intracytoplasmic eosinophilic globules of immunoglobulins (Russell bodies) that displace the nucleus, with an accompanying chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Russell bodies represent a cellular response to overstimulation of plasma cells, leading to the accumulation of abundant, nondegradable, condensed immunoglobulin in dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Russell body gastritis usually occurs in the gastric antrum, but two cases of Russell body duodenitis have been recently described. Herein, we report an unusual case of Barrett esophagus with prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and Russell bodies, which expands the current spectrum of Russell body gastritis/duodenitis. Given the various anatomic locations in which Russell body gastritis may arise, we suggest that “Russell body gastroenteritis” may be a more appropriate designation for this uncommon reactive condition.
Roles of Chlorogenic Acid on Regulating Glucose and Lipids Metabolism: A Review
Authors: Meng Shengxi , Cao Jianmei , Feng Qin , Peng Jinghua , Hu Yiyang
Published: October 2013

Intracellular glucose and lipid metabolic homeostasis is vital for maintaining basic life activities of a cell or an organism. Glucose and lipid metabolic disorders are closely related with the occurrence and progression of diabetes, obesity, hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the most abundant polyphenol compounds in the human diet, is a group of phenolic secondary metabolites produced by certain plant species and is an important component of coffee. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that CGA exerts many biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic activities. Recently, the roles and applications of CGA, particularly in relation to glucose and lipid metabolism, have been highlighted. This review addresses current studies investigating the roles of CGA in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Combining Personality Traits with Traditional Risk Factors for Coronary Stenosis: An Artificial Neural Networks Solution in Patients with Computed Tomography Detected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Compare Angelo , Grossi Enzo , Buscema Massimo , Zarbo Cristina , Mao Xia , Faletra Francesco , Pasotti Elena , Moccetti Tiziano , Mommersteeg Paula M. C. , Auricchio Angelo
Published: October 2013

Background. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex, multifactorial disease in which personality seems to play a role but with no definition in combination with other risk factors. Objective. To explore the nonlinear and simultaneous pathways between traditional and personality traits risk factors and coronary stenosis by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) data mining analysis. Method. Seventy-five subjects were examined for traditional cardiac risk factors and personality traits. Analyses were based on a new data mining method using a particular artificial adaptive system, the autocontractive map (AutoCM). Results. Several traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors (CRF) present significant relations with coronary artery plaque (CAP) presence or severity. Moreover, anger turns out to be the main factor of personality for CAP in connection with numbers of traditional risk factors. Hidden connection map showed that anger, hostility, and the Type D personality subscale social inhibition are the core factors related to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) specifically by hypertension. Discussion. This study shows a nonlinear and simultaneous pathway between traditional risk factors and personality traits associated with coronary stenosis in CAD patients without history of cardiovascular disease. In particular, anger seems to be the main personality factor for CAP in addition to traditional risk factors.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Dendrimer-Encapsulated Zero-Valent Ni Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Mazumder A. , Davis J. , Rangari V. , Curry M.
Published: October 2013

Dendrimers have emerged as one of the most promising, cost-effective synthesizing methodologies in which highly monodispersed metallic nanoparticles can be produced with varied chemical functionalities. In this report, we have investigated the synthesis and application of as-synthesized dendrimer-encapsulated zero-valent nickel “Ni(0)” nanoparticles (NPs), using a fourth generation (G4) NH2-terminated poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimer as the host template, as potential antimicrobial agents. Apparently, based on ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses, Ni(0) NPs with an average measured size less than 10 nm in diameter were formed within the interior void cavity of the dendrimer structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the NPs exhibited a single-phased, face-centered-cubic (fcc) crystallographic structure. Furthermore, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the dendrimer-encapsulated Ni(0) NPs, disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) examinations, both antimicrobial tests, were conducted. Subsequently, UV-vis analyses, after exposure of the dendrimer-encapsulated Ni(0) NPs to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, revealed that the dendrimer-encapsulated particles prevented the growth of bacteria during the culturing stage.
Gap Analysis and Conservation Network for Freshwater Wetlands in Central Yangtze Ecoregion
Authors: Xiaowen Li , Haijin Zhuge , Li Mengdi
Published: October 2013

