bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Performance of ICDAS-II Using Low-Powered Magnification with Light-Emitting Diode Headlight and Alternating Current Impedance Spectroscopy Device for Detection of Occlusal Caries on Primary Molars
Authors: Ari Timucin , Ari Nilgun
Published: July 2013

Early detection of occlusal caries in children is challenging for the dentists, because of the morphology of pit and fissures. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the diagnostic performance of low-powered magnification with light-emitting diode headlight (LPMLED) using ICDAS-II criteria and AC Impedance Spectroscopy (ACIS) device, on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. The occlusal surfaces of 18 extracted primary molars were examined blindly by two examiners. The teeth were sectioned and examined under light microscopy using Downer’s histological criteria as gold standard. Good to excellent inter- and intraexaminer reproducibility, higher sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values were achieved by LPMLED at D1 threshold. Also the relationship between histology and LPMLED was statistically significant. In conclusion visual aids have the potential to improve the performance of early caries detection and clinical diagnostics in children. Despite its potential, ACIS device should be considered as an adjunct method in detecting caries on primary teeth.
Attractors and Finite-Dimensional Behaviour in the 2D Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Robinson James C.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this review is to give a broad outline of the dynamical systems approach to the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. This example has led to much of the theory of infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, which is now well developed. A second aim of this review is to highlight a selection of interesting open problems, both in the analysis of the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and in the wider field of infinite-dimensional dynamical systems.
Infectious Diseases Physicians’ Attitudes and Practices Related to Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Shere-Wolfe Kalpana D. , Tilburt Jon C. , D'Adamo Chris , Berman Brian , Chesney Margaret A.
Published: July 2013

Background. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and integrative medicine (IM) modalities are widely used by patients, including those with infectious diseases (ID).Methods. One thousand randomly selected ID practitioners were surveyed. The survey was divided into domains related to familiarity and recommendation, beliefs and attitudes, and use of CAM/IM modalities.Results. The response rate was 31%. ID physicians were most familiar with vitamin and mineral supplementation (83%), massage (80%), acupuncture (79%), chiropractic (77%), yoga (74%), and herbal medicine (72%). ID physicians most recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation (80%) and massage (62%). Yoga, meditation, and acupuncture were recommended by 52%, 45%, and 46%, respectively. Drug interactions, clinical research, and knowledge of CAM/IM modalities were factors that were considered a major influence. Almost 80% of respondents indicated an interest in IM versus 11% for CAM. Most respondents (75%) felt that IM modalities are useful, and more than 50% believed that they could directly affect the immune system or disease process.Conclusion. ID physicians expressed a markedly greater interest for IM versus CAM. They appear to be familiar and willing to recommend some CAM/IM modalities and see a role for these in the management of certain infectious diseases. Data regarding clinical efficacy and safety appear to be important factors.
The Dynamics of the Skin Temperature of the Dead Sea
Authors: Nehorai Roni , Lensky Nadav , Brenner Steve , Lensky Itamar
Published: July 2013

We explored the dynamics of the temperature of the skin layer of the Dead Sea surface by means of in situ meteorological and hydrographic measurements from a buoy located near the center of the lake. The skin temperature is most highly correlated to air temperature (0.93–0.98) in all seasons. The skin temperature is much less correlated to the bulk surface water temperature in the summer (0.80), when the lake is thermally stratified, and uncorrelated in the winter, when the Dead Sea is vertically mixed. Low correlations were found between the skin temperature and the solar radiation and wind speed in all seasons. The skin, with its low thermal inertia, responds immediately to the atmospheric forcing. Heat fluxes across the sea surface are also presented. The high correlation of skin temperature to air temperature with minimal time lag is a result of the nearly immediate response of the thin skin layer to the surface heat fluxes, primarily the sensible heat flux.
Detection Limits of DLS and UV‐Vis Spectroscopy in Characterization of Polydisperse Nanoparticles Colloids
Authors: Tomaszewska Emilia , Soliwoda Katarzyna , Kadziola Kinga , Tkacz-Szczesna Beata , Celichowski Grzegorz , Cichomski Michal , Szmaja Witold , Grobelny Jaroslaw
Published: July 2013

Dynamic light scattering is a method that depends on the interaction of light with particles. This method can be used for measurements of narrow particle size distributions especially in the range of 2–500 nm. Sample polydispersity can distort the results, and we could not see the real populations of particles because big particles presented in the sample can screen smaller ones. Although the theory and mathematical basics of DLS technique are already well known, little has been done to determine its limits experimentally. The size and size distribution of artificially prepared polydisperse silver nanoparticles (NPs) colloids were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy. Polydisperse colloids were prepared based on the mixture of chemically synthesized monodisperse colloids well characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), DLS, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Analysis of the DLS results obtained for polydisperse colloids reveals that several percent of the volume content of bigger NPs could screen completely the presence of smaller ones. The presented results could be extremely important from nanoparticles metrology point of view and should help to understand experimental data especially for the one who works with DLS and/or UV‐Vis only.
Acute Myocardial Infarction and Massive Pulmonary Embolus Presenting as Cardiac Arrest: Initial Rhythm as a Diagnostic Clue
Authors: Bhatia Nirmanmoh , Vongooru Haree , Ikram Sohail
Published: July 2013

