bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal and Antiproliferative Protein fromCicer arietinum: A Bioactive Compound against Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Kapoor Vaishali , Gill Kamaldeep , Singh Kusum , Xess Immaculata , Das Satya N. , Dey Sharmistha
Published: May 2014

The emergence of epidemic fungal pathogenic resistance to current antifungal drugs has increased the interest in developing alternative antibiotics from natural sources.Cicer arietinumis well known for its medicinal properties. The aim of this work was to isolate antimicrobial proteins fromCicer arietinum. An antifungal protein, C-25, was isolated fromCicer arietinumand purified by gel filtration. C-25 protein was tested using agar diffusion method against human pathogenic fungi of ATCC strains and against clinical isolates ofCandida krusei,Candida tropicalis, andCandida parapsilosis, and MIC values determined were varied from 1.56 to 12.5 μg/mL. The SEM study demonstrated that C-25 induces the bleb-like surface changes, irregular cell surface, and cell wall disruption of the fungi at different time intervals. Cytotoxic activity was studied on oral cancer cells and normal cells. It also inhibits the growth of fungal strains which are resistant to fluconazole. It reduced the cell proliferation of human oral carcinoma cells at the concentration of 37.5 μg/mL (IC50) and no toxic effect was found on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells even at higher concentration of 600 μg/mL. It can be concluded that C-25 can be considered as an effective antimycotic as well asantiproliferativeagent against human oral cancer cells.
CIN III Diagnosed following Surgical Termination of Pregnancy
Authors: Mackenzie Ciara , Fakokunde Abiodun , Govind Abha , Kermani Delaram
Published: May 2014

We present a case of a 30-year-old mother of four who was incidentally diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III following surgical termination of pregnancy. Five years previously a routine smear test had shown mild dyskaryosis but was never repeated. She was referred to colposcopy and, underwent loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) and subsequently vaginal hysterectomy. Without this incidental finding she would have undoubtedly developed cervical cancer. We discuss the deficiencies in current cervical cancer prevention strategies and termination of pregnancy services. We emphasise the importance of ensuring that patients with dyskaryosis are not lost to follow-up and we consider whether there should be clearer guidance on the value of histological examination of products of conception following termination of pregnancy.
Evaluation of the Potential Nephroprotective and Antimicrobial Effect ofCamellia sinensisLeaves versusHibiscus sabdariffa(In VivoandIn VitroStudies)
Authors: Anwar Ibrahim Doa’a , Noman Albadani Rowida
Published: May 2014

Green tea and hibiscus are widely consumed as traditional beverages in Yemen and some regional countries. They are relatively cheap and the belief is that they improve health state and cure many diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective and antibacterial activity of these two famous plantsin vitrothrough measuring their antibacterial activity andin vivothrough measuring nonenzymatic kidney markers dysfunction after induction of nephrotoxicity by gentamicin. Gram positive bacteria like MRSA (methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus) were isolated from hospitalized patients’ different sources (pus and wound) and Gram negative bacteria includingE. coliandP. aeruginosawere usedin vitrostudy. In addition, the efficacy of these plants was assessedin vivothrough measuring nonenzymatic kidney markers including S. creatinine and S. urea. Green tea was shown antimicrobial activity against MRSA with inhibition zone 19.67 ± 0.33 mm and MIC 1.25 ± 0.00 mg/mL compared with standard reference (vancomycin) 18.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Hibiscus did not exhibit a similar effect. Both Hibiscus- and green tea-treated groups had nephroprotective effects as they reduced the elevation in nonenzymatic kidney markers. We conclude that green tea has dual effects: antimicrobial and nephroprotective.
Portfolio Selection Based on Distance between Fuzzy Variables
Authors: Qian Weiyi , Yin Mingqiang
Published: May 2014

This paper researches portfolio selection problem in fuzzy environment. We introduce a new simple method in which the distance between fuzzy variables is used to measure the divergence of fuzzy investment return from a prior one. Firstly, two new mathematical models are proposed by expressing divergence as distance, investment return as expected value, and risk as variance and semivariance, respectively. Secondly, the crisp forms of the new models are also provided for different types of fuzzy variables. Finally, several numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Photovoltaics: Reviewing the European Feed-in-Tariffs and Changing PV Efficiencies and Costs
Authors: Zhang H. L. , Van Gerven T. , Baeyens J. , Degrève J.
Published: May 2014

Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) mechanisms have been important in boosting renewable energy, by providing a long-term guaranteed subsidy of the kWh-price, thus mitigating investment risks and enhancing the contribution of sustainable electricity. By ongoing PV development, the contribution of solar power increases exponentially. Within this significant potential, it is important for investors, operators, and scientists alike to provide answers to different questions related to subsidies, PV efficiencies and costs. The present paper therefore (i) briefly reviews the mechanisms, advantages, and evolution of FiT; (ii) describes the developments of PV, (iii) applies a comprehensive literature-based model for the solar irradiation to predict the PV solar energy potential in some target European countries, whilst comparing output predictions with the monthly measured electricity generation of a 57 m² photovoltaic system (Belgium); and finally (iv) predicts the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in terms of investment and efficiency, providing LCOE values between 0.149 and 0.313 €/kWh, as function of the overall process efficiency and cost. The findings clearly demonstrate the potential of PV energy in Europe, where FiT can be considerably reduced or even be eliminated in the near future.
Eigenvalue Based Approach for Global Consensus in Multiagent Systems with Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Qian Wei , Wang Lei
Published: May 2014

