bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Utilization of a New Immunochromatographic Test in Detection ofHelicobacter pyloriAntibody from Maternal and Umbilical Cord Serum
Authors: Kuo Fu-Chen , Wu Chien-Yi , Kuo Chao-Hung , Wu Chia-Fang , Lu Chien-Yu , Chen Yen-Hsu , Chen Chiao-Yun , Lo Yi-Ching , Wu Ming-Tsang , Hu Huang-Ming
Published: August 2014

Background.Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) was linked with several extragastrointestinal diseases, including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction of fetus. One of the signals which can be transferred from mother to fetus is theH. pyloriIgG antibody.Aims. We utilized a commercial immunochromatographic kit to detect the antibody in maternal and cord serum.Methods. Three hundred and forty-six females were enrolled and the blood samples were collected on antenatal examination and on delivery. The maternalH. pyloriinfection was determined by stoolH. pyloriantigen test.Results. One hundred and five females (30.3%) wereH. pylori-infected, and the prevalence was higher in immigrants (43.5%) than in Taiwanese (28.7%,P=0.058). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the kit were 77.1%, 88.0%, 73.6%, 89.8%, and 84.7%, respectively. This kit also had similar performance in cord serum. Comparing to the maternal result on delivery, this kit offered a consistent performance in antenatal maternal serum (kappa coefficient 0.92) and in cord serum (kappa coefficient 0.88).Conclusions.H. pyloriIgG antibody can be transferred through the placenta into the fetal circulation. However, accuracy of the test kit needs to be evaluated before utilization in screening.
Effect of Poria cocos on Puromycin Aminonucleoside‐Induced Nephrotic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Lee So Min , Lee Yun Jung , Yoon Jung Joo , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: August 2014

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with altered renal handling of water and sodium and changes in the levels of aquaporins (AQPs) and epithelial Na channels (ENaCs). The dried sclerotia of Poria cocos Wolf (WPC) have been used for treating chronic edema and nephrosis. We evaluated the effects of WPC on puromycin aminonucleoside‐ (PAN‐) induced renal functional derangement and altered renal AQP2 and ENaC expression. In the nephrotic syndrome rat model, animals were injected with 75 mg/kg PAN and then treated with Losartan (30 mg·kg−1·day−1) or WPC (200 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 7 days. In the WPC group, proteinuria and ascites improved significantly. Plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐ (LDL‐) cholesterol reduced significantly in the WPC group. In addition, the WPC group exhibited attenuation of the PAN‐induced increase in AQP2 and ENaC α/β subunit protein and mRNA levels. WPC suppressed significantly PAN‐induced organic osmolyte regulators, reducing serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible protein kinase (Sgk1) and sodium‐myo‐inositol cotransporter (SMIT) mRNA expression. Our results show that WPC improves nephrotic syndrome, including proteinuria and ascites, through inhibition of AQP2 and ENaC expression. Therefore, WPC influences body‐fluid regulation via inhibition of water and sodium channels, thereby, improving renal disorders such as edema or nephrosis.
Coexisting Papillary and Clear Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Same Kidney
Authors: Ustuner Murat , Yaprak Busra , Teke Kerem , Ciftci Seyfettin , Kart Mucahit , Yildiz Kursat , Culha Melih
Published: August 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common solid lesion of the kidney. Bilateral synchronous benign and malignant renal tumors have been defined in some reports. However, unilateral concordance of malignant renal tumors is very rare and there are only a few cases that had synchronous different subtypes of malignant renal tumors arising within the same kidney. Herein, we describe a 67-year-old male patient who had clear cell RCC and papillary RCC in his right kidney that were successfully treated with radical nephrectomy. We also reviewed the pertinent literature.
Enhanced Efficiencies for High-Concentration, Multijunction PV Systems by Optimizing Grid Spacing under Nonuniform Illumination
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Walker Alex W. , Wheeldon Jeffrey F. , Hinzer Karin , Schriemer Henry
Published: August 2014

The design of a triple junction solar cell’s front contact grid can significantly affect cell conversion efficiency under high concentration. We consider one aspect of grid design, choosing a linear grid within a distributed resistance cell model to optimize finger spacings at concentrations between 500 and 2500 suns under uniform and nonuniform illumination. Optimization for maximum efficiency under Gaussian irradiance profiles is done by SPICE analysis. Relative to the optimized uniform illumination designs, we find enhancements of 0.5% to 2% in absolute efficiencies for uniform spacing. Efficiency enhancement with nonuniform spacing under nonuniform illumination is also evaluated. Our model suggests that, at lower concentrations (<1000 suns), the penalty for using uniformly spaced fingers instead of nonuniformly spaced fingers is <0.1%. However, at a concentration of 2500 suns the penalty increases to 0.3%. Thus, relative to a uniform irradiance optimization, an absolute efficiency increase of 2.3% can be attained for an optimized nonuniform spacing given the Gaussian irradiance profile under consideration.
Risk Assessment of Opioid Misuse in Italian Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain
Authors: Ferrari Renata , Duse Genni , Capraro Michela , Visentin Marco
Published: August 2014