The Central Yangtze Ecoregion contains a large area of internationally important freshwater wetlands and supports a huge number of endangered waterbirds; however, these unique wetlands and the biodiversity they support are under the constant threats of human development pressures, and the prevailing conservation strategies generated based on the local scale cannot adequately be used as guidelines for ecoregion‐based conservation initiatives for Central Yangtze at the broad scale. This paper aims at establishing and optimizing an ecological network for freshwater wetland conservation in the Central Yangtze Ecoregion based on large‐scale gap analysis. A group of focal species and GIS‐based extrapolation technique were employed to identify the potential habitats and conservation gaps, and the optimized conservation network was then established by combining existing protective system and identified conservation gaps. Our results show that only 23.49% of the potential habitats of the focal species have been included in the existing nature reserves in the Central Yangtze Ecoregion. To effectively conserve over 80% of the potential habitats for the focal species by optimizing the existing conservation network for the freshwater wetlands in Central Yangtze Ecoregion, it is necessary to establish new wetland nature reserves in 22 county units across Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces.
Subarachnoid Fluid Lactate and Paraplegia after Descending Aorta Aneurysmectomy: Two Compared Case Reports
Authors: Giustiniano Enrico , Malossini Silvia Eleonora , Pellegrino Francesco , Cancellieri Franco
Published: October 2013

We report a comparison of two cases regarding subjects who underwent thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysmectomy. During the procedure we monitored cerebrospinal fluid lactate concentration. One patient experienced postoperative paraplegia and his cerebrospinal fluid lactate concentration was much higher than that in the other case, whose postoperative outcome was uneventful. Consequently we consider that monitoring the lactate concentration in cerebrospinal fluid during thoracic aorta surgical procedures may be a helpful tool to predict the ischemic spine-cord injury allowing for trying to recover it precociously.
Distribution and Fractional Composition of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Roadside Soils
Authors: Mykhailova Larysa , Fischer Thomas , Iurchenko Valentina
Published: October 2013

Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations and their fractional composition (medium fraction: n-alkane chain-length C15 to C27, heavy fraction: >C27) were determined at distances from 1 to 60 m from roads and at soil depths from 0.5 to 15 cm. The traffic intensities were up to 25000 vehicles per day. Soil TPH concentrations were highest within 15 m distance (665 and 3198 mg kg−1at the windward and leeward sides, resp.), followed by a rapid drop to background values beyond (196 and 115 mg kg−1in 60 m distance at the windward and leeward sides, resp.). The data variability was lowest at distances of 1 m and highest within tree plantations at distances of 15 m from the road. The TPH concentrations decreased with depth but were significantly higher than the background at all depths investigated. A principal component analysis revealed a positive relation between the medium-to-heavy fraction ratio and soil depth. A fractional differentiation of hydrocarbons with distance from road was not observed. It was concluded that the assessment of the potential of hydrocarbons to translocate, accumulate, or degrade in soil necessitates their subdivision into fractions based on their physicochemical and metabolic properties.
Positive Solution for the Nonlinear Hadamard Type Fractional Differential Equation withp-Laplacian
Authors: Li Ya-ling , Lin Shi-you
Published: October 2013

We study the following nonlinear fractional differential equation involving thep-Laplacian operatorDβφpDαut=ft,ut,1<t<e,u1=u′1=u′e=0,Dαu1=Dαue=0, where the continuous functionf:1,e×0,+∞→[0,+∞),2<α≤3,1<β≤2.Dαdenotes the standard Hadamard fractional derivative of the orderα, the constantp>1, and thep-Laplacian operatorφps=sp-2s. We show some results about the existence and the uniqueness of the positive solution by using fixed point theorems and the properties of Green's function and thep-Laplacian operator.
Syntheses, Spectral Characterization, and Antimicrobial Studies on the Coordination Compounds of Metal Ions with Schiff Base Containing Both Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrazide Moieties
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Chadda Silky , Sharma Jyoti , Surain Parveen
Published: October 2013

An EtOH solution of 3-ketobutanehydrazide and salicylhydrazide on refluxing in equimolar ratio forms the corresponding Schiff base, LH3(1). The latter reacts with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Zr(OH)2(IV), MoO2(VI), and UO2(VI) ions in equimolar ratio and forms the corresponding coordination compounds, [M(LH)(MeOH)3] (2, M = Mn, Co, Ni), [Cu(LH)]2(3), [M′(LH)(MeOH)] (4, M′ = Zn, Cd), [Zr(OH)2(LH)(MeOH)2] (5), [MoO2(LH)(MeOH)] (6), and [UO2(LH)(MeOH)] (7). The coordination compounds have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductance, spectral (IR, reflectance,1H NMR, ESR) studies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. They are nonelectrolytes in DMSO. The coordination compounds, except3, are monomers in diphenyl. They are active against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis), gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa), and yeast (S. cerevisiae, C. albicans).1acts as a dibasic tridentate ONO donor ligand in2–7coordinating through its both enolic O and azomethine N atoms. The coordination compounds2and3are paramagnetic, while rest of the compounds are diamagnetic. A square-planar structure to3, a tetrahedral structure to4, an octahedral structure to2,6, and7, and a pentagonal bipyramidal structure to5are proposed.