This paper addresses the global consensus of nonlinear multiagent systems with asymmetrically coupled identical agents. By employing a Lyapunov function and graph theory, a sufficient condition is presented for the global exponential consensus of the multiagent system. The analytical result shows that, for a weakly connected communication graph, the algebraic connectivity of a redefined symmetric matrix associated with the directed graph is used to evaluate the global consensus of the multiagent system with nonlinear dynamics under the common linear consensus protocol. The presented condition is quite simple and easily verified, which can be effectively used to design consensus protocols of various weighted and directed communications. A numerical simulation is also given to show the effectiveness of the analytical result.
Bioinformatic Prediction of WSSV-Host Protein-Protein Interaction
Authors: Sun Zheng , Li Shihao , Li Fuhua , Xiang Jianhai
Published: May 2014

WSSV is one of the most dangerous pathogens in shrimp aquaculture. However, the molecular mechanism of how WSSV interacts with shrimp is still not very clear. In the present study, bioinformatic approaches were used to predict interactions between proteins from WSSV and shrimp. The genome data of WSSV (NC_003225.1) and the constructed transcriptome data ofF. chinensiswere used to screen potentially interacting proteins by searching in protein interaction databases, including STRING, Reactome, and DIP. Forty-four pairs of proteins were suggested to have interactions between WSSV and the shrimp. Gene ontology analysis revealed that 6 pairs of these interacting proteins were classified into “extracellular region” or “receptor complex” GO-terms. KEGG pathway analysis showed that they were involved in the “ECM-receptor interaction pathway.” In the 6 pairs of interacting proteins, an envelope protein called “collagen-like protein” (WSSV-CLP) encoded by an early virus gene “wsv001” in WSSV interacted with 6 deduced proteins from the shrimp, including three integrin alpha (ITGA), two integrin beta (ITGB), and one syndecan (SDC). Sequence analysis on WSSV-CLP, ITGA, ITGB, and SDC revealed that they possessed the sequence features for protein-protein interactions. This study might provide new insights into the interaction mechanisms between WSSV and shrimp.
Are Proteinase 3 and Cathepsin C Enzymes Related to Pathogenesis of Periodontitis?
Authors: Türkoğlu Oya , Azarsız Elif , Emingil Gülnur , Kütükçüler Necil , Atilla Gül
Published: May 2014

Aim. Cathepsin C is the activator of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived proteinase 3, which contributes to inflammatory processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) proteinase 3 and cathepsin C levels in periodontal diseases.Design. Eighteen patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP), 20 patients with gingivitis, and 18 healthy subjects were included in the study. Periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding index, and plaque index were assessed in all study subjects. GCF proteinase 3 and cathepsin C levels were analyzed by ELISA.Results. GCF proteinase 3 total amount was significantly higher in diseased groups compared to control group, after adjusting ageP<0.05. No differences were found in GCF cathepsin C levels among the study groupsP>0.05. Periodontal parameters of sampling sites were positively correlated with GCF proteinase 3 total amountsP<0.01but not with cathepsin C total amountsP>0.05.Conclusions. Elevated levels of GCF proteinase 3 in CP, G-AgP, and gingivitis might suggest that proteinase 3 plays a role during inflammatory periodontal events in host response. However, cathepsin C in GCF does not seem to have an effect on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.
Micronuclei in Bone Marrow and Liver in relation to Hepatic Metabolism and Antioxidant Response due to Coexposure to Chloroform, Dichloromethane, and Toluene in the Rat Model
Authors: Belmont-Díaz Javier , López-Gordillo Ana Paulina , Molina Garduño Eunice , Serrano-García Luis , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemí , Arellano-Aguilar Omar , Montero-Montoya Regina D.
Published: May 2014

Genotoxicity in cells may occur in different ways, direct interaction, production of electrophilic metabolites, and secondary genotoxicity via oxidative stress. Chloroform, dichloromethane, and toluene are primarily metabolized in liver by CYP2E1, producing reactive electrophilic metabolites, and may also produce oxidative stress via the uncoupled CYP2E1 catalytic cycle. Additionally, GSTT1 also participates in dichloromethane activation. Despite the oxidative metabolism of these compounds and the production of oxidative adducts, their genotoxicity in the bone marrow micronucleus test is unclear. The objective of this work was to analyze whether the oxidative metabolism induced by the coexposure to these compounds would account for increased micronucleus frequency. We used an approach including the analysis of phase I, phase II, and antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and micronuclei in bone marrow (MNPCE) and hepatocytes (MNHEP). Rats were administered different doses of an artificial mixture of CLF/DCM/TOL, under two regimes. After one administration MNPCE frequency increased in correlation with induced GSTT1 activity and no oxidative stress occurred. Conversely, after three-day treatments oxidative stress was observed, without genotoxicity. The effects observed indicate that MNPCE by the coexposure to these VOCs could be increased via inducing the activity of metabolism enzymes.
Reduced Variability of Auditory Alpha Activity in Chronic Tinnitus
Authors: Schlee Winfried , Schecklmann Martin , Lehner Astrid , Kreuzer Peter M. , Vielsmeier Veronika , Poeppl Timm B. , Langguth Berthold
Published: May 2014