Myocardial infarction (MI) and massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) are common causes of cardiac arrest. We present two cases with similar clinical presentation and EKG findings but different initial rhythms.Case  1. A 55-year-old African American male (AAM) was brought to the emergency room (ER) with cardiac arrest and pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) was suggestive of ST segment elevations (STEs) in anterolateral leads. Coronary angiogram did not reveal any significant obstruction. An echocardiogram was suggestive of a pulmonary embolus (PE). Autopsy revealed a saddle PE.Case  2. A 45-year-old AAM with a history of coronary artery disease was brought to the ER after ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrest. Twelve-lead EKG was suggestive of STE in anterior leads. Coronary angiogram revealed in-stent thrombosis. In cardiac arrests, distinguishing the two major etiologies (MI and MPE) can be challenging. PEA is more commonly associated with MPE versus MI due to near complete obstruction of pulmonary blood flow with an intact electrical conduction system. MI is more commonly associated with VF as the electrical conduction system is affected more often by ischemia. In conclusion, the previous cases illustrate that initial rhythm may be a vital diagnostic clue.
Optimal Combination of EEFs for the Model Reduction of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Shuai Jun , Han Xuli
Published: July 2013

Proper orthogonal decomposition is a popular approach for determining the principal spatial structures from the measured data. Generally, model reduction using empirical eigenfunctions (EEFs) can generate a relatively low-dimensional model among all linear expansions. However, the neglectful modes representing only a tiny amount of energy will be crucial in the modeling for certain type of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, an optimal combination of EEFs is proposed for model reduction of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), obtained by the basis function transformation from the initial EEFs. The transformation matrix is derived from straightforward optimization techniques. The present new EEFs can keep the dynamical information of neglectful modes and generate a lower-dimensional and more precise dynamical system for the PDEs. The numerical example shows its effectiveness and feasibility for model reduction of the nonlinear PDEs.
Macromolecule Permeability in Rodent Intestine following Thermal Injury and Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Yu Peirong , Carter Edward A.
Published: July 2013

The barrier function of the intestinal mucosa may be lost during stress such as severe trauma and sepsis. The present study utilized a multicannulated (jugular vein, proximal jejunum, thoracic duct, and portal vein) rat model of burn (30% body surface area (TBSA)) and endotoxemia (E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infused via the jugular cannula) to investigate in vivo barrier function to macromolecules with different sizes and the route for their transport (horse radish peroxidase (HRP) and 14C-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-4,000 infused via jejunal cannula). In burn rats, mucosa uptakes of HRP and PEG increased 3 h after their intraluminal infusion compared to the controls. Studies with intravenous 111In-IgG infusion showed that its recovery in small intestine was decreased after burn and LPS infusion, indicating that blood perfusion to intestine was compromised. The present study suggests that (1) burn and endotoxemia increase intestinal permeability to macromolecules; (2) the portal blood may be the major route of transport for molecules up to sizes of 4,000 during burn but not endotoxemia; and (3) intestinal hypoperfusion could be one of the factors that contribute to increased gut permeability in severe burn trauma and sepsis.
Numerical Investigation of Entropy Generation in Unsteady MHD Generalized Couette Flow with Variable Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Chinyoka T. , Makinde O. D.
Published: July 2013

The thermodynamic second law analysis is utilized to investigate the
inherent irreversibility in an unsteady hydromagnetic generalized Couette flow with
variable electrical conductivity in the presence of induced electric field. Based on
some simplified assumption, the model nonlinear governing equations are obtained
and solved numerically using semidiscretization finite difference techniques. Effects
of various thermophysical parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature, current
density, skin friction, the Nusselt number, entropy generation number, and the Bejan
number are presented graphically and discussed quantitatively.
The Possible Role of Mena Protein and Its Splicing-Derived Variants in Embryogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Tumor Invasion: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gurzu Simona , Ciortea Diana , Ember Istvan , Jung Ioan
Published: July 2013

The Ena/VASP (enabled/vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein) family includes the binding actin proteins such as mammalian Ena (Mena), VASP, and Ena-VASP-like. It is known that the perturbation of actin cycle could determine alteration in the mobility of cells and in consequence of organogenesis. Few recent studies have revealed that Mena protein could play a role in breast or pancreatic carcinogenesis. Based on our researches, we observed that the intensity of Mena expression increased from premalignant to malignant lesions in some organs such as large bowel, stomach, cervix, and salivary glands. These findings prove that Mena could be a marker of premalignant epithelial lesions. In premalignant lesions, it could be helpful to define more accurately the risk for malignant transformation. In malignant tumors, correlation of expression of its splice variants could indicate metastatic behavior. In conclusion, we consider that it is necessary to analyze the expression of Mena splice variants in a higher number of cases, in different epithelial lesions, and also in experimental studies to define its exact role in carcinogenesis and also its possible prognostic and predictive values.
Novel Onset of a Posttraumatic Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Roman Alexandra A. , Arsenault Andre J. , Jackson Kenneth D. , Price John M.
Published: July 2013

