bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin Loaded Microsponges for Colon Targeting in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Fabrication, Optimization, andIn Vitroand Pharmacodynamic Evaluation
Authors: Sareen Rashmi , Nath Kavita , Jain Nitin , Dhar K. L.
Published: July 2014

The present study was aimed to develop and optimize the microsponges of curcumin for colon specific drug delivery in a view to bypass the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for enhanced therapeutic effect. Microsponges were developed by quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method using 32full factorial design. Prepared microsponges were optimized in order to analyze the effects of independent variables (volume of ethanol and Eudragit L100) on the encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and drug release. The optimized formulation was subjected toin vivostudy using acetic acid induced colitis model in rats. The F7 was selected as optimized formulation based on particle size of 41.63 μm, % entrapment efficiency of 78.13%, and % cumulative drug release of 84.12%, and desirability factor of 0.83. Release studies revealed that microsponges prevented the premature release of curcumin in upper GIT and specifically released the drug at colonic pH. The drug release profile of F7 formulation was subjected to different kinetic models and based upon the best correlation coefficient (r2=0.9927) the release was found to follow Higuchi model, which suggested diffusion as the main mechanism of drug release. Pharmacodynamic study showed that curcumin loaded microsponges causes a significant decrease in edema, necrosis, and hemorrhage of colon as compared to free curcumin. This study proves that curcumin loaded microsponges may act as a promising drug delivery system for treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Comparison of Two Preparation Methods on Catalytic Activity and Selectivity of Ru-Mo/HZSM5 for Methane Dehydroaromatization
Authors: Petkovic Lucia M. , Ginosar Daniel M.
Published: July 2014

Catalytic performance of Mo/HZSM5 and Ru-Mo/HZSM5 catalysts prepared by vaporization-deposition of molybdenum trioxide and impregnation with ammonium heptamolybdate was analyzed in terms of catalyst activity and selectivity, nitrogen physisorption analyses, temperature-programmed oxidation of carbonaceous residues, and temperature-programmed reduction. Vaporization-deposition rendered the catalyst more selective to ethylene and coke than the catalyst prepared by impregnation. This result was assigned to lower interaction of molybdenum carbide with the zeolite acidic sites.
A Review ofCO2Sequestration Projects and Application in China
Authors: Tang Yong , Yang Ruizhi , Bian Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2014

In 2008, the top CO2emitters were China, United States, and European Union. The rapid growing economy and the heavy reliance on coal in China give rise to the continued growth of CO2emission, deterioration of anthropogenic climate change, and urgent need of new technologies. Carbon Capture and sequestration is one of the effective ways to provide reduction of CO2emission and mitigation of pollution. Coal-fired power plants are the focus of CO2source supply due to their excessive emission and the energy structure in China. And over 80% of the large CO2sources are located nearby storage reservoirs. In China, the CO2storage potential capacity is of about 3.6 × 109 t for all onshore oilfields; 30.483 × 109 t for major gas fields between 900 m and 3500 m of depth; 143.505 × 109 t for saline aquifers; and 142.67 × 109 t for coal beds. On the other hand, planation, soil carbon sequestration, and CH4–CO2reforming also contribute a lot to carbon sequestration. This paper illustrates some main situations about CO2sequestration applications in China with the demonstration of several projects regarding different ways of storage. It is concluded that China possesses immense potential and promising future of CO2sequestration.
Effect of Exercise Intensity on Isoform-Specific Expressions of NT-PGC-1αmRNA in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wen Xingyuan , Wu Jing , Chang Ji Suk , Zhang Pengcheng , Wang Jianzhu , Zhang Yaliang , Gettys Thomas W. , Zhang Yubin
Published: July 2014