Subjective tinnitus is characterized by the conscious perception of a phantom sound which is usually more prominent under silence. Resting state recordings without any auditory stimulation demonstrated a decrease of cortical alpha activity in temporal areas of subjects with an ongoing tinnitus perception. This is often interpreted as an indicator for enhanced excitability of the auditory cortex in tinnitus. In this study we want to further investigate this effect by analysing the moment-to-moment variability of the alpha activity in temporal areas. Magnetoencephalographic resting state recordings of 21 tinnitus subjects and 21 healthy controls were analysed with respect to the mean and the variability of spectral power in the alpha frequency band over temporal areas. A significant decrease of auditory alpha activity was detected for the low alpha frequency band (8–10 Hz) but not for the upper alpha band (10–12 Hz). Furthermore, we found a significant decrease of alpha variability for the tinnitus group. This result was significant for the lower alpha frequency range and not significant for the upper alpha frequencies. Tinnitus subjects with a longer history of tinnitus showed less variability of their auditory alpha activity which might be an indicator for reduced adaptability of the auditory cortex in chronic tinnitus.
Bone Marrow Stem Cells Added to a Hydroxyapatite Scaffold Result in Better Outcomes after Surgical Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures
Authors: Torres Joao , Gutierres Manuel , Lopes M. Ascenção , Santos J. Domingos , Cabral A. T. , Pinto R. , van Eck Carola
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Intertrochanteric hip fractures occur in the proximal femur. They are very common in the elderly and are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The authors hypothesized that adding an autologous bone marrow stem cells concentrate (ABMC) to a hydroxyapatite scaffold and placing it in the fracture site would improve the outcome after surgical fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures.Material and Methods. 30 patients were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups of 15 patients, to receive either the scaffold enriched with the ABMC (Group A) during the surgical procedure, or fracture fixation alone (Group B).Results. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of group A at days 30, 60, and 90 for Harris Hip Scores (HHS), at days 30 and 60 for VAS pain scales, for bedridden period and time taken to start partial and total weight bearing (P<0.05).Discussion. These results show a significant benefit of adding a bone marrow enriched scaffold to surgical fixation in intertrochanteric hip fractures, which can significantly reduce the associated morbidity and mortality rates.Conclusion. Bone marrow stem cells added to a hydroxyapatite scaffold result in better outcomes after surgical treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures.
Design Optimization of Centrifugal Pump Using Radial Basis Function Metamodels
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wu Jinglai , Zhang Yunqing , Chen Liping
Published: May 2014

Optimization design of centrifugal pump is a typical multiobjective optimization (MOO) problem. This paper presents an MOO design of centrifugal pump with five decision variables and three objective functions, and a set of centrifugal pumps with various impeller shroud shapes are studied by CFD numerical simulations. The important performance indexes for centrifugal pump such as head, efficiency, and required net positive suction head (NPSHr) are investigated, and the results indicate that the geometry shape of impeller shroud has strong effect on the pump's performance indexes. Based on these, radial basis function (RBF) metamodels are constructed to approximate the functional relationship between the shape parameters of impeller shroud and the performance indexes of pump. To achieve the objectives of maximizing head and efficiency and minimizing NPSHr simultaneously, multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) is applied to solve the triobjective optimization problem, and a final design point is selected from the Pareto solution set by means of robust design. Compared with the values of prototype test and CFD simulation, the solution of the final design point exhibits a good consistency.
Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid Demonstrate Antimutagenic Activity and Inhibition of Benzo[a]pyrene Induced DNA Adducts
Authors: Zahin Maryam , Ahmad Iqbal , Gupta Ramesh C. , Aqil Farrukh
Published: May 2014

Punicalagin (PC) is an ellagitannin found in the fruit peel ofPunica granatum. We have demonstrated antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties ofPunica granatumand showed that PC and ellagic acid (EA) are its major constituents. In this study, we demonstrate the antimutagenic potential, inhibition of BP-induced DNA damage, and antiproliferative activity of PC and EA. Incubation of BP with rat liver microsomes, appropriate cofactors, and DNA in the presence of vehicle or PC and EA showed significant inhibition of the resultant DNA adducts, with essentially complete inhibition (97%) at 40 μM by PC and 77% inhibition by EA. Antimutagenicity was tested by Ames test. PC and EA dose-dependently and markedly antagonized the effect of tested mutagens, sodium azide, methyl methanesulfonate, benzo[a]pyrene, and 2-aminoflourine, with maximum inhibition of mutagenicity up to 90 percent. Almost all the doses tested (50–500 μM) exhibited significant antimutagenicity. A profound antiproliferative effect on human lung cancer cells was also shown with PC and EA. Together, our data show that PC and EA are pomegranate bioactives responsible for inhibition of BP-induced DNA adducts and strong antimutagenic, antiproliferative activities. However, these compounds are to be evaluated in suitable animal model to assess their therapeutic efficacy against cancer.
Research on the Interaction between Tubeimoside 1 and HepG2 Cells Using the Microscopic Imaging and Fluorescent Spectra Method
Authors: Lin Xiaogang , Li Wenchao , Ye Changbin , Liu Xiaozhu , Zhu Hao , Peng Wenbing , Rong Jie
Published: May 2014