Objective. Opioid therapy in patients with chronic noncancer pain must be preceded by evaluation of the risk of opioid misuse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the Italian translation of the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) and of the Diagnosis Intractability Risk and Efficacy Score (DIRE) in chronic pain patients. Design. 75 chronic noncancer pain patients treated with opioids were enrolled and followed longitudinally. Risk of opioid misuse was evaluated through PMQ, DIRE, and the physician’s clinical evaluation. Pain experience and psychological characteristics were assessed through specific self-report instruments. At follow-ups, pain intensity, aberrant drug behaviors, and presence of the prescribed opioid and of illegal substances in urine were also checked. Results. PMQ demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.77) and test-retest reliability (r=0.86). Significant correlations were found between higher PMQ scores and the number of aberrant drug behaviors detected at 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups (P<0.01). Also the DIRE demonstrated good predictive validity. Conclusions. The results obtained with specific tools are more reliable than the clinician’s evaluation alone in predicting the risk of opioid misuse; regular monitoring and psychological intervention will contribute to improving compliance and outcome of long-term opioid use.
Analysis, Design, and Construction of a Base-Isolated Multiple Building Structure
Authors: Sorace Stefano , Terenzi Gloria
Published: August 2014

The analysis and design of a multiple residential building, seismically protected by a base isolation system incorporating double friction pendulum sliders as protective devices, are presented in the paper. The building, situated in the suburban area of Florence, is composed of four independent reinforced concrete framed structures, mutually separated by three thermal expansion joints. The plan is L-shaped, with dimensions of about 75 m in the longitudinal direction and about 30 m along the longest side of the transversal direction. These characteristics identify the structure as the largest example of a base-isolated “artificial ground” ever built in Italy. The base isolation solution guarantees lower costs, a much greater performance, and a finer architectural look, as compared to a conventional fixed-base antiseismic design. The characteristics of the building and the isolators, the mechanical properties and the experimental characterization campaign and preliminary sizing carried out on the latter, and the nonlinear time-history design and performance assessment analyses developed on the base isolated building are reported in this paper, along with details about the installation of the isolators and the plants and highlights of the construction works.
Changes in Biochemical, Strength, Flexibility, and Aerobic Capacity Parameters after a 1700 km Ultraendurance Cycling Race
Authors: Clemente-Suarez Vicente Javier
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the present research was to study the organic response after ultraendurance cycling race. Selected biochemical, leg strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity parameters were analyzed in 6 subjects 5 days before and 5 days after completing a 1700 km ultraendurance cycling race. After the race, participants presented a significant decrease in Hb (167.8 ± 9.5 versus 141.6 ± 15.7 mg/dL), strength (29.4 ± 2.7 versus 25.5 ± 3.7 cm in a countermovement jump), and oxygen uptake and heart rate at ventilatory threshold (1957.0 ± 458.4 versus 1755.2 ± 281.5 mL/kg/min and 140.0 ± 9.7 versus 130.8 ± 8.3 bpm, resp.). Testosterone presented a decrease tendency (4.2 ± 2.5 versus 3.9 ± 2.6 ng/L) in opposition to the increase tendency of cortisol and ammonium parameters. Transferrin and iron levels presented high values related to an overstimulation of the liver, a normal renal function, a tendency to decrease flexibility, and an increase in aerobic capacity, finding a tendency to increase the absolute maximal oxygen uptake (37.2 ±2.4 versus 38.7 ± 1.8 mL/min) in contrast to previous studies conducted with subjects with similar age. These results can be used to program training interventions, recovery times between probes, and nutritional and/or ergonomic strategies in ultraendurance events.
Individual Identification Using Linear Projection of Heartbeat Features
Authors: Singh Yogendra Narain
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a novel method to use the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal as biometrics for individual identification. The ECG characterization is performed using an automated approach consisting of analytical and appearance methods. The analytical method extracts the fiducial features from heartbeats while the appearance method extracts the morphological features from the ECG trace. We linearly project the extracted features into a subspace of lower dimension using an orthogonal basis that represent the most significant features for distinguishing heartbeats among the subjects. Result demonstrates that the proposed characterization of the ECG signal and subsequently derived eigenbeat features are insensitive to signal variations and nonsignal artifacts. The proposed system utilizing ECG biometric method achieves the best identification rates of 85.7% for the subjects of MIT-BIH arrhythmia database and 92.49% for the healthy subjects of our IIT (BHU) database. These results are significantly better than the classification accuracies of 79.55% and 84.9%, reported using support vector machine on the tested subjects of MIT-BIH arrhythmia database and our IIT (BHU) database, respectively.
Measurement in the de Broglie-Bohm Interpretation: Double-Slit, Stern-Gerlach, and EPR-B
Authors: Gondran Michel , Gondran Alexandre
Published: August 2014