PGC-1αis an inducible transcriptional coactivator that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. Recent studies have identified two additional PGC-1αtranscripts that are derived from an alternative exon 1 (exon 1b) and induced by exercise. Given that the PGC-1αgene also produces NT-PGC-1αtranscript by alternative 3′ splicing between exon 6 and exon 7, we have investigated isoform-specific expression of NT-PGC-1αmRNA in mouse skeletal muscle during physical exercise with different intensities. We report here that NT-PGC-1α-a mRNA expression derived from a canonical exon 1 (exon 1a) is increased by high-intensity exercise and AMPK activator AICAR in mouse skeletal muscle but not altered by low- and medium-intensity exercise andβ2-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol. In contrast, the alternative exon 1b-driven NT-PGC-1α-b (PGC-1α4) and NT-PGC-1α-c are highly induced by low-, medium-, and high-intensity exercise, AICAR, and clenbuterol. Ectopic expression of NT-PGC-1α-a in C2C12myotube cells upregulates myosin heavy chain (MHC I, MHC II a) and Glut4, which represent oxidative fibers, and promotes the expression of mitochondrial genes (Cyc1, COX5B, and ATP5B). In line with gene expression data, citrate synthase activity was significantly increased by NT-PGC-1α-a in C2C12myotube cells. Our results indicate the regulatory role for NT-PGC-1α-a in mitochondrial biogenesis and adaptation of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise.
Properties (V) and (wV) in Projective Tensor Products
Authors: Ghenciu Ioana
Published: July 2014

We give sufficient conditions for a subset of K(X,Y*)=L(X,Y*) to be relatively weakly compact. A Banach space X has property (V) (resp., (wV)) if every V-subset of X* is relatively weakly compact (resp., weakly precompact). We prove that the projective tensor product X⊗πY has property (V) (resp., (wV)), when X has property (V) (resp., (wV)), Y has property (V), and W(X,Y*)=K(X,Y*).
A Socially Aware Routing Based on Local Contact Information in Delay-Tolerant Networks
Authors: Kim Chan-Myung , Han Youn-Hee , Youn Joo-Sang , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: July 2014

In delay-tolerant networks, network topology changes dynamically and there is no guarantee of continuous connectivity between any two nodes. These features make DTN routing one of important research issues, and the application of social network metrics has led to the design of recent DTN routing schemes. In this paper, we propose an efficient routing scheme by using a node’s local contact history and social network metrics. Each node first chooses a proper relay node based on the closeness to the destination node. A locally computed betweenness centrality is additionally utilized to enhance the routing efficiency. Through intensive simulation, we finally demonstrate that our algorithm performs efficiently compared to the existing epidemic or friendship routing scheme.
Effects of Single or Combined Treatments with Radiation and Chemotherapy on Survival and Danger Signals Expression in Glioblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Pasi Francesca , Paolini Alessandro , Nano Rosanna , Di Liberto Riccardo , Capelli Enrica
Published: July 2014

The success of chemo- and radiotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and lethal primary brain tumour, could rely on the induction of immunogenic tumour cell death and on the induction of anticancer immune response. In this study we investigated cell survival to single treatments or combination of X-rays and temozolomide in glioblastoma cell lines (T98G and U251MG) and we attempted to identify danger signals (HMGB1 and HSP70) released by dying cells in the microenvironment that could activate antitumour immunity contributing to the therapeutic efficacy of conventional treatments. Our data suggest that HSP70 translocates from cytoplasm to extracellular environment after an increase in radiation dose and HMGB1 translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and subsequently is released into the extracellular space, confirming a role of these proteins as signals released after radiation-induced damage in glioblastoma cells. We also could state that TMZ had limited effectiveness in activating HMGB1 and HSP70 signalling and, instead, an adjuvant effect was observed in some combined treatments, depending on schedule, cell line, and timing. A big challenge in tumour therapy is, therefore, to identify the most beneficial combination and chronology of multiple treatment options to contribute to the improvement of the therapeutic outcome.
Integral Transforms of Functions to Be in a Class of Analytic Functions Using Duality Techniques
Authors: Devi Satwanti , Swaminathan A.
Published: July 2014