Less than 200 cases of posttraumatic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm have been described in the literature. The majority of these cases result from blunt head trauma and are diagnosed an average of three weeks following the inciting traumatic event. In this case report, we describe a superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm that developed and was diagnosed the same day of a blunt head trauma in a 54-year-old white male. This is the earliest formation/diagnosis of post-traumatic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm yet reported in the literature. This case report demonstrates that this diagnosis should be kept in the list of differential diagnoses for a post-traumatic soft tissue mass of the face, even immediately following the traumatic event.
An Improved Marriage in Honey Bees Optimization Algorithm for Single Objective Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Celik Yuksel , Ulker Erkan
Published: July 2013

Marriage in honey bees optimization (MBO) is a metaheuristic optimization algorithm developed by inspiration of the mating and fertilization process of honey bees and is a kind of swarm intelligence optimizations. In this study we propose improved marriage in honey bees optimization (IMBO) by adding Levy flight algorithm for queen mating flight and neighboring for worker drone improving. The IMBO algorithm’s performance and its success are tested on the well‐known six unconstrained test functions and compared with other metaheuristic optimization algorithms.
Poverty Alleviation through Optimizing the Marketing of Garcinia kola and Irvingia gabonensis in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Agbelade A. D. , Onyekwelu J. C.
Published: July 2013

The paper examines poverty alleviation through optimizing the marketing of Garcinia kola and Irvingia gabonensis in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data for this study were collected using structured questionnaire. Two categories of pretested structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from the respondents (farmers and the marketers of the species). Data analysis was done using descriptive analysis, and Student t-test was used to compare the income generated by the producers and the marketers of the fruits of the tree species. In addition, analysis of variance (ANOVA), arranged in randomized complete block design, was employed to test the significance of price variable across the three market structures (i.e., farm gate price, rural market price, and urban market price). Marketing of forest fruits species is a profitable enterprise with an average profit of ₦19,123.37 per marketer per month. The analysis of variance for the two forest fruit species indicated that Irvingia gabonensis generated the highest annual income in rainforest ecosystem while Garcinia kola generated the highest annual income in derived savanna ecosystem. Major constraints militating against these forest fruit species are poor market access and infrastructure development. The paper recommended among other things that domestication and interventions of these forest fruit species should be encouraged for proper management and sustainability.
Clinical Application and Outcomes of Over the Scope Clip Device: Initial US Experience in Humans
Authors: Jayaraman Vijay , Hammerle Christoper , Lo Simon K. , Jamil Laith , Gupta Kapil
Published: July 2013

Background. OTSCs are now available in the US for various indications. Methods. Retrospective review of OTSCs used from January 2011 to April 2012. Results. Twenty-four patients underwent placement of 28 OTSCs. Indications included postsurgical fistula, perforations, anastomotic leak, prophylactic closure after EMR, postpolypectomy bleeding, tracheoesophageal fistula, and jejunostomy site leak. Instruments used to grasp the tissue were dedicated (bidirectional forceps or tripronged device) and nondedicated devices (rat/alligator forceps or suction). Success was higher with nondedicated devices (12.5% versus 86.5%, P=0.0004). Overall, OTSC was effective in 15/27 procedures. Defect closure was complete in 12/21. Mean followup was 2.9 months (1–8 m). Mean defect size was 10 mm (5–25 mm). A trend towards higher success was noted in defects <10 mm compared to defects >10 mm (90% versus 60%; P=0.36). No difference was noted in closure of fresh (<72 hrs) versus chronic defects (>1 month) (75% versus 67%). There were no complications. Conclusion. The OTSC provides a safe alternative to manage fistula, perforation, and bleeding. No significant difference was seen for closure of early fistula or perforations as compared to chronic fistula. Rat-tooth forceps or suction was superior to the dedicated devices.
A Novel Feature-Level Data Fusion Method for Indoor Autonomous Localization
Authors: Liu Minxiang , Wang Yuhao , Leung Henry , Yu Jiangnan
Published: July 2013

We present a novel feature-level data fusion method for autonomous localization in an inactive multiple reference unknown indoor environment. Since monocular sensors cannot provide the depth information directly, the proposed method incorporates the edge information of images from a camera with homologous depth information received from an infrared sensor. Real-time experimental results demonstrate that the accuracies of position and orientation are greatly improved by using the proposed fusion method in an unknown complex indoor environment. Compared to monocular localization, the proposed method is found to have up to 70 percent improvement in accuracy.
Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Circulant Operation
Authors: Huang Xiaoling , Ye Guodong , Wong Kwok-Wo
Published: July 2013