We propose a pedagogical presentation of measurement in the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation. In this heterodox interpretation, the position of a quantum particle exists and is piloted by the phase of the wave function. We show how this position explains determinism and realism in the three most important experiments of quantum measurement: double-slit, Stern-Gerlach, and EPR-B. First, we demonstrate the conditions in which the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation can be assumed to be valid through continuity with classical mechanics. Second, we present a numerical simulation of the double-slit experiment performed by Jönsson in 1961 with electrons. It demonstrates the continuity between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Third, we present an analytic expression of the wave function in the Stern-Gerlach experiment. This explicit solution requires the calculation of a Pauli spinor with a spatial extension. This solution enables us to demonstrate the decoherence of the wave function and the three postulates of quantum measurement. Finally, we study the Bohm version of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment. Its theoretical resolution in space and time shows that a causal interpretation exists where each atom has a position and a spin.
Use of Nonspecific, Glutamic Acid-Free, Media and High Glycerol or High Amylase as Inducing Parameters for ScreeningBacillusIsolates Having High Yield of Polyglutamic Acid
Authors: Baxi Nandita N.
Published: August 2014

Out of fifty-fiveBacillusisolates obtained from ten different regional locations and sources, seven showed the ability to consistently produce specific extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) on rich as well as synthetic but nonspecific media which did not contain glutamic acid. The isolates were identified as eitherBacillus licheniformisorBacillus subtilis. The EPS from all isolates was resistant to alpha protease, proteinase K, and was thus of high molecular weight. Further it was detected after SDS-PAGE by methylene blue but not by coomassie blue R staining as in case of proteins with high proportion of acidic amino acids. Cell-free EPS, after acid hydrolysis, showed absence of carbohydrates and presence of only glutamic acid. Thus the native the EPS from all seven isolates was confirmed to be gamma polyglutamic acid (PGA) and not exopolysaccharide. TheBacillusisolate T which produced maximum polymer on all media tested had higher amylase: protease activity as compared to other strains. If inoculum was developed in rich medium as compared to synthetic medium, the PGA produced increased by twofold in the subsequent synthetic production medium. Similarly, use of inoculum consisting of young and vegetative cells also increased the PGA production by twofold though amount of inoculum did not affect yield of PGA. Though PGA was produced in even in the absence of glutamic acid supplementation in the production medium by all isolates, the yield of PGA increased by fourfold in the presence glutamic acid and the maximum yield was 30 g/l for isolate K. The supplementation of glutamine instead of glutamic acid into the medium caused an increase in the viscosity of the non-Newtonian solution of PGA.
Standoff Methods for the Detection of Threat Agents: A Review of Several Promising Laser-Based Techniques
Authors: Johnson J. Bruce , Allen Susan D. , Merten Jonathan , Johnson Lewis , Pinkham Daniel , Reeve Scott W.
Published: August 2014

Detection of explosives, explosive precursors, or other threat agents presents a number of technological challenges for optical sensing methods. Certainly detecting trace levels of threat agents against a complex background is chief among these challenges; however, the related issues of multiple target distances (from standoff to proximity) and sampling time scales (from passive mines to rapid rate of march convoy protection) for different applications make it unlikely that a single technique will be ideal for all sensing situations. A number of methods for spanning the range of optical sensor technologies exist which, when integrated, could produce a fused sensor system possessing a high level of sensitivity to threat agents and a moderate standoff real-time capability appropriate for portal screening of personnel or vehicles. In this work, we focus on several promising, and potentially synergistic, laser-based methods for sensing threat agents. For each method, we have briefly outlined the technique and report on the current level of capability.
Arterial Stiffness and Cardiovascular Therapy
Authors: Janić Miodrag , Lunder Mojca , Šabovič Mišo
Published: August 2014

The world population is aging and the number of old people is continuously increasing. Arterial structure and function change with age, progressively leading to arterial stiffening. Arterial stiffness is best characterized by measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV), which is its surrogate marker. It has been shown that PWV could improve cardiovascular event prediction in models that included standard risk factors. Consequently, it might therefore enable better identification of populations at high-risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present review is focused on a survey of different pharmacological therapeutic options for decreasing arterial stiffness. The influence of several groups of drugs is described: antihypertensive drugs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, and nitrates), statins, peroral antidiabetics, advanced glycation end-products (AGE) cross-link breakers, anti-inflammatory drugs, endothelin-A receptor antagonists, and vasopeptidase inhibitors. All of these have shown some effect in decreasing arterial stiffness. Nevertheless, further studies are needed which should address the influence of arterial stiffness diminishment on major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).
A Systematic Review of the Evolution of Laser Doppler Techniques in Burn Depth Assessment
Authors: Khatib Manaf , Jabir Shehab , Fitzgerald O’Connor Edmund , Philp Bruce
Published: August 2014