Let Wβ(α,γ), β<1, denote the class of all normalized analytic functions f in the unit disc D={z∈C:|z|<1} such that Re(eiϕ((1-α+2γ)(f/z)+(α-2γ)f'+γzf″-β))>0, z∈D, for some ϕ∈R with α≥0, γ≥0, and β<1. Let M(ξ), 0≤ξ≤1, denote the Pascu class of ξ-convex functions given by the analytic condition Re((ξz(zf'(z))'+(1-ξ)zf'(z))/ (ξzf'(z)+(1-ξ)f(z)))>0 which unifies the classes of starlike and convex functions. The aim of this paper is to find conditions on λ(t) so that the integral transform of the form Vλ(f)(z)=∫01‍λ(t)(f(tz)/t)dt
carry functions from Wβ(α,γ) into M(ξ). As for the applications, for specific values of λ(t), it is found that several known integral operators carry functions from Wβ(α,γ) into M(ξ). The results for a more generalized operator related to Vλ(f)(z) are also given.
The Application of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Infant Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Zhu Xueping , Zhu Xiaoli , Chen Weichang , Chen Jianhua
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) to investigate the activated region associated with visceral pain in the brains of infant rats in a model of IBS. Sixteen newborn rats were randomized into an IBS model group and a control group. Those in the IBS group were separated from their mothers and were mechanically immobilized and had rectal sensitization with mustard essential oil for 1 week. The control group had no treatment. After 2 weeks, balloon catheters were inflated with 5 or 10 mL of air in the rectums of both groups. BOLD-fMRI was performed and the data analyzed by imaging software. In the IBS model group, rectal stimulation with 5 mL air distension activated the anterior cingulate cortex, insula cortex (IC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and thalamus, while 10 mL air significantly activated the ACC, IC, PFC, and thalamus in the model, but not controls. IBS model group was hypersensitive to visceral stimulation by rectal balloon inflation. The major brain areas participating in visceral sensation included the IC, PFC, and thalamus.
Predictive Factors Affecting the Short Term and Long Term Exodrift in Patients with Intermittent Exotropia after Bilateral Rectus Muscle Recession and Its Effect on Surgical Outcome
Authors: Yam Jason C. S. , Chong Gabriela S. L. , Wu Patrick K. W. , Wong Ursula S. F. , Chan Clement W. N. , Ko Simon T. C.
Published: July 2014

Purpose. To determine the predictive factors that affect short term and long term postoperative drift in intermittent exotropia after bilateral lateral rectus recession and to evaluate its effect on surgical outcome.Methods. Retrospective review of 203 patients with diagnosis of intermittent exotropia, who had surgical corrections with more than 3 years of followup. Different preoperative parameters were obtained and evaluated using Pearson’s correlation analysis.Results. The proportion of exodrift increased from 62% at 6 weeks to 84% at 3 years postoperatively. The postoperative drift was4.3±8.1 PD at 6 weeks,5.8±8.4 PD at 6 months,7.2 ± 8.3 PD at 1 year,7.4 ± 8.4 PD at 2 years, and7.7 ± 8.5 PD at 3 years. Preoperative deviation and initial overcorrection were significant factors affecting the postoperative drift at 3 years (r=0.177,P=0.011,r=-0.349, andP<0.001, resp.).Conclusions. Postoperative exodrift along three years occurs in a majority of patients after bilateral lateral rectus recession for intermittent exotropia. The long term surgical success is significantly affected by this postoperative exodrift. A larger preoperative deviation and a larger initial overcorrection are associated with a larger early and late postoperative exodrift.
Dentigerous Cyst or Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor: Clinical Radiological and Histopathological Dilemma
Authors: Acharya Shivesh , Goyal Ashima , Rattan Vidya , Vaiphei Kim , Kaur Bhatia Sarabjot
Published: July 2014

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a well-recognised slow growing benign tumor derived from complex system of dental lamina or its remnants. This lesion is categorised into three variants of which the more common variant is follicular type which is often mistaken for dentigerous cyst. We present a case of AOT in a 14-year-old male who was misdiagnosed as dentigerous cyst. Clinical radiological and therapeutic characteristics of the case are commented on in detail.
Cofactor Independent Phosphoglycerate Mutase ofBrugia malayiInduces a Mixed Th1/Th2 Type Immune Response and Inhibits Larval Development in the Host
Authors: Singh Prashant K. , Kushwaha Susheela , Rana Ajay K. , Misra-Bhattacharya Shailja
Published: July 2014