A novel chaotic image encryption scheme based on the time-delay Lorenz system is presented in this paper with the description of Circulant matrix. Making use of the chaotic sequence generated by the time-delay Lorenz system, the pixel permutation is carried out in diagonal and antidiagonal directions according to the first and second components. Then, a pseudorandom chaotic sequence is generated again from time-delay Lorenz system using all components. Modular operation is further employed for diffusion by blocks, in which the control parameter is generated depending on the plain-image. Numerical experiments show that the proposed scheme possesses the properties of a large key space to resist brute-force attack, sensitive dependence on secret keys, uniform distribution of gray values in the cipher-image, and zero correlation between two adjacent cipher-image pixels. Therefore, it can be adopted as an effective and fast image encryption algorithm.
Bayesian Method with Spatial Constraint for Retinal Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Xiao Zhiyong , Adel Mouloud , Bourennane Salah
Published: July 2013

A Bayesian method with spatial constraint is proposed for vessel segmentation in retinal images. The proposed model makes the assumption that the posterior probability of each pixel is dependent on posterior probabilities of their neighboring pixels. An energy function is defined for the proposed model. By applying the modified level set approach to minimize the proposed energy function, we can identify blood vessels in the retinal image. Evaluation of the developed method is done on real retinal images which are from the DRIVE database and the STARE database. The performance is analyzed and compared to other published methods using a number of measures which include accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The proposed approach is proved to be effective on these two databases. The average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity on the DRIVE database are 0.9529, 0.7513, and 0.9792, respectively, and for the STARE database 0.9476, 0.7147, and 0.9735, respectively. The performance is better than that of other vessel segmentation methods.
Radical Cystectomy after BCG Immunotherapy for High-Risk Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Patients with Previous Prostate Radiotherapy
Authors: Rao Manoj V. , Quek Marcus L. , Jayram Gautam , Ellimoottil Chandy , Sondej Timothy , Hugen Cory M. , Flanigan Robert C. , Steinberg Gary D.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is indicated for high-grade nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The efficacy of BCG in patients with a history of previous pelvic radiotherapy (RT) may be diminished. We evaluated the outcomes of radical cystectomy for BCG-treated recurrent bladder cancer in patients with a history of RT for prostate cancer (PC). Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with primary NMIBC. We compared the outcomes of three groups of patients who underwent radical cystectomy for BCG-refractory NMIBC: those with a history of RT for PC, those who previously underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), and a cohort without PC or RT exposure. Results. From 1996 to 2008, 53 patients underwent radical cystectomy for recurrent NMIBC despite BCG. Those with previous pelvic RT were more likely to have a higher pathologic stage and decreased recurrence-free survival compared to the groups without prior RT exposure. Conclusion. Response rates for intravesical BCG therapy may be impaired in those with prior prostate radiotherapy. Patients with a history of RT who undergo radical cystectomy after failed BCG are more likely to be pathologically upstaged and have decreased recurrence-free survival. Earlier consideration of radical cystectomy may be warranted for those with NMIBC who previously received RT for PC.
On Delta and Nabla Caputo Fractional Differences and Dual Identities
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: July 2013

We investigate two types of dual identities for Caputo fractional differences. The first type relates nabla and delta type fractional sums and differences. The second type represented by theQ-operator relates left and right fractional sums and differences. Two types of Caputo fractional differences are introduced; one of them (dual one) is defined so that it obeys the investigated dual identities. The relation between Riemann and Caputo fractional differences is investigated, and the delta and nabla discrete Mittag-Leffler functions are confirmed by solving Caputo type linear fractional difference equations. A nabla integration by parts formula is obtained for Caputo fractional differences as well.
Reduced T Cell Receptor Excision Circle Levels in the Colonic Mucosa of Microscopic Colitis Patients Indicate Local Proliferation rather than Homing of Peripheral Lymphocytes to the Inflamed Mucosa
Authors: Kumawat Ashok Kumar , Elgbratt Kristina , Tysk Curt , Bohr Johan , Hultgren Hörnquist Elisabeth
Published: July 2013