Aims. The introduction of laser Doppler (LD) techniques to assess burn depth has revolutionized the treatment of burns of indeterminate depth. This paper will systematically review studies related to these two techniques and trace their evolution. At the same time we hope to highlight current controversies and areas where further research is necessary with regard to LD imaging (LDI) techniques. Methods. A systematic search for relevant literature was carried out on PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Key search terms included the following: “Laser Doppler imaging,” “laser Doppler flow,” and “burn depth.” Results. A total of 53 studies were identified. Twenty-six studies which met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the review. Conclusions. The numerous advantages of LDI over those of LD flowmetry have resulted in the former technique superseding the latter one. Despite the presence of alternative burn depth assessment techniques, LDI remains the most favoured. Various newer LDI machines with increasingly sophisticated methods of assessing burn depth have been introduced throughout the years. However, factors such as cost effectiveness, scanning of topographically inconsistent areas of the body, and skewing of results due to tattoos, peripheral vascular disease, and anaemia continue to be sighted as obstacles to LDI which require further research.
The Histopathology of Labial Salivary Glands in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Focusing on Follicular Helper T Cells in the Inflammatory Infiltrates
Authors: Szabo Krisztina , Papp Gabor , Dezso Balazs , Zeher Margit
Published: August 2014

Recently, we revealed the importance of follicular helper T cells (TFH) in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). In the present study, we focused on the site of the inflammation and determined the composition of lymphocyte infiltration in labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies with special emphasis on TFHand germinal center B cells. We selected tissue blocks obtained from ten patients at the time of disease onset. Detection of cell specific markers was performed with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence stainings. We evaluated patients’ clinical and laboratory features retrospectively and assessed the relation between disease course and early histopathological findings. LSG biopsies were graded based on the extension and arrangement level of periductal inflammatory cell infiltrates. TFHcell markers (CD84, PD-1, and Bcl-6) occurred predominantly in more organized structures with higher focus scores. The coexpression of CD3 and Bcl-6 markers clearly identified TFHcells close to Bcl-6+B cells with the typical formation of germinal centers. Systemic features were developed later in the disease course only in patients with highly structured infiltrates and the presence of TFHcells. Our observations suggest that the presence of TFHcells in LSGs at the disease onset may predict a more pronounced clinical course of pSS.
18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography-Positive Lymph Node Endometriosis Masquerading as Lymph Node Metastasis of a Malignant Tumor
Authors: Akiyama Makoto , Suganuma Izumi , Mori Taisuke , Kusuki Izumi , Kuroboshi Haruo , Ito Fumitake , Matsushima Hiroshi , Sawada Morio , Kitawaki Jo
Published: August 2014

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissues at extrauterine sites, most commonly in the abdominal cavity. Lymph node endometriosis is a rare but clinically important type of endometriosis that can mimic lymph node metastasis of a malignant tumor.18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful tool for diagnosing malignant tumors, although it occasionally shows false positive results in tissues with high metabolic activity caused by severe inflammation. In the present report, we describe a case of lymph node endometriosis that mimicked lymph node metastasis of a malignant tumor and showed a positive result on18F-FDG PET/CT. The findings of the present case suggest that lymph node endometriosis could present as swollen lymph nodes with18F-FDG PET/CT-positive results and provide important information for determining an appropriate treatment strategy.
Cyclic AMP Signaling: A Molecular Determinant of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Knott Eric P. , Assi Mazen , Pearse Damien D.
Published: August 2014

Disruption of axonal integrity during injury to the peripheral nerve system (PNS) sets into motion a cascade of responses that includes inflammation, Schwann cell mobilization, and the degeneration of the nerve fibers distal to the injury site. Yet, the injured PNS differentiates itself from the injured central nervous system (CNS) in its remarkable capacity for self-recovery, which, depending upon the length and type of nerve injury, involves a series of molecular events in both the injured neuron and associated Schwann cells that leads to axon regeneration, remyelination repair, and functional restitution. Herein we discuss the essential function of the second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), in the PNS repair process, highlighting the important role the conditioning lesion paradigm has played in understanding the mechanism(s) by which cyclic AMP exerts its proregenerative action. Furthermore, we review the studies that have therapeutically targeted cyclic AMP to enhance endogenous nerve repair.
Consensus of Multiagent Networks with Intermittent Interaction and Directed Topology
Authors: Xiao Li
Published: August 2014

Intermittent interaction control is introduced to solve the consensus problem for second‐order multiagent networks due to the limited sensing abilities and environmental changes periodically. And, we get some sufficient conditions for the agents to reach consensus with linear protocol from the theoretical findings by using the Lyapunov control approach. Finally, the validity of the theoretical results is validated through the numerical example.
Estimation of Monthly Sunshine Duration in Turkey Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kandirmaz H. M. , Kaba K. , Avci M.
Published: August 2014

This paper introduces an artificial neural network (ANN) approach for estimating monthly mean daily values of global sunshine duration (SD) for Turkey. Three different ANN models, namely, GRNN, MLP, and RBF, were used in the estimation processes. A climatic variable (cloud cover) and two geographical variables (day length and month) were used as input parameters in order to obtain monthly mean SD as output. The datasets of 34 stations which spread across Turkey were split into two parts. First part covering 21 years (1980–2000) was used for training and second part covering last six years (2001–2006) was used for testing. Statistical indicators have shown that, GRNN and MLP models produced better results than the RBF model and can be used safely for the estimation of monthly mean SD.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Parathyroid Carcinoma Mimic Hürthle Cell Thyroid Neoplasm
Authors: Sriphrapradang Chutintorn , Sornmayura Pattana , Chanplakorn Niramol , Trachoo Objoon , Sae-Chew Pattarana , Aroonroch Rangsima
Published: August 2014