Lymphatic filariasis is a major debilitating disease, endemic in 72 countries putting more than 1.39 billion people at risk and 120 million are already infected. Despite the significant progress in chemotherapeutic advancements, there is still need for other measures like development of an effective vaccine or discovery of novel drug targets. In this study, structural and immunological characterization of independent phosphoglycerate mutase of filarial parasiteBrugia malayiwas carried out. Protein was found to be expressed in all major parasite life stages and as an excretory secretory product of adult parasites. Bm-iPGM also reacted to all the categories of human bancroftian patient’s sera including endemic normals.In vivoimmunological behaviour of protein was determined in immunized BALB/c mice followed by prophylactic analysis in BALB/c mice andMastomys coucha. Immunization with Bm-iPGM led to generation of a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response offering 58.2% protection against larval challenge in BALB/c and 65–68% protection inM. coucha.In vitrostudies confirmed participation of anti-Bm-iPGM antibodies in killing ofB. malayiinfective larvae and microfilariae through ADCC mechanism. The present findings reveal potential immunoprotective nature of Bm-iPGM advocating its worth as an antifilarial vaccine candidate.
Factors Influencing the Intention of Perinatal Nurses to Adopt the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in Southeastern Quebec, Canada: Implications for Practice
Authors: Chabot Guylaine , Lacombe Marie
Published: July 2014

Nurses play a major role in promoting the baby-friendly hospital initiative (BFHI), yet the adoption of this initiative by nurses remains a challenge in many countries, despite evidences of its positive impacts on breastfeeding outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing perinatal nurses to adopt the BFHI in their practice.Methods. A sample of 159 perinatal nurses from six hospital-based maternity centers completed a survey based on the theory of planned behavior. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between key independent variables and nurses’ intention to adopt the BFHI in their practice. A discriminant analysis of nurses’ beliefs helped identify the targets of actions to foster the adoption the BFHI among nurses.Results. The participants are mainly influenced by factors pertaining to their perceived capacity to overcome the strict criteria of the BFHI, the mothers’ approval of a nursing practice based on the BFHI, and the antenatal preparation of the mothers.Conclusions. This study provides theory-based evidence for the development of effective interventions aimed at promoting the adoption of the BFHI in nurses’ practice.
A New Wireless VoIP Signaling Device Supporting SIP and H.323 Protocols
Authors: Rattal Salma , Badri Abdelmajid , Moughit Mohammed
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, VoIP is a technology with a great demand and wireless networks are increasingly deployed. Each of these has its own technology constraints. For VoIP, it is very important to take into consideration the need to provide a high quality service according to well-defined standard transmission (jitter, end-to-end delay, MOS, and packet loss). However, wireless networks (IEEE 802.11) are based on radio which undergoes a number of technical constraints to achieve theoretical transmission rates; among these constraints the number of users of the networks, the distance between the client and the access, and the amount of data transmitted point are included. In this term, a study is made by simulating wireless network in OPNET Modeler with a fairly large number of VoIPs (15 users) whose signaling is handled via a new node that was created specifically to manage the signaling tasks under SIP and H.323 in order to minimize the number of nodes in the network and avoid the congestion. In this paper, two scenarios are compared; the first contains a number of VoIP users with SIP and H.323 signaling handled by the new created device; the second scenario is similar to the first except that the distance between the stations is remarkably lower.
A Comparative Performance Analysis of Total PSA, Percentage Free PSA, PSA Velocity, and PSA Density versus the Detection of Primary Circulating Prostate Cells in Predicting Initial Prostate Biopsy Findings in Chilean Men
Authors: Murray Nigel P. , Reyes Eduardo , Orellana Nelson , Fuentealba Cynthia , Dueñas Ricardo
Published: July 2014

Introduction. PSA parameters have been used in an attempt to improve the diagnostic yield of prostate screening tests; the detection of primary malignant circulating prostate cells (CPCs) may improve the diagnostic yield of screening and therefore avoid unnecessary biopsies.Patients and Methods. Prospective study of all men undergoing initial prostate biopsy due to an elevated total serum PSA. Free percent PSA, PSA velocity, and PSA density were determined. Primary CPCs were detected using standard immunocytochemistry. A positive test for CPCs was defined as one cell PSA (+) P504S (+) in an 8 ml blood sample. Positive predictive and negative predictive values, specificity, and sensitivity were calculated for each test as well as the number of biopsies avoided and cancers missed.Results. 303 men participated in the study of whom 113/303 (37.3%) men had prostate cancer. Of the three PSA based parameters, free percent PSA was superior, sensitivity 70.8%, and specificity 67.4%. Primary CPCs detection had a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 88.4% avoiding 181 (59.7%) biopsies, detecting 93/95 (98%) of clinically significant cancers, and missing 13 (11.5%) low grade, small volume tumors.Conclusions. The use of primary CPCs as a sequential test could decrease the number of initial prostate biopsies missing those cancers which are treated by active observation.
Adiponectin, Leptin, and Chemerin in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Close Linkage with Obesity and Length of the Disease
Authors: Coimbra Susana , Brandão Proença Jorge , Santos-Silva Alice , Neuparth Maria João
Published: July 2014