Dysregulated T cell responses in the intestine may lead to chronic bowel inflammation such as collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), together known as microscopic colitis (MC). Having demonstrated increased local T cell responses in the intestinal mucosa of MC patients, we investigated the recent thymic emigrants by measuring T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels in the colonic biopsies from CC (n=8), LC (n=5), and CC or LC patients in histopathological remission (CC-HR,n=3) (LC-HR,n=6), non-inflamed diarrhoea patients (n=17), and controls (n=10) by real-time PCR. We observed lower median TREC levels in both CC and LC patients as well as in LC-HR patients compared to controls. In contrast to MC patients, non-inflamed diarrhoea patients presented with enhanced TREC levels compared to controls. None of the recorded differences did, however, reach statistical significance. A trend towards increased relative expression of CD3 was noted in all MC subgroups examined and reached statistical significance in LC patients compared to controls. In conclusion, reduced TRECs level in the colonic mucosa, together with our previously demonstrated enhanced expression of Ki67+T cells, suggests local expansion of resident T lymphocytes in the inflamed mucosa of MC patients.
Fracture Energy Estimation of DCB Specimens Made of Glass/Epoxy: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alfred Franklin V. , Christopher T.
Published: July 2013

This paper examines critical load and corresponding displacement of double cantilever beam (DCB) composite specimens made of glass/epoxy of three different layups. Experiments were conducted on these laminates, and the fracture energy,GIc, was evaluated considering the root rotation at the crack tip. The present model requires the applied load-displacement history and crack extension to estimate fracture energy. Reduction schemes based on cubic and power law are also proposed to determine Young’s modulus and energy release rate and found good agreement with the published and test results.
A Note on Fractional Equations of Volterra Type with Nonlocal Boundary Condition
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Wang Rui
Published: July 2013

We deal with nonlocal boundary value problems of fractional equations of Volterra type involving Riemann-Liouville derivative. Firstly, by defining a weighted norm and using the Banach fixed point theorem, we show the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Then, we obtain the existence of extremal solutions by use of the monotone iterative technique. Finally, an example illustrates the results.
Downregulation of ADAM10 Expression Inhibits Metastasis and Invasiveness of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Authors: Yue Yuan , Shao Yuan , Luo Qing , Shi Lei , Wang Zuoren
Published: July 2013

Objective. This study aims to investigate the effects of ADAM10 expression on metastasis and invasiveness of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.Methods. The HepG2 cells were transfected with medium only, the empty vector, the control siRNA, or siRNA against ADAM10, respectively. Cell migration assay and Transwell invasiveness assay were performed to detect the effects of ADAM10 knockdown on migration and invasiveness of HepG2 cells. Western blotting and real-time RT PCR were performed to investigate the effects of knock-down of ADAM10 on protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin gene.Results. Cell migration and invasiveness of HepG2 cells transfected with ADAM10 siRNA were significantly decreased, when compared with the cells transfected with the control siRNA, suggesting that the downregulation of ADAM10 expression inhibits cell migration and invasiveness. The Western blotting results suggest that the down-regulation of ADAM10 expression increases E-cadherin protein levels. The real-time RT-PCR results indicated that the mRNA level of E-cadherin is not detectably affected by the knock-down of ADAM10 gene.Conclusions. Expression of ADAM10 may be related to cell migration and invasiveness of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells via a mechanism related to E-cadherin.
Participatory Action Research in the Implementing Process of Evidence-Based Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity: Project Design of the “Healthy Future” Study
Authors: Øen Gudbjørg , Stormark Kjell Morten
Published: July 2013

Objective. To describe the design of the developmental project Healthy Future that aims to implement a new evidence-based program for the prevention of childhood obesity and collaboration and sharing of work between specialist and community health care professionals in parts of a county in western Norway.Methods. Comprehensive participatory planning and evaluation (CPPE) process as an action-oriented research approach was chosen, using mixed data sources, mixed methods, and triangulation.Discussion. A bottom-up approach might decrease the barriers when new evidence-based childhood prevention interventions are going to be implemented. It is crucial not only to build partnership and shared understanding, motivation, and vision, but also to consider the frames of the organizations, such as competencies, and time to carry out the interventions at the right level of health care service and adapt to the overweight children and their families needs.Conclusion. The developmental process of new health care programs is complex and multileveled and requires a framework to guide the process. By CPPE approach evidence-based health care practice can be delivered based on research, user knowledge, and provider knowledge in the field of childhood overweight and obesity in a certain context.
Molecular Basis of Cardioprotective Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Rodrigo Ramón , Libuy Matías , Feliú Felipe , Hasson Daniel
Published: July 2013

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Major advances in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction, using cardiologic interventions, such as thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA) have improved the clinical outcome of patients. Nevertheless, as a consequence of these procedures, the ischemic zone is reperfused, giving rise to a lethal reperfusion event accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress). These reactive species attack biomolecules such as lipids, DNA, and proteins enhancing the previously established tissue damage, as well as triggering cell death pathways. Studies on animal models of AMI suggest that lethal reperfusion accounts for up to 50% of the final size of a myocardial infarct, a part of the damage likely to be prevented. Although a number of strategies have been aimed at to ameliorate lethal reperfusion injury, up to date the beneficial effects in clinical settings have been disappointing. The use of antioxidant vitamins could be a suitable strategy with this purpose. In this review, we propose a systematic approach to the molecular basis of the cardioprotective effect of antioxidant vitamins in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury that could offer a novel therapeutic opportunity against this oxidative tissue damage.
Bounded Model Checking of ETL Cooperating with Finite and Looping Automata Connectives
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Wanwei , Li Tun , Mao Xiaoguang , Wang Ji
Published: July 2013