The treatment of cancer draws interest from researchers worldwide. Of the different extracts from traditional Chinese medicines, Tubeimoside 1 (TBMS 1) is regarded as an effective treatment for cancer. To determine the mechanism of TBMS 1, the shape/pattern of HepG2 cells based on the microscopic imaging technology was determined to analyze experimental results; then the fluorescent spectra method was designed to investigate whether TBMS 1 affected HepG2 cells. A three-dimensional (3D) fluorescent spectra sweep was performed to determine the characteristic wave peak of HepG2 cells. A 2D fluorescent spectra method was then used to show the florescence change in HepG2 cells following treatment with TBMS 1. Finally, flow cytometry was employed to analyze the cell cycle of HepG2 cells. It was shown that TBMS 1 accelerated the death of HepG2 cells and had a strong dose- and time-dependent growth inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells, especially at the G2/M phase. These results indicate that the fluorescent spectra method is a promising substitute for flow cytometry as it is rapid and cost-effective in HepG2 cells.
Boundedness of Oscillatory Hyper-Hilbert Transform along Curves on Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Li Jun , Gao Guilian
Published: May 2014

The oscillatory hyper-Hilbert transform along curves is of the following form:Hn,α,βf(x)=∫01‍f(x-Γ(t))eit-βt-1-αdt, whereα≥0,β≥0, andΓ(t)=(tp1,tp2,…,tpn). The study on this operator is motivated by the hyper-Hilbert transform and the strongly singular integrals. TheLpbounds forHn,α,βhave been given by Chen et al. (2008 and 2010). In this paper, for someα,β, andp, the boundedness ofHn,α,βon Sobolev spacesLsp(Rn)and the boundedness of this operator fromLs2(Rn)toL2(Rn)are obtained.
Nanocrystalline Phase Formation inside Shear Bands of Pd-Cu-Si Metallic Glass
Authors: Shao Yang , Yang Guannan , Yao Kefu
Published: May 2014

Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5metallic glass was prepared by fluxing treatment and water quenching method. To avoid possible artifacts, shear bands were created by indentation after TEM sample preparation. Bright field image, diffraction pattern, and the dark field image of TEM that covered the shear band region were presented. A few nanocrystalline phases were noticed inside the shear bands, which favored the plastic deformation ability and supported the explanation of mechanical deformation-induced crystallization.
Consistent Conditional Moment Closure Modelling of a Lifted Turbulent Jet Flame Using the Presumedβ-PDF Approach
Authors: El Sayed Ahmad , Fraser Roydon A.
Published: May 2014

A liftedH2/N2turbulent jet flame issuing into a vitiated coflow is investigated using the conditional moment closure. The conditional velocity (CV) and the conditional scalar dissipation rate (CSDR) submodels are chosen such that they are fully consistent with the moments of the presumedβprobability density function (PDF). The CV is modelled using the PDF-gradient diffusion model. Two CSDR submodels based on the double integration of the homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixture fraction PDF transport equations are implemented. The effect of CSDR modelling is investigated over a range of coflow temperatures (Tc) and the stabilisation mechanism is determined from the analysis of the transport budgets and the history of radical build-up ahead of the stabilisation height. For allTc, the balance between chemistry, axial convection, and micromixing, and the absence of axial diffusion upstream of the stabilisation height indicate that the flame is stabilized by autoignition. This conclusion is confirmed from the rapid build-up ofHO2ahead ofH,O, andOH. The inhomogeneous CSDR modelling yields higher dissipation levels at the most reactive mixture fraction, which results in longer ignition delays and larger liftoff heights. The effect of the spurious sources arising from homogeneous modelling is found to be small but nonnegligible, mostly notably within the flame zone.
Experimental Issues in Testing a Semiactive Technique to Control Earthquake Induced Vibration
Authors: Caterino Nicola , Spizzuoco Mariacristina , Londoño Julian M. , Occhiuzzi Antonio
Published: May 2014

This work focuses on the issues to deal with when approaching experimental testing of structures equipped with semiactive control (SA) systems. It starts from practical experience authors gained in a recent wide campaign on a large scale steel frame structure provided with a control system based on magnetorheological dampers. The latter are special devices able to achieve a wide range of physical behaviours using low-power electrical currents. Experimental activities involving the use of controllable devices require special attention in solving specific aspects that characterize each of the three phases of the SA control loop: acquisition, processing, and command. Most of them are uncommon to any other type of structural testing. This paper emphasizes the importance of the experimental assessment of SA systems and shows how many problematic issues likely to happen in real applications are also present when testing these systems experimentally. This paper highlights several problematic aspects and illustrates how they can be addressed in order to achieve a more realistic evaluation of the effectiveness of SA control solutions. Undesired and unavoidable effects like delays and control malfunction are also remarked. A discussion on the way to reduce their incidence is also offered.
Local Alignment Tool Based on Hadoop Framework and GPU Architecture
Authors: Hung Che-Lun , Hua Guan-Jie
Published: May 2014