Obesity, insulin resistance, and aging are closely associated and adipokines seem to have a crucial role in their pathophysiology. We aim to study the relationship between aging and chemerin, adiponectin, and leptin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Age correlated positively with chemerin and leptin and inversely with adiponectin. Body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with leptin (in males) and chemerin and inversely with adiponectin. The patients with ≥65 years(n=34)showed significantly higher leptin and chemerin and lower adiponectin levels than middle-aged (38–64 years) patients(n=39)and controls(n=20). After statistical adjustment for length of disease, there was a loss of significance, between T2DM groups, for adiponectin and, in female, for leptin. In the older group, BMI correlated with adiponectin and with leptin, but not with chemerin. Adiponectin and leptin levels in elderly T2DM patients seem to be closely linked to obesity and to length of the disease. In elderly T2DM patients, chemerin concentrations are increased and seem to be independent of length of disease and BMI, suggesting that adipocyte dysfunction is enhanced with aging. The understanding of the glucose homeostasis impairment in the elderly is mandatory in order to achieve ways to improve their quality of life and longevity.
Efficacy of a Hypotonic Treatment for Peritoneal Dissemination from Gastric Cancer Cells: AnIn VivoEvaluation
Authors: Shiozaki Atsushi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Takemoto Kenichi , Nako Yoshito , Nakashima Shingo , Shimizu Hiroki , Kitagawa Maki , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Konishi Hirotaka , Komatsu Shuhei , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Marunaka Yoshinori , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of a hypotonic treatment for peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer cells using anin vivomodel. We firstly evaluated the toxicity of a peritoneal injection of distilled water (DW) (2 mL for 3 days) in mice. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations revealed that the peritoneal injection of DW did not severely damage the abdominal organs of these mice. MKN45 gastric cancer cells preincubated with NaCl buffer or DW for 20 minutesin vitrowere then intraperitoneally injected into nude mice, and the development of dissemination nodules was analyzed. The total number, weight, and volume of the dissemination nodules were significantly decreased by the DW preincubation. We then determined whether the peritoneal injection of DW inhibited the establishment of peritoneal dissemination. After a peritoneal injection of MKN45 cells into nude mice, NaCl buffer or DW was injected into the abdominal cavity for 3 days. The total volume of dissemination nodules was significantly lower in DW-injected mice than in NaCl-injected mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated the safeness of a peritoneal injection of DW. Furthermore, the development of dissemination nodules from gastric cancer cells was prevented by a preincubation with or peritoneal injection of DW.
Startpoints and(α,γ)-Contractions in Quasi-Pseudometric Spaces
Authors: Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: July 2014

We introduce the concept ofstartpointandendpointfor multivalued maps defined on a quasi-pseudometric space. We investigate the relation between these new concepts and the existence of fixed points for these set valued maps.
Time-Dependent Global Sensitivity Analysis for Long-Term Degeneracy Model Using Polynomial Chaos
Authors: Guo Jianbin , Du Shaohua , Wang Yao , Zeng Shengkui
Published: July 2014

Global sensitivity is used to quantify the influence of uncertain model inputs on the output variability of static models in general. However, very few approaches can be applied for the sensitivity analysis of long-term degeneracy models, as far as time-dependent reliability is concerned. The reason is that the static sensitivity may not reflect the completed sensitivity during the entire life circle. This paper presents time-dependent global sensitivity analysis for long-term degeneracy models based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE). Sobol’ indices are employed as the time-dependent global sensitivity since they provide accurate information on the selected uncertain inputs. In order to compute Sobol’ indices more efficiently, this paper proposes a moving least squares (MLS) method to obtain the time-dependent PCE coefficients with acceptable simulation effort. Then Sobol’ indices can be calculated analytically as a postprocessing of the time-dependent PCE coefficients with almost no additional cost. A test case is used to show how to conduct the proposed method, then this approach is applied to an engineering case, and the time-dependent global sensitivity is obtained for the long-term degeneracy mechanism model.
Acupuncture Induces Time‐Dependent Remodelling Brain Network on the Stable Somatosensory First‐Ever Stroke Patients: Combining Diffusion Tensor and Functional MR Imaging
Authors: Bai Lijun , Tao Yin , Wang Dan , Wang Jing , Sun Chuanzhu , Hao Nongxiao , Chen Shangjie , Lao Lixing
Published: July 2014