As a complementary technique of the BDD-based approach, bounded model checking (BMC) has been successfully applied to LTL symbolic model checking. However, the expressiveness of LTL is rather limited, and some important properties cannot be captured by such logic. In this paper, we present a semantic BMC encoding approach to deal with the mixture ofETLfandETLl. Since such kind of temporal logic involves both finite and looping automata as connectives, all regular properties can be succinctly specified with it. The presented algorithm is integrated into the model checker ENuSMV, and the approach is evaluated via conducting a series of imperial experiments.
Both ERK/MAPK and TGF-Beta/Smad Signaling Pathways Play a Role in the Kidney Fibrosis of Diabetic Mice Accelerated by Blood Glucose Fluctuation
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyun , Gao Wenke , Dang Yongyan , Liu Xia , Li Yujuan , Peng Xu , Ye Xiyun
Published: July 2013

Background. The notion that diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of renal fibrosis prompted us to investigate the effects of blood glucose fluctuation (BGF) under high glucose condition on kidney in the mice.Methods. The diabetic and BGF animal models were established in this study. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis were applied to detect the expression of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), phosphorylated-ERK, p38, smad2/3, and Akt.Results. BGF treatment increased type I collagen synthesis by two times compared with the control. The expression of MMP1 was reduced markedly while TIMP1 synthesis was enhanced after BGF treatment. ERK phosphorylation exhibits a significant increase in the mice treated with BGF. Furthermore, BGF can markedly upregulate TGF-β1 expression. The p-smad2 showed 2-fold increases compared with the only diabetic mice. However, p-AKT levels were unchanged after BGF treatment.Conclusions. These data demonstrate that BGF can accelerate the trend of kidney fibrosis in diabetic mice by increasing collagen production and inhibiting collagen degradation. Both ERK/MAPK and TGF-β/smad signaling pathways seem to play a role in the development of kidney fibrosis accelerated by blood glucose fluctuation.
The Ameliorating Effect of Steamed and FermentedCodonopsis lanceolataon Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Weon Jin Bae , Yun Bo-Ra , Lee Jiwoo , Eom Min Rye , Kim Ji Seon , Lee Hyeon Yong , Park Dong-Sik , Chung Hee-Chul , Chung Jae Youn , Ma Choong Je
Published: July 2013

Codonopsis lanceolata(Campanulaceae) have been traditionally used to treat lung inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. The present study was performed to evaluate the cognitive-enhancing effects of steamed and fermentedC. lanceolatain scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. Cognitive abilities were determined by the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. Mice orally received fermentedC. lanceolataextract at doses of 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg body weight. FermentedC. lanceolataextract (500 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) significantly shortened the escape latency times that were increased by scopolamine on the 4th day of trial sessions in the Morris water maze task. In addition, it exerted longer step-through latency times than those of the scopolamine-treated group in the passive avoidance test. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of fermentedC. lanceolataextract on glutamate-induced neurocytotoxicity were investigated in HT22 cells. FermentedC. lanceolataextract showed a relative protection ratio of 59.62% at 500 μg/mL. In conclusion, fermentedC. lanceolataextract ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairments, exerted neuroprotective effects, and improved activity compared to that found with originalC. lanceolata. Further study will be required to investigate the mechanisms underlying this cognitive-enhancing activity.
Effect of Diazepam on Severity of Acute Pancreatitis: Possible Involvement of Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptors
Authors: Abed Alireza , Minaiyan Mohsen , Safaei Azadeh , Taheri Diana
Published: July 2013

Acute pancreatitis is a lethal inflammatory condition of pancreas with high mortality rate. There is a pressing need for research to explore active agents and novel mechanisms involving in the treatment of pancreatitis. Clinical studies have shown after the initial acinar cell injury plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in patients with acute pancreatitis and the degree of cytokine elevation correlates with disease severity. Diazepam may decrease interleukin release from macrophages, suppress neutrophil activities, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. So it is expected that in vivo pretreatment of acute pancreatitis with different doses of diazepam can attenuate its severity. Thus, we evaluated the effects of diazepam, intraperitoneally (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg i.p.), intracerebroventricularly (ICV 10 μg), and concurrently with flumazenil (1 mg/kg) on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Interestingly, the pretreatment with diazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) reduced significantly the inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis by ameliorating pancreatic edema, amylase and lipase serum levels, myeloperoxidase activity, pancreatic TNF-alpha, and pathological alteration compared to control group. Diazepam i.c.v. was ineffective, suggesting that central benzodiazepine receptors have no significant role in this property. These results demonstrate that pretreatment with diazepam exhibits anti-inflammatory property in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis possibly through peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity of Terminalia paniculata Bark: An Evaluation of Possible Phytoconstituents and Mechanisms for Blood Glucose Control in Diabetes
Authors: Ramachandran Subramaniam , Rajasekaran Aiyalu , Adhirajan Natarajan
Published: July 2013