With the rapid growth of next generation sequencing technologies, such as Slex, more and more data have been discovered and published. To analyze such huge data the computational performance is an important issue. Recently, many tools, such as SOAP, have been implemented on Hadoop and GPU parallel computing architectures. BLASTP is an important tool, implemented on GPU architectures, for biologists to compare protein sequences. To deal with the big biology data, it is hard to rely on single GPU. Therefore, we implement a distributed BLASTP by combining Hadoop and multi-GPUs. The experimental results present that the proposed method can improve the performance of BLASTP on single GPU, and also it can achieve high availability and fault tolerance.
Comparison of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Pediatric Patients with Metabolic Syndrome, Heterozygous Familial Hyperlipidemia and Normals
Authors: Vijayasarathi Arvind , Goldberg Stanley J.
Published: May 2014

Background.Our goal was to compare the carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT) of untreated pediatric patients with metabolic syndrome (MS), heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia (heFH), and MS+heFH against one another and against a control group consisting of healthy, normal body habitus children.Methods.Our population consisted of untreated pediatric patients (ages 5–20 yrs) who had CIMT measured in a standardized manner.Results.Our population included 57 with MS, 23 with heFH, and 10 with MS+heFH. The control group consisted of 84 children of the same age range. Mean CIMT for the MS group was 469.8 μm (SD = 67), 443.8 μm (SD = 61) for the heFH group, 478.3 μm (SD = 70) for the MS+heFH group, and 423.2 μm (SD = 45) for the normal control group. Significance differences between groups occurred for heFH versus MS(P=0.022), heFH versus control(P=0.038), MS versus control(P=9.0E-10), and MS+heFH versus control(P=0.003). Analysis showed significant negative correlation between HDL and CIMT(r=-0.32,  P=0.03)but not for LDL, triglycerides, BP, waist circumference, or BMI.Conclusion.For pediatric patients, the thickest CIMT occurred for patients with MS alone or for those with MS+heFH. This indicates that MS, rather than just elevated LDL, accounts for more rapid thickening of CIMT in this population.
A New Approach to Determine the Critical Path in Stochastic Activity Network
Authors: Chu Weng-Ming , Chang Koan-Yuh , Lu Chien-Yu , Hsu Chang-Hung , Liu Chien-Hung , Hsiao Yung-Chia
Published: May 2014

The determination of the critical path (CP) in stochastic networks is difficult. It is partly due to the randomness of path durations and partly due to the probability issue of the selection of the critical path in the network. What we are confronted with is not only the complexity among random variables but also the problem of path dependence of the network. Besides, we found that CP is not necessarily the longest (or shortest) path in the network, which was a conventional assumption in use. The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Index (CPI) approaches are not able to deal with this problem efficiently. In this study, we give a new definition on the CP in stochastic network and propose a modified label‐correcting tracing algorithm (M‐LCTA) to solve it. Based on the numerical results, compared with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), the proposed approach can accurately determine the CP in stochastic networks.
Pulp Revascularization in Immature Permanent Tooth with Apical Periodontitis Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Authors: Saeki Katsura , Fujita Yuko , Shiono Yasuhiro , Morimoto Yasuhiro , Maki Kenshi
Published: May 2014

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a material that has been used worldwide in several clinical applications, such as apical barriers in teeth with immature apices, repair of root perforations, root-end filling, pulp capping, and pulpotomy. The purpose of this case report was to describe successful revascularization treatment of an immature mandibular right second premolar with apical periodontitis in a 9-year-old female patient. After preparing an access cavity without anesthesia, the tooth was isolated using a rubber dam and accessed. The canal was gently debrided using 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 3% hydrogen peroxide irrigant. And then MTA was packed into the canal. X-ray photographic examination showed the dentin bridge 5 months after the revascularization procedure. Thickening of the canal wall and complete apical closure were confirmed 10 months after the treatment. In this case, MTA showed clinical and radiographic success at revascularization treatment in immature permanent tooth. The successful outcome of this case suggests that MTA is reliable and effective for endodontic treatment in the pediatric dentistry.
Progesterone Increases Apoptosis and Inversely Decreases Autophagy in Human Hepatoma HA22T/VGH Cells Treated with Epirubicin
Authors: Chang Wen-Tsan , Cheng Hsiao-Ling , Hsieh Bau-Shan , Chiu Chien-Chih , Lee King-Teh , Chang Kee-Lung
Published: May 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epirubicin can induce intracellular reactive oxygen species and is widely used to treat unresectable HCC. Progesterone has been found to inhibit the proliferation of hepatoma cells. This study was designed to test the combined effects of epirubicin and progesterone on human hepatoma cell line, HA22T/VGH. These cells were treated with different concentrations of epirubicin with or without the coaddition of 30 μM progesterone and then analyzed for apoptosis, autophagy, and expressions of apoptotic-related proteins and multidrug-resistant gene. Epirubicin treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of HA22T/VGH cells. Addition of 30 μM progesterone, which was inactive alone, augmented the effect of epirubicin on the inhibition of growth of HA22T/VGH cells. Cotreatment with progesterone enhanced epirubicin-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by greater increase in caspase-3 activity and in the ratio of the apoptosis-regulating protein, Bax/Bcl-XL. The combination also caused a decrease in autophagy and in the expression of multidrug resistance-related protein 1 mRNA compared to epirubicin alone. This study shows the epirubicin/progesterone combination was more effective in increasing apoptosis and inversely decreasing autophagy on HA22T/VGH cells treated with epirubicin alone, suggesting that this combination can potentially be used to treat HCC.
Abnormal Cytokine Profile in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Bouloukaki Izolde , Papadimitriou Vaios , Sofras Frank , Mermigkis Charalampos , Moniaki Violeta , Siafakas Nikolaos M. , Schiza Sophia E.
Published: May 2014