Background. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can cause misdiagnosis of cytomorphological findings between parathyroid and thyroid lesions.Case Presentation. A 31-year-old man presented with a palpable neck mass on the right thyroid lobe. FNA cytology was reported as intrathyroidal lymphoid hyperplasia. After 5 years, repeated FNA was done on the enlarged nodule with result of Hürthle cell lesion. Prior to right lobectomy, laboratories revealed elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Careful history taking revealed chronic knee pain and ossifying fibroma at the maxilla. Ultrasonography showed a 2.8 cm mass inferior to right thyroid lobe. Pathology fromen blocresection was parathyroid carcinoma and immunohistochemical study revealed positivity for PTH. Genetic analysis found somatic mutation ofCDC73gene in exon1 (c.70delG) which caused premature stop codon in amino acid 26 (p.Glu24Lysfs2*). The final diagnosis was hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome.Conclusions. FNA cytology of parathyroid can mimic thyroid lesion. It is important to consider and correlate the entire information from clinical history, laboratory, imaging, and FNA.
Application of Multivariate Modeling for Radiation Injury Assessment: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Bolduc David L. , Villa Vilmar , Sandgren David J. , Ledney G. David , Blakely William F. , Bünger Rolf
Published: August 2014

Multivariate radiation injury estimation algorithms were formulated for estimating severe hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) injury (i.e., response category three or RC3) in a rhesus monkey total-body irradiation (TBI) model. Classical CBC and serum chemistry blood parameters were examined prior to irradiation (d 0) and on d 7, 10, 14, 21, and 25 after irradiation involving 24 nonhuman primates (NHP) (Macaca mulatta) given 6.5-Gy60CoΥ-rays (0.4 Gy min−1) TBI. A correlation matrix was formulated with the RC3 severity level designated as the “dependent variable” and independent variables down selected based on their radioresponsiveness and relatively low multicollinearity using stepwise-linear regression analyses. Final candidate independent variables included CBC counts (absolute number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets) in formulating the “CBC” RC3 estimation algorithm. Additionally, the formulation of a diagnostic CBC and serum chemistry “CBC-SCHEM” RC3 algorithm expanded upon the CBC algorithm model with the addition of hematocrit and the serum enzyme levels of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Both algorithms estimated RC3 with over 90% predictive power. Only the CBC-SCHEM RC3 algorithm, however, met the critical three assumptions of linear least squares demonstrating slightly greater precision for radiation injury estimation, but with significantly decreased prediction error indicating increased statistical robustness.
Efficacy of Essential Oils ofThymus vulgarisandOriganum vulgareonEchinococcus granulosus
Authors: Pensel P. E. , Maggiore M. A. , Gende L. B. , Eguaras M. J. , Denegri M. G. , Elissondo M. C.
Published: August 2014

The aim of the present work was to determine thein vitroeffect ofT. vulgarisandO. vulgareessential oils againstE. granulosusprotoscoleces and cysts. Essential oils were added to the medium resulting in thymol final concentrations of 10 μg/mL. The essential oils had a time-dependent effect provoking the complete loss of protoscolex viability after 72 days of postincubation. The results were confirmed at the ultrastructure level. Loss of infectivity in protoscoleces incubated withO. vulgareafter 60 days was observed. On the other hand, the weight of cysts recorded in mice inoculated withT. vulgaristreated protoscoleces was significantly lower than that obtained in control group. Gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase activity was readily detected in the culture supernatant of protoscoleces treated either with the essential oils or thymol.T. vulgarisandO. vulgareessential oils and thymol can induce cell apoptosis of protoscoleces after short incubation times. The efficacy ofT. vulgarisandO. vulgareessential oils was also demonstratedin vitroonE. granulosusmurine cysts. Our data suggest that essential oils ofT. vulgarisandO. vulgarehave anthelmintic effect against protoscoleces and cysts ofE. granulosus.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube‐TiO2 Nanocomposite for Visible‐Light‐Induced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Dai Ke , Zhang Xiaohu , Fan Ke , Zeng Peng , Peng Tianyou
Published: August 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotube‐ (MWCNT‐) TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized via hydrothermal process and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry analysis, and N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms. Appropriate pretreatment on MWCNTs could generate oxygen‐containing groups, which is beneficial for forming intimate contact between MWCNTs and TiO2 and leads to a higher thermal stability of MWCNT‐TiO2 nanocomposite. Modification with MWCNTs can extend the visible‐light absorption of TiO2. 5 wt% MWCNT‐TiO2 derived from hydrothermal treatment at 140°C exhibiting the highest hydrogen generation rate of 15.1 μmol·h−1 under visible‐light irradiation and a wide photoresponse range from 350 to 475 nm with moderate quantum efficiency (4.4% at 420 nm and 3.7% at 475 nm). The above experimental results indicate that the MWCNT‐TiO2 nanocomposite is a promising photocatalyst with good stability and visible‐light‐induced photoactivity.
Grey Situation Group Decision-Making Method Based on Prospect Theory
Authors: Zhang Na , Fang Zhigeng , Liu Xiaqing
Published: August 2014