The present study was aimed to investigate in vivo, in vitro antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark (AETPB) and characterize its possible phytoconstituents responsible for the actions. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (65 mg/kg–110 mg/kg; i.p.) administration. Oral treatment of AETPB using rat oral needle at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses significantly () decreased blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in diabetic rats than diabetic control rats. AETPB-treated diabetic rats body weight, total protein, insulin, and haemoglobin levels were increased significantly () than diabetic control rats. A significant () reduction of total cholesterol and triglycerides and increase in high-density lipoprotein levels were observed in type 2 diabetic rats after AETPB administration. Presence of biomarkers gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, and epicatechin in AETPB was confirmed in HPLC analysis. AETPB and gallic acid showed significant () enhancement of glucose uptake action in presence of insulin in muscle cells than vehicle control. Also AETPB inhibited pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. In conclusion, the above actions might be responsible for the antidiabetic activity of AETPB due to presence of gallic acid and other biomarkers.
-Analogues of Symbolic Operators
Authors: Dancs Michael J. , He Tian-Xiao
Published: July 2013

Here presented are -extensions of several linear operators including a novel -analogue of the derivative operator . Some -analogues of the symbolic substitution rules given by He et al., 2007, are obtained. As sample applications, we show how these -substitution rules may be used to construct symbolic summation and series transformation formulas, including -analogues of the classical Euler transformations for accelerating the convergence of alternating series.
Benign Metastatic Leiomyoma Presenting as a Hemothorax
Authors: Ponea Anna M. , Marak Creticus P. , Goraya Harmeen , Guddati Achuta K.
Published: July 2013

Uterine leiomyomas have been reported to metastasize to various organs including the lungs, skeletal muscles, bone marrow, peritoneum, and heart. They may present with symptoms related to the metastases several years after hysterectomy. These tumors regress after menopause, and it is rare to detect active tumors in postmenopausal women. Despite their ability to metastasize, they are considered to be benign due to the lack of anaplasia. Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma is usually detected in the form of pulmonary nodules incidentally on imaging. Tissue biopsy of these nodules is required to identify them as benign metastasizing leiomyomas. Immunohistochemical analysis and molecular profiling may further help detect any malignant transformation in it. Untreated pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma may result in the formation of cystic structures, destruction of lung parenchyma, and hemothorax and may cause respiratory failure. Surgical resection and hormonal therapy help prevent progression of this disease and provide an avenue for a cure.
Pneumococcal Meningitis in an Adolescent with Fever and Foot Ache
Authors: Dias Catarina , Pedrosa Cláudia , Romariz Jorge , Santos Mafalda , Rodrigues Lúcia
Published: July 2013

Invasive pneumococcal disease predominantly affects younger children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Pneumococcal meningitis is a particularly important form of presentation, considering its high rate of morbimortality. We present the case of a previously healthy 12-year-old adolescent male who was hospitalized due to suspicion of osteoarticular infection in his left foot. A few hours later, he developed meningeal signs, exhibiting slight pleocytosis andStreptococcus pneumoniaeisolates in both cerebrospinal fluid and blood. Imaging studies were inconclusive regarding the nature of the foot disorder. We considered the hypothesis of osteomyelitis of the navicular bone as the most likely, for which he completed six weeks of antibiotic therapy. There was a favorable clinical evolution, along with complete absence of osteoarticular or neurological sequelae. The relevance of this clinical case resides in the unusual presentation of invasive pneumococcal disease in this age group, as well as in the rare form of orthopedic involvement.
A Collectively Fixed Point Theorem in Abstract Convex Spaces and Its Applications
Authors: Lu Haishu , Hu Qingwen
Published: July 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to establish a new collectively fixed point theorem in noncompact abstract convex spaces. As applications of this theorem, we obtain some new existence theorems of equilibria for generalized abstract economies in noncompact abstract convex spaces.
Cell Matrix Remodeling Ability Shown by Image Spatial Correlation
Authors: Chiu Chi-Li , Digman Michelle A. , Gratton Enrico
Published: July 2013