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) show a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED). Although the underlying pathogenesis is still unknown, endothelial dysfunction, induced by inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, has been proposed as a possible mechanism. The aim of this study was to assess whether OSAHS is associated with activation of the inflammatory cytokine system in patients with ED compared to the matched OSAHS patients with normal sexual function. Thirty-one patients with severe OSAHS and ED were included. Fifteen patients with severe OSAHS and without ED served as controls. Serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and adiponectin were measured after the diagnostic polysomnography. We found that hsCRP levels were significantly elevated in OSAHS patients with ED compared to controls. Similarly, TNF-a levels, IL-6, and IL-8 were elevated in OSAHS patients with ED compared to controls. Serum adiponectin levels were lower in OSAHS-ED patients, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The presence of ED in patients with severe OSAHS is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers, underlining a possible involvement of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ED.
Conversion to Sirolimus Ameliorates Cyclosporine-Induced Nephropathy in the Rat: Focus on Serum, Urine, Gene, and Protein Renal Expression Biomarkers
Authors: Sereno José , Nunes Sara , Rodrigues-Santos Paulo , Vala Helena , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Fernandes João , Santos-Silva Alice , Teixeira Frederico , Reis Flávio
Published: May 2014

Protocols of conversion from cyclosporin A (CsA) to sirolimus (SRL) have been widely used in immunotherapy after transplantation to prevent CsA-induced nephropathy, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these protocols remain nuclear. This study aimed to identify the molecular pathways and putative biomarkers of CsA-to-SRL conversion in a rat model. Four animal groups (n=6) were tested during 9 weeks: control, CsA, SRL, and conversion (CsA for 3 weeks followed by SRL for 6 weeks). Classical and emergent serum, urinary, and kidney tissue (gene and protein expression) markers were assessed. Renal lesions were analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson’s trichrome stains. SRL-treated rats presented proteinuria and NGAL (serum and urinary) as the best markers of renal impairment. Short CsA treatment presented slight or even absent kidney lesions and TGF-β, NF-κβ, mTOR, PCNA, TP53, KIM-1, and CTGF as relevant gene and protein changes. Prolonged CsA exposure aggravated renal damage, without clear changes on the traditional markers, but with changes in serums TGF-βand IL-7, TBARs clearance, and kidney TGF-βand mTOR. Conversion to SRL prevented CsA-induced renal damage evolution (absent/mild grade lesions), while NGAL (serum versus urine) seems to be a feasible biomarker of CsA replacement to SRL.
A Hybrid Scheme Motion Controller by Sliding Mode and Two‐Degree‐of‐Freedom Controls to Minimize the Chattering
Authors: Lai Chiu-Keng
Published: May 2014

Sliding mode control (SMC) is rapped for the chattering due to high gain control. However, high gain control causes the system robust. For developing a system with robustness of SMC, a servo motor motion controller combining the two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2DOF) system and SMC is proposed. The discussed motion type is point‐to‐point control with the constraint of trapezoid velocity profile. SMC is designed to guide the motor motion to follow a predefined trail, and the inner 2DOF system is used to compensate the deterioration due to the adoption of load observer. The proposed hybrid system is realized on a PC‐based motion controller, and the validness is verified by simulation and experimental results.
Fabrication of a Porous TiO2-Coated Silica Glass Tube and Its Application for a Handy Water Purification Unit
Authors: Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Tago Shoko , Tawarayama Hiromasa , Hosoya Toshifumi , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Fujishima Akira
Published: May 2014

A simple, handy, reusable, and inexpensive water purification unit including a one-end sealed porous amorphous-silica (a-silica) tube coated with 2 μm of porous TiO2photocatalyst layers has been developed. Both TiO2and a-silica layers were formed through outside vapor deposition (OVD). Raman spectrum of the porous TiO2-coated a-silica glass tube indicated that the anatase content of the TiO2layers of the tube was estimated to be approximately 60 wt%. Developed porous TiO2-coated a-silica glass tube has been assayed for the tube filtering feature againstEscherichia coli(E. coli) solution used as one of the typical bacteria size species or Qβphage also used as typical virus size species and compared with the feature of porous a-silica tubes alone. The tubes removedE. colicompletely from the aqueous suspension which contained 106 CFU/mL ofE. coliwithout UV irradiation. The porous TiO2-coated a-silica glass tube with UV-C lamps successfully reduced the Qβphage amount in the suspension from 109to 103 PFU/mL.
Receding Horizon Trajectory Optimization with Terminal Impact Specifications
Authors: Zhang Limin , Sun Mingwei , Chen Zengqiang , Wang Zenghui , Wang Yongkun
Published: May 2014