This paper puts forward a grey situation group decision-making method on the basis of prospect theory, in view of the grey situation group decision-making problems that decisions are often made by multiple decision experts and those experts have risk preferences. The method takes the positive and negative ideal situation distance as reference points, defines positive and negative prospect value function, and introduces decision experts’ risk preference into grey situation decision-making to make the final decision be more in line with decision experts’ psychological behavior. Based on TOPSIS method, this paper determines the weight of each decision expert, sets up comprehensive prospect value matrix for decision experts’ evaluation, and finally determines the optimal situation. At last, this paper verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the method by means of a specific example.
An Application of a Hybrid MCDM Method for the Evaluation of Entrepreneurial Intensity among the SMEs: A Case Study
Authors: Rostamzadeh Reza , Ismail Kamariah , Bodaghi Khajeh Noubar Hossein
Published: August 2014

This study presents one of the first attempts to focus on critical success factors influencing the entrepreneurial intensity of Malaysian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as they attempt to expand internationally. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and prioritize the entrepreneurial intensity among the SMEs using multicriteria decision (MCDM) techniques. In this research FAHP is used for finding the weights of criteria and subcriteria. Then for the final ranking of the companies, VIKOR (in Serbian: VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method was used. Also, as an additional tool, TOPSIS technique, is used to see the differences of two methods applied over the same data. 5 main criteria and 14 subcriteria were developed and implemented in the real-world cases. As the results showed, two ranking methods provided different ranking. Furthermore, the final findings of the research based on VIKOR and TOPSIS indicated that the firms A3 and A4 received the first rank, respectively. In addition, the firm A4 was known as the most entrepreneurial company. This research has been done in the manufacturing sector, but it could be also extended to the service sector for measurement.
Monoterpenoid Terpinen-4-ol Exhibits Anticonvulsant Activity in Behavioural and Electrophysiological Studies
Authors: Nóbrega Franklin F. F. , Salvadori Mirian G. S. S. , Masson Cintia J. , Mello Carlos F. , Nascimento Tiago S. , Leal-Cardoso José H. , de Sousa Damião P. , Almeida Reinaldo N.
Published: August 2014

Terpinen-4-ol (4TRP) is a monoterpenoid alcoholic component of essential oils obtained from several aromatic plants. We investigated the psychopharmacological and electrophysiological activities of 4TRP in male Swiss mice and Wistar rats. 4TRP was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 25 to 200 mg/kg and intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 ng/2 μL. For in vitro experiments, 4TRP concentrations were 0.1 mM and 1.0 mM. 4TRP (i.p.) inhibited pentylenetetrazol- (PTZ-) induced seizures, indicating anticonvulsant effects. Electroencephalographic recordings showed that 4TRP (i.c.v.) protected against PTZ-induced seizures, corroborating the behavioural results. To determine whether 4TRP exerts anticonvulsant effects via regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, we measured convulsions induced by 3-mercapto-propionic acid (3-MP). The obtained results showed involvement of the GABAergic system in the anticonvulsant action exerted by 4TRP, but flumazenil, a selective antagonist of the benzodiazepine site of theGABAAreceptor, did not reverse the anticonvulsant effect, demonstrating that 4TRP does not bind to the benzodiazepine-binding site. Furthermore, 4TRP decreased the sodium current through voltage-dependent sodium channels, and thus its anticonvulsant effect may be related to changes in neuronal excitability because of modulation of these channels.
A Novel Mutation in the Transglutaminase-1 Gene in an Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis Patient
Authors: Vaigundan D. , Kalmankar Neha V. , Krishnappa J. , Gowda N. Yellappa , Kutty A. V. M. , Krishnaswamy Patnam R.
Published: August 2014

Structure-function implication on a novel homozygous Trp250/Gly mutation of transglutaminase-1 (TGM1) observed in a patient of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis is invoked from a bioinformatics analysis. Structural consequences of this mutation are hypothesized in comparison to homologous enzyme human factor XIIIA accepted as valid in similar structural analysis and are projected as guidelines for future studies at an experimental level on TGM1 thus mutated.
Determination of Effective Atomic Numbers Using Different Methods for Some Low-Z Materials
Authors: Singh Vishwanath P. , Badiger N. M. , Kucuk Nil
Published: August 2014