Different treatment interventions induce distinct remodelling of network architecture of entire motor system. Acupuncture has been proved to be of a promising efficacy in motor recovery. However, it is still unclear whether the reorganization of motor‐related brain network underlying acupuncture is related with time since stroke and severity of deficit at baseline. The aim of study was to characterize the relation between motor‐related brain organization following acupuncture and white matter microstructural changes at an interval of two weeks. We demonstrated that acupuncture induced differential reorganization of motor‐related network for stroke patients as time‐lapse since stroke. At the baseline, acupuncture can induce the increased functional connectivity between the left primary motor cortex (M1) and the right M1, premotor cortex, supplementary motor area (SMA), thalamus, and cerebellum. After two‐week recovery, the increased functional connectivity of the left M1 was more widely distributed and primarily located in the insula, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and SMA. Furthermore, a significant negative relation existed between the FA value in the left M1 at the baseline scanning and node centrality of this region following acupuncture for both baseline and two‐week recovery. Our findings may shed a new insight on understanding the reorganization of motor‐related theory underlying motor impairments after brain lesions in stroke patients.
A Surgical Navigation System for Guiding Exact Cochleostomy Using Auditory Feedback: A Clinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Cho Byunghyun , Matsumoto Nozomu , Komune Shizuo , Hashizume Makoto
Published: July 2014

In cochlear implantation (CI), the insertion of the electrode array into the appropriate compartment of the cochlea, the scala tympani, is important for an optimal hearing outcome. The current surgical technique for CI depends primarily on the surgeon’s skills and experience level to achieve the correct placement of the electrode array, and the surgeon needs to confirm that the exact placement is achieved prior to completing the procedure. Thus, a surgical navigation system can help the surgeon to access the scala tympani without injuring important organs in the complex structure of the temporal bone. However, the use of a surgical microscope has restricted the effectiveness of the surgical navigation because it has been difficult to deliver the navigational information to the surgeon from outside of the surgeon’s visual attention. We herein present a clinical feasibility study of an auditory feedback function developed as a computer-surgeon interface that can guide the surgeon to the preset cochleostomy location. As a result, the surgeon could confirm that the drilling point was correct, while keeping his or her eyes focused on the microscope. The proposed interface reduced the common frustration that surgeons experience when using surgical navigation during otologic surgeries.
Differentiated Service Based Interference-Aware Routing for Multigateway Multiradio Multichannel Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Wang Jihong , Shi Wenxiao , Xu Yinlong , Li Yuxin
Published: July 2014

Routing metric helps select optimal path from source node to destination node. It is the key for the whole network performance and needs to be designed carefully. Existing routing metrics have at least one of the limitations listed below. (1) Internet-oriented traffic is considered only, and client-oriented traffic is omitted, or vice versa. (2) Route selection is done in mesh network with a single gateway, so route selection is only related to selecting a route path without selecting gateway node. (3) The isotonic requirement cannot be satisfied. In order to conquer the limitations aforementioned and guide route selection, an isotonic differentiated service based interference-aware routing metric is proposed for mesh networks with multiple gateways. Traffic pattern, node load, gateway load, and intraflow and interflow interference are all taken into consideration to guide the selection of best path and best gateway. Simulations reveal that the proposed metric outperforms state-of-art metrics in terms of the average network throughput and average end-to-end delay.
Theoretical Study of Wood Microwave Pretreatment in Rectangular Cavity for Fabricating Wood‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Luo Yongfeng , Li Xi , Li Xianjun , Zhang Jianxiong
Published: July 2014