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a critical step of many biological and pathological processes. However, most of the studies to date lack a quantitative method to measure ECM remodeling at a scale comparable to cell size. Here, we applied image spatial correlation to collagen second harmonic generation (SHG) images to quantitatively evaluate the degree of collagen remodeling by cells. We propose a simple statistical method based on spatial correlation functions to determine the size of high collagen density area around cells. We applied our method to measure collagen remodeling by two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), which display different degrees of invasiveness, and a fibroblast cell line (NIH/3T3). We found distinct collagen compaction levels of these three cell lines by applying the spatial correlation method, indicating different collagen remodeling ability. Furthermore, we quantitatively measured the effect of Latrunculin B and Marimastat on MDA-MB-231 cell line collagen remodeling ability and showed that significant collagen compaction level decreases with these treatments.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Urban Elementary School Children in Northeastern Romania: Its Relationship with Socioeconomic Status and Associated Dietary and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Mocanu Veronica
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and to identify its potential determinants to optimize the methods of prevention to combat further increases in childhood overweight. The study was carried out on 3444 school children of 6–10 years of age attending 30 schools in northeast Romania. Schools were classified by geographical location and socioeconomic status (SES). Overweight and obesity status were determined using IOTF BMI cut-off points. Prevalence of overweight (including obesity) was found to be 24.6% among boys and 22.6% among girls, whereas the prevalence of obesity was 7.8% in boys and 6.3% in girls. High SES (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10–1.93) and eating French fries and chips (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.24–2.67) were associated with increased risk of overweight. In high- and medium-SES children, overweight was positively associated with the consumption of French fries and chips (2.93, 95% CI: 1.54–5.60 and 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04–3.21). In low-SES children, overweight was associated with low fruit consumption (0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–1.00) and sedentary behavior (3.37, 95% CI: 1.13–10.05). Therefore, the social and environmental determinants should be considered when constructing and implementing preventive measures regarding overweight and obesity.
Letrozole Potentiates Mitochondrial and Dendritic Spine Impairments Induced byβAmyloid
Authors: Chang P. K.-Y. , Boridy S. , McKinney R. A. , Maysinger D.
Published: July 2013

Reduced estrogens, either through aging or postsurgery breast cancer treatment with the oral nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor letrozole, are linked with declined cognitive abilities. However, a direct link between letrozole and neuronal deficits induced by pathogenic insults associated with aging such as beta amyloid (Aβ1–42) has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine if letrozole aggravates synaptic deficits concurrent withAβ1–42insult. We examined the effects of letrozole and oligomericAβ1–42treatment in dissociated and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Changes in glial cell morphology, neuronal mitochondria, and synaptic structures upon letrozole treatment were monitored by confocal microscopy, as they were shown to be affected byAβ1–42oligomers. OligomericAβ1–42or letrozole alone caused decreases in mitochondrial volume, dendritic spine density, synaptophysin (synaptic marker), and the postsynaptic protein, synaptopodin. Here, we demonstrated that mitochondrial and synaptic structural deficits were exacerbated when letrozole therapy was combined withAβ1–42treatment. Our novel findings suggest that letrozole may increase neuronal susceptibility to pathological insults, such as oligomericAβ1–42in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These changes in dendritic spine number, synaptic protein expression, and mitochondrial morphology may, in part, explain the increased prevalence of cognitive decline associated with aromatase inhibitor use.
Offshore Desalination Using Wave Energy
Authors: Serna Álvaro , Tadeo Fernando
Published: July 2013

This paper evaluates the design of an offshore desalination plant currently under preliminary development. The purpose is to test the feasibility of producing drinkable water using wave energy in out-of-sight installations, as an alternative for those locations where land use, civil engineering works, and/or environmental impact make a coast-based solution inadequate. After describing the components, a proposal for sizing them is studied, based on using buoy-measured data at the expected location and their mathematical models of the different sections of the plant. Finally, by using measured buoy data, the influence of sizing on the expected performance is studied for a specific location, and one of the designs is developed in detail.
Comparative Assessment of Particulate Air Pollution Exposure from Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Emissions
Authors: Ashworth Danielle C. , Fuller Gary W. , Toledano Mireille B. , Font Anna , Elliott Paul , Hansell Anna L. , de Hoogh Kees
Published: July 2013

Background.Research to date on health effects associated with incineration has found limited evidence of health risks, but many previous studies have been constrained by poor exposure assessment. This paper provides a comparative assessment of atmospheric dispersion modelling and distance from source (a commonly used proxy for exposure) as exposure assessment methods for pollutants released from incinerators.Methods.Distance from source and the atmospheric dispersion model ADMS-Urban were used to characterise ambient exposures to particulates from two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) in the UK. Additionally an exploration of the sensitivity of the dispersion model simulations to input parameters was performed.Results.The model output indicated extremely low ground level concentrations of PM10, with maximum concentrations of <0.01 μg/m3. Proximity and modelled PM10concentrations for both MSWIs at postcode level were highly correlated when using continuous measures (Spearman correlation coefficients ~ 0.7) but showed poor agreement for categorical measures (deciles or quintiles, Cohen’s kappa coefficients ≤ 0.5).Conclusion.To provide the most appropriate estimate of ambient exposure from MSWIs, it is essential that incinerator characteristics, magnitude of emissions, and surrounding meteorological and topographical conditions are considered. Reducing exposure misclassification is particularly important in environmental epidemiology to aid detection of low-level risks.