In the present work, different methods were used to determine the effective atomic numbers of some low-Z materials, namely, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), Perspex (PX), polycarbonate (PC), nylon 6-6 (PA-6), plaster of Paris (POP), and TH/L2. These methods are the direct method, the interpolation method, Auto-Zeff software, and single value XMuDat computer program. Some of the results obtained were compared with experimental data wherever possible. It can be concluded from this work that the effective atomic numbers calculated with the direct, the interpolation and Auto-Zeff methods demonstrate a good agreement in Compton scattering and pair production energy regions. A large difference in the effective atomic numbers calculated by the direct and the interpolation methods of low-Z materials was also observed in photoelectric and pair production regions. It was determined that PE, PS, PX, and PA-6 were equivalent to adipose and muscle; POP was equivalent to cortical bone; TH/L2 was equivalent to thyroid tissue; PP was equivalent to yellow bone marrow and adipose tissues; PC was equivalent to spongiosa.
Rasch Analysis of a New Hierarchical Scoring System for Evaluating Hand Function on the Motor Assessment Scale for Stroke
Authors: Sabari Joyce S. , Woodbury Michelle , Velozo Craig A.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. (1) To develop two independent measurement scales for use as items assessing hand movements and hand activities within the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), an existing instrument used for clinical assessment of motor performance in stroke survivors; (2) To examine the psychometric properties of these new measurement scales.Design. Scale development, followed by a multicenter observational study.Setting. Inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy programs in eight hospital and rehabilitation facilities in the United States and Canada.Participants. Patients(N=332)receiving stroke rehabilitation following left (52%) or right (48%) cerebrovascular accident; mean age 64.2 years (sd 15); median 1 month since stroke onset.Intervention. Not applicable.Main Outcome Measures. Data were tested for unidimensionality and reliability, and behavioral criteria were ordered according to difficulty level with Rasch analysis.Results. The new scales assessing hand movements and hand activities met Rasch expectations of unidimensionality and reliability.Conclusion. Following a multistep process of test development, analysis, and refinement, we have redesigned the two scales that comprise the hand function items on the MAS. The hand movement scale contains an empirically validated 10-behavior hierarchy and the hand activities item contains an empirically validated 8-behavior hierarchy.
Performance Improvement Based Authentication Protocol for Intervessel Traffic Service Data Exchange Format Protocol Based on U-Navigation System in WoT Environment
Authors: Lee Byunggil , Park Namje
Published: August 2014

International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) is developing the standard intersystem VTS exchange format (IVEF) protocol for exchange of navigation and vessel information between VTS systems and between VTS and vessels. VTS (vessel traffic system) is an important marine traffic monitoring system which is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. And the demand of Inter-VTS networking has been increased for realization of e-Navigation as shore side collaboration for maritime safety. And IVEF (inter-VTS data exchange format) for inter-VTS network has become a hot research topic of VTS system. Currently, the IVEF developed by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) does not include any highly trusted certification technology for the connectors. The output of standardization is distributed as the IALA recommendation V-145, and the protocol is implemented with an open source. The IVEF open source, however, is the code used to check the functions of standard protocols. It is too slow to be used in the field and requires a large memory. And the vessel traffic information requires high security since it is highly protected by the countries. Therefore, this paper suggests the authentication protocol to increase the security of the VTS systems using the main certification server and IVEF.
A Conformational Model for MTPA Esters of Chiral N-(2-Hydroxyalkyl)acrylamides
Authors: Rustoy Eduardo M. , Baldessari Alicia , Monsalve Leandro N.
Published: August 2014

The absolute stereochemistry of novel chiral N-(2-hydroxylalkyl)acrylamides prepared by a lipase-catalyzed resolution was successfully determined by 1H NMR of their MTPA esters. The method was validated for this particular case by computational experiments.
Leucaena leucocephalaFruit Aqueous Extract Stimulates Adipogenesis, Lipolysis, and Glucose Uptake in Primary Rat Adipocytes
Authors: Kuppusamy Umah Rani , Arumugam Bavani , Azaman Nooriza , Jen Wai Chai
Published: August 2014

Leucaena leucocephalahad been traditionally used to treat diabetes. The present study was designed to evaluatein vitro“insulin-like” activities ofLeucaena leucocephala(Lam.) deWit. aqueous fruit extract on lipid and glucose metabolisms. The ability of the extract to stimulate adipogenesis, inhibit lipolysis, and activate radio-labeled glucose uptake was assessed using primary rat adipocytes. Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR was performed to investigate effects of the extract on expression levels of genes (protein kinases B, AKT; glucose transporter 4, GLUT4; hormone sensitive lipase, HSL; phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases, PI3KA; sterol regulatory element binding factor 1, Srebp1) involved in insulin-induced signaling pathways.L. leucocephalaaqueous fruit extract stimulated moderate adipogenesis and glucose uptake into adipocytes when compared to insulin. Generally, the extract exerted a considerable level of lipolytic effect at lower concentration but decreased gradually at higher concentration. The findings concurred with RT-PCR analysis. The expressions of GLUT4 and HSL genes were upregulated by twofold and onefold, respectively, whereas AKT, PI3KA, and Srebp1 genes were downregulated. TheL. leucocephalaaqueous fruit extract may be potentially used as an adjuvant in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight management due to its enhanced glucose uptake and balanced adipogenesis and lipolysis properties.
Effect of Different Deposition Power of In2O3Target on the Characteristics of IGZO Thin Films Using the Cosputtering Method
Authors: Hung Shang-Chao , Lam Kin-Tak , Yang Cheng-Fu , Liou Yu-Jhen
Published: August 2014