Modifying wood by high intensive microwave pretreatment method is widely researched for the fabrication of wood‐based nanocomposites, but the temperature uniformity and energy efficiency of microwave pretreatment have not reached the ideal state. In this study, the pretreated wood in rectangular cavity by high intensive microwave is theoretically studied by the finite element method based on the Maxwell electromagnetic field equations and the heat and mass transfer theory. The results show that the temperature uniformity and energy efficiency are related to the microwave feeding modes. Compared with the single‐port and the two‐port feeding mode, the four‐port feeding mode is the best case on temperature uniformity and energy efficiency. The optimized parameters of cavity to pretreatment wood are achieved, which are that the height of cavities is between 0.08 m and 0.11 m in the four‐port feeding mode when the thickness of wood is 0.06 m.
Risk Efficiencies of Empirical Bayes and Generalized Maximum Likelihood Estimates for Rayleigh Model under Censored Data
Authors: Barot Dinesh , Patel Manhar
Published: July 2014

The comparison of empirical Bayes and generalized maximum likelihood estimates of reliability performances is made in terms of risk efficiencies when the data are progressively Type II censored from Rayleigh distribution. The empirical Bayes estimates are obtained using an asymmetric loss function. The risk functions of the estimates and risk efficiencies are obtained under this loss function. A real data set is presented to illustrate the proposed comparison method, and the performance of the estimates is examined and compared in terms of risk efficiencies by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results indicate that the proposed empirical Bayes estimates are more preferable than the generalized maximum likelihood estimates.
Differences of Various Region-of-Interest Methods for Measuring Dopamine Transporter Availability UsingTc99m-TRODAT-1 SPECT
Authors: Yin Tang-Kai , Lee Bi-Fang , Yang Yen Kuang , Chiu Nan-Tsing
Published: July 2014

This study was to investigate whether various region-of-interest (ROI) methods for measuring dopamine transporter (DAT) availabilities by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are statistically different, whether results of medical research are thereby influenced, and causes of these differences. Eighty-four healthy adults withTc99m-TRODAT-1 SPECT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were included. Six major analysis approaches were compared: (1) ROI drawn on the coregistered MRI; (2) ROIs drawn on the SPECT images; (3) standard ROI templates; (4) threshold-ROIs; (5) atlas-based mappings with coregistered MRI; and (6) atlas-based mappings with SPECT images. Using the atlas-based approaches we assessed the influence of striatum ROIs by slice-wise and voxel-wise comparisons. In (5) and (6), three partial-volume correction (PVC) methods were also explored. The results showed that DAT availabilities obtained from different methods were closely related but quite different and leaded to significant differences in determining the declines of DAT availability per decade (range: 5.95–11.99%). Use of 3D whole-striatum or more transverse slices could avoid biases in measuring the striatal DAT declines per decade. Atlas-based methods with PVC may be the preferable methods for medical research.
The Diagnostic Value of β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Progesterone, and Ischemia-Modified Albumin and Their Combined Use in the Prediction of First Trimester Abortions
Authors: Osmanağaoğlu Mehmet A. , Karahan S. Caner , Aran Turhan , Güven Süleyman , Turgut Elif , Menteşe Ahmet , Bozkaya Hasan
Published: July 2014

Objective. To investigate serum levels of free β-HCG, progesterone, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and their combined use in the prediction of first trimester abortions. Methods. A total of 156 pregnant women between 5 and 13 weeks of gestational age were included in this study. At admission, serum levels of free β-HCG, progesterone, and IMA were noted and all cases were divided into two groups; Group I (n=77) resulted in abortion including missed abortion, incomplete/complete abortion, and inevitable abortion whereas Group II (n=79) included normal pregnancies. Results. Compared to Group II, the significantly decreased value of free β-HCG progesterone and significantly increased value of IMA were found in Group I (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, resp.). When combining all three parameters, sensitivity 75%, specificity 99%, PPV 98%, and NPV 76% were obtained. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the free β-HCG, progesterone, and IMA independent factors in the prediction of abortions. Conclusions. The combined use of free β-HCG, progesterone, and IMA levels can be useful in the prediction of first trimester spontaneous abortions.
Multigranulations Rough Set Method of Attribute Reduction in Information Systems Based on Evidence Theory
Authors: Yan Minlun
Published: July 2014