The trajectory optimization problem subject to terminal impact time and angle specifications can be reformulated as a nonlinear programming problem using the Gauss pseudospectral method. The cost function of the trajectory optimization problem is modified to reduce the terminal control energy. A receding horizon optimization strategy is implemented to reject the errors caused by the motion of a surface target. Several simulations were performed to validate the proposed method via the C programming language. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and that the real‐time requirement can be easily achieved if the C programming language is used to realize it.
Performance Analysis of an Environmental Adaptive CFAR Detector
Authors: Hong Sung Won , Han Dong Seog
Published: May 2014

The constant false alarm rate (CFAR) is a detection algorithm that is generally used in radar or sonar systems, but its performance depends greatly on the environment. This means that the detection performance cannot be satisfied with only a single CFAR detector. This paper evaluates mathematically a proposed environmental adaptive (EA) CFAR detector. The proposed CFAR detector selects an optimal CFAR detector depending on the environment. Computer simulations validate the mathematical analysis and robustness of the detector in homogeneous and nonhomogeneous backgrounds.
Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha Confers Methotrexate Resistance via Attenuation of Reactive Oxygen Species Production and P53 Mediated Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Haibin , Duan Zhijian , Zou June X. , Chen Hongwu , He Wei , Wang Junjian
Published: May 2014

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor mainly occurring in children and adolescents. Methotrexate (MTX), a chemotherapy agent, is widely used in treating OS. However, treatment failures are common due to acquired chemoresistance, for which the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we report that overexpression of estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), an orphan nuclear receptor, promoted cell survival and blocked MTX-induced cell death in U2OS cells. We showed that MTX induced ROS production in MTX-sensitive U2OS cells while ERRαeffectively blocked the ROS production and ROS associated cell apoptosis. Our further studies demonstrated that ERRαsuppressed ROS induction of tumor suppressor P53 and its target genes NOXA and XAF1 which are mediators of P53-dependent apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ERRαplays an important role in the development of MTX resistance through blocking MTX-induced ROS production and attenuating the activation of p53 mediated apoptosis signaling pathway, and points to ERRαas a novel target for improving osteosarcoma therapy.
A New Strategy for the Surgical Management of RLN Infiltrated by Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Boucek Jan , Zabrodsky Michal , Kuchar Martin , Fanta Ondrej , Skrivan Jiri , Betka Jan
Published: May 2014

Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) represents the most common endocrine malignancy. Despite excellent prognoses exceeding 90% in 10-year follow-up, there are clinically controversial issues. One of these is extrathyroidal tumour extension invading recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). The spread outside of the thyroid parenchyma and invasion to the surrounding structures, classified as always T4a, are the most important negative prognostic factor for the WDTC. Conversely, resection of the RLN leads to vocal cord paralysis with hoarseness, possible swallowing problems, and finally decreased quality of life. We propose a new algorithm for intraoperative management based on the MACIS classification, which would allow swift status evaluation pre/intraoperatively and consider a possibility to preserve the infiltrated RLN without compromising an oncological radicality. In the case of a preoperative vocal cord paralysis (VCP) and confirmation of the invasive carcinoma, a resection of the RLN and the nerve graft reconstruction are indicated. Preoperatively, unaffected vocal cord movement and intraoperatively detected RLN infiltration by the invasive WDTC require an individual assessment of the oncological risk by the proposed algorithm. Preservation of the infiltrated RLN is oncologically acceptable only in specific groups of patients of a younger age with a minor size of primary tumour.
Biodistribution and SPECT Imaging Study of99mTc Labeling NGR Peptide in Nude Mice Bearing Human HepG2 Hepatoma
Authors: Ma Wenhui , Wang Zhe , Yang Weidong , Ma Xiaowei , Kang Fei , Wang Jing
Published: May 2014

A peptide containing Asn-Gly-Arg(NGR) sequence was synthesized and directly labeled withTc. Its radiochemical characteristics, biodistribution, and SPECT imaging were evaluated in nude mice bearing human HepG2 hepatoma. Nude mice bearing HepG2 were randomly divided into 5 groups with 5 mice in each group and injected with ~7.4 MBqTc-NGR. The SPECT images were acquired in 1, 4, 8, and 12 h postinjection via caudal vein. The metabolism of tracers was determined in major organs at different time points, which demonstrated rapid, significant tumor uptake and slow tumor washout. The control group mice were blocked by coinjecting unlabelled NGR (20 mg/kg). Tumor uptake was (2.52±0.83%) ID/g at 1 h, with the highest uptake of (3.26±0.63%) ID/g at 8 h. In comparison, the uptake of the blocked control group was (1.65±0.61%) ID/g at 1 h after injection. The SPECT static images and the tumor/muscle (T/NT) value were obtained. The highest T/NT value was7.58±1.92at 8 h. The xenografted tumor became visible at 1 h and the clearest image of the tumor was observed at 8 h. In conclusion,Tc-NGRcan be efficiently prepared and it exhibited good properties for the potential SPECT imaging agent of tumor.
Fast Mode Decision for 3D-HEVC Depth Intracoding
Authors: Zhang Qiuwen , Li Nana , Wu Qinggang
Published: May 2014