The (In, Ga, Zn)Ox(IGZO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates using cosputtering method in radio frequency magnetron sputtering system. Zn2Ga2O5(Ga2O3-2 ZnO, GZO) and In2O3ceramics were used as targets and dual guns were used to deposit the IGZO thin films. Deposition power of GZO target was 80 W and deposition power of pure In2O3target was changed from 70 W to 100 W, and the deposition time was 30 min. The effect of deposition power of In2O3target on the crystalline, surface, electrical, and optical properties of the IGZO thin films was investigated at room temperature in a pure Ar atmosphere. The cosputtered IGZO thin films showed a very smooth and featureless surface and an amorphous structure regardless of the deposition power of In2O3target due to the room temperature sputtering process. However, the cosputtered IGZO thin films exhibited transparent electrode properties because they had high transmittance ratio and low resistivity. The value variations in the optical band gap(Eg)values of the IGZO thin film were evaluated from the plots of(αhν)2=c(hν-Eg). We would also show that the deposition power of In2O3target would have a large effect on mobility andEgvalue of the IGZO thin films.
Cartilage Repair and Subchondral Bone Migration Using 3D Printing Osteochondral Composites: A One-Year-Period Study in Rabbit Trochlea
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Lian Qin , Li Dichen , Wang Kunzheng , Hao Dingjun , Bian Weiguo , He Jiankang , Jin Zhongmin
Published: August 2014

Increasing evidences show that subchondral bone may play a significant role in the repair or progression of cartilage damagein situ. However, the exact change of subchondral bone during osteochondral repair is still poorly understood. In this paper, biphasic osteochondral composite scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing technology using PEG hydrogel andβ-TCP ceramic and then implanted in rabbit trochlea within a critical size defect model. Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 52 weeks after implantation. Histological results showed that hyaline-like cartilage formed along with white smooth surface and invisible margin at 24 weeks postoperatively, typical tidemark formation at 52 weeks. The repaired subchondral bone formed from 16 to 52 weeks in a “flow like” manner from surrounding bone to the defect center gradually. Statistical analysis illustrated that both subchondral bone volume and migration area percentage were highly correlated with the gross appearance Wayne score of repaired cartilage. Therefore, subchondral bone migration is related to cartilage repair for critical size osteochondral defects. Furthermore, the subchondral bone remodeling proceeds in a “flow like” manner and repaired cartilage with tidemark implies that the biphasic PEG/β-TCP composites fabricated by 3D printing provides a feasible strategy for osteochondral tissue engineering application.
Oxidative Stress: Implications for the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy and Antioxidant Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Wu Ying , Tang Luosheng , Chen Baihua
Published: August 2014

In recent decades, localized tissue oxidative stress has been implicated as a key component in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress caused by diabetes-induced metabolic abnormalities is the most common mechanism associated with the pathogenesis of DR for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations results in the activation of several mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DR. In particular, damage or dysfunction caused by oxidative stress still persists even after glycemia has been normalized. Despite considerable evidence showing the beneficial effects of antioxidants in preventing the development of retinopathy, results from large-scale clinical trials on classic antioxidants are somewhat ambiguous. Scavenging reactive radicals may not be the most ideal antioxidant strategy in DR. Advances in understanding the function of ROS in the development of DR can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies based on the mechanisms of ROS generation and scavenging. Increasing amounts of data have demonstrated the promising prospect of antioxidant therapy and its beneficial effects in vision protection. Therefore, new strategies that utilize antioxidants as additive therapy should be implemented in the treatment of DR.
Elucidation of Underlying Mechanisms by WhichMillettia macrophyllaBenth Induces Its Estrogenic Activity
Authors: Zingue Stéphane , Magne Nde Chantal Beatrice , Clyne Colin , Njamen Dieudonné
Published: August 2014

Millettia macrophyllais used traditionally to treat menopause related symptoms. This plant was shown to exhibit estrogenic effectsin vitroon human embryonic kidney cells andin vivoon ovariectomized rats. The present study aimed at elucidating underlying mechanisms by whichM. macrophyllainduced its estrogenic effects. To accomplish our goal, kidney Hek293T cells transiently transfected with estrogen alpha or beta receptor expression plasmids were cotreated with a pure antiestrogen ICI 182,780 and the dichloromethane or methanol soluble fractions ofM. macrophylla.To follow up, we cotreated ovariectomized rats with both extracts and ICI 182,780 for 3 days in the classical uterotrophic assay. Animals were then sacrificed and the uterine wet weight, total protein levels in uteri, uterine, and vaginal epithelial heights, and mammary gland were assessed.In vitro,the results suggested that the induction of the estrogenic activity byM. macrophyllais due to the binding of its secondary metabolites to ERαand ERβ.In vivo, the cotreatment of extracts and ICI 182,780 significantly abrogated the biological responses induced by the extracts alone. Taken together, these results indicate that the active principles ofM. macrophyllainduce their beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms by activating the ERs.