The emerging international standard of high efficiency video coding based 3D video coding (3D-HEVC) is a successor to multiview video coding (MVC). In 3D-HEVC depth intracoding, depth modeling mode (DMM) and high efficiency video coding (HEVC) intraprediction mode are both employed to select the best coding mode for each coding unit (CU). This technique achieves the highest possible coding efficiency, but it results in extremely large encoding time which obstructs the 3D-HEVC from practical application. In this paper, a fast mode decision algorithm based on the correlation between texture video and depth map is proposed to reduce 3D-HEVC depth intracoding computational complexity. Since the texture video and its associated depth map represent the same scene, there is a high correlation among the prediction mode from texture video and depth map. Therefore, we can skip some specific depth intraprediction modes rarely used in related texture CU. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce computational complexity of 3D-HEVC depth intracoding while maintaining coding efficiency.
To Look Beyond Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Cossu Giulia , Messerer Mahmoud , Oddo Mauro , Daniel Roy Thomas
Published: May 2014

Delayed cerebral vasospasm has classically been considered the most important and treatable cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Secondary ischemia (or delayed ischemic neurological deficit, DIND) has been shown to be the leading determinant of poor clinical outcome in patients with aSAH surviving the early phase and cerebral vasospasm has been attributed to being primarily responsible. Recently, various clinical trials aimed at treating vasospasm have produced disappointing results. DIND seems to have a multifactorial etiology and vasospasm may simply represent one contributing factor and not the major determinant. Increasing evidence shows that a series of early secondary cerebral insults may occur following aneurysm rupture (the so-calledearly brain injury). This further aggravates the initial insult and actually determines the functional outcome. A better understanding of these mechanisms and their prevention in the very early phase is needed to improve the prognosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing literature on this topic and so to illustrate how the presence of cerebral vasospasm may not necessarily be a prerequisite for DIND development. The various factors determining DIND that worsen functional outcome and prognosis are then discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Electrolyte of Glycidyl Methacrylate-Methyl Methacrylate-LiClO4Plasticized with Ethylene Carbonate
Authors: Imperiyka M. , Ahmad A. , Hanifah S. A. , Rahman M. Y. A.
Published: May 2014

In the present investigation, we study the properties of the plasticized polyglycidyl methacrylate P(GMA) copolymerized with polymethyl methacrylate P(MMA)-LiClO4polymer electrolyte prepared by solution casting technique. The electrolyte was characterized using impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The conductivity was improved from1.3×10−12 S cm−1to8.7×10−6 S cm−1upon the addition of 25 wt.% LiClO4salt into P(GMA-MMA). The conductivity was improved from1.4×10−6 S cm−1to3.0×10−4 S cm−1upon the addition of 80 wt.% EC into P(GMA-MMA)-LiClO4The band that belongs to C–O–C is shifted farther than the band of C=O upon the addition of LiClO4into P(GMA-MMA). The band of C–O–C stretching is shifted to lower wavenumber upon the addition of EC into P(GMA-MMA)-LiClO4. Upon the addition of EC into P(GMA-co-MMA), the intensity of the peaks decreases, implying the amorphous nature of the electrolyte increases with the concentration of the plasticizer. The electrolyte is electrochemically stable at 3.8 V, making it suitable for dye-sensitized solar cell application.
Exponential Synchronization of Two Nonlinearly Coupled Complex Networks with Time-Varying Delayed Dynamical Nodes
Authors: Shao Wei
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the exponential synchronization between two nonlinearly coupled complex networks with time-varying delay dynamical nodes. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, some criteria for the exponential synchronization are derived with adaptive control method. Moreover, the presented results here can also be applied to complex dynamical networks with single time delay case. Finally, numerical analysis and simulations for two nonlinearly coupled networks which are composed of the time-delayed Lorenz chaotic systems are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed complex network synchronization scheme.
Time-Dependant Responses of High-Definition Induction Log and Case Studies
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Zhenhua
Published: May 2014

The process of drilling mud filtrate invading into a reservoir is time dependant. It causes dynamic invasion profiles of formation parameters such as water saturation, salinity, and formation resistivity. Thus, the responses of a high-definition induction log (HDIL) tool are time dependent. The logging time should be considered as an important parameter during logging interpretation for the purposes of determining true formation resistivity, estimating initial water saturation, and evaluating a reservoir. The time-dependent HDIL responses are helpful for log analysts to understand the invasion process physically. Field examples were illustrated for the application of present method.
Genome-Wide miRNA Seeds Prediction in Archaea
Authors: Wang Shengqin , Xu Yuming , Lu Zuhong
Published: May 2014

Growing evidence indicates that miRNA genes exist in the archaeal genome, though the functional role of such noncoding RNA remains unclear. Here, we integrated the phylogenetic information of available archaeal genomes to predict miRNA seeds (typically defined as the 2–8 nucleotides of mature miRNAs) on the genomic scale. Finally, we found 2649 candidate seeds with significant conservation signal. Eleven of 29 unique seeds from previous study support our result (Pvalue<0.01), which demonstrates that the pipeline is suitable to predict experimentally detectable miRNA seeds. The statistical significance of the overlap between the detected archaeal seeds and known eukaryotic seeds shows that the miRNA may evolve before the divergence of these two domains of cellular life. In addition, miRNA targets are enriched for genes involved in transcriptional regulation, which is consistent with the situation in eukaryote. Our research will enhance the regulatory network analysis in Archaea.