Attribute reduction is one of the most important problems in rough set theory. However, from the granular computing point of view, the classical rough set theory is based on a single granulation. It is necessary to study the issue of attribute reduction based on multigranulations rough set. To acquire brief decision rules from information systems, this paper firstly investigates attribute reductions by combining the multigranulations rough set together with evidence theory. Concepts of belief and plausibility consistent set are proposed, and some important properties are addressed by the view of the optimistic and pessimistic multigranulations rough set. What is more, the multigranulations method of the belief and plausibility reductions is constructed in the paper. It is proved that a set is an optimistic (pessimistic) belief reduction if and only if it is an optimistic (pessimistic) lower approximation reduction, and a set is an optimistic (pessimistic) plausibility reduction if and only if it is an optimistic (pessimistic) upper approximation reduction.
Expression ofIMPDHmRNA after Mycophenolate Administration in Male Volunteers
Authors: Kim Sollip , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Um Tae Hyun , Min Won-Ki
Published: July 2014

Background. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the first-line antimetabolic immunosuppressants used in solid organ transplantation. Here,in vivoexpressions of the pharmacodynamic markerIMPDHmRNA were analyzed to investigate its usefulness in assessing drug effects.Materials and Methods. Six healthy male volunteers who had the same genotype for genes known to be associated with drug metabolism and effects were selected to remove the confounding effect of these genotypes. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 1 g) was administered once to each subject, and blood samples were collected with certain interval before and after MMF administration to measure lymphocyte expression levels ofIMPDH1andIMPDH2mRNA. One week later, the experiment was repeated.Results. WhereasIMPDH1mRNA expression was stable,IMPDH2mRNA expression showed 2 peaks in the first week. BothIMPDH1andIMPDH2mRNA expression in the second week remarkably decreased from the first week.Conclusion. The temporary increase inIMPDH2mRNA expression in the first week might be due to a reactive reaction against the plasma MPA concentration. In the second week, the intracellular guanosine monophosphate might be depleted, renderingIMPDH2mRNA synthesis inactive. When MPA is regularly administered to reach a steady state, theIMPDH2mRNA expression may be kept low and may effectively reflect biological responses regardless of drug intake.
Cellular Angiofibroma of the Prostate: A Rare Tumor in an Unusual Location
Authors: Wyn Inez , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben , Sciot Raf
Published: July 2014

We report the unusual occurrence of a cellular angiofibroma in prostatic tissue. In this case, a 84-year-old man presented in the emergency room with urinary retention. Ultrasound revealed an enlarged prostate, which was suggestive for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patient was treated with a Millin retropubic prostatectomy. Macroscopically the prostate contained multiple circumscribed nodules. Microscopic examination of the tumor showed the appearance of cellular angiofibroma, consisting of bland spindle cells and prominent, hyalinized vessels. The diagnosis was supported by FISH, which revealed monoallelic loss ofRB1/13q14 region, as seen in spindle cell lipoma, (extra-) mammary myofibroblastoma, and cellular angiofibroma. Cellular angiofibromas are rare, benign soft tissue tumours and were never reported in the prostatic gland.
Potential Smoothened Inhibitor from Traditional Chinese Medicine against the Disease of Diabetes, Obesity, and Cancer
Authors: Chen Kuan-Chung , Sun Mao-Feng , Chen Hsin-Yi , Lee Cheng-Chun , Chen Calvin Yu-Chian
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, obesity becomes a serious global problem, which can induce a series of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and stoke. For the mechanisms of diseases, the hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role in body patterning during embryogenesis. For this reason, smoothened homologue (Smo) protein had been indicated as the drug target. In addition, the small-molecule Smo inhibitor had also been used in oncology clinical trials. To improve drug development of TCM compounds, we aim to investigate the potent lead compounds as Smo inhibitor from the TCM compounds in TCM Database@Taiwan. The top three TCM compounds, precatorine, labiatic acid, and 2,2′-[benzene-1,4-diylbis(methanediyloxybenzene-4,1-diyl)]bis(oxoacetic acid), have displayed higher potent binding affinities than the positive control, LY2940680, in the docking simulation. After MD simulations, which can optimize the result of docking simulation and validate the stability of H-bonds between each ligand and Smo protein under dynamic conditions, top three TCM compounds maintain most of interactions with Smo protein, which keep the ligand binding stable in the binding domain. Hence, we propose precatorine, labiatic acid, and 2,2′-[benzene-1,4-diylbis(methanediyloxybenzene-4,1-diyl)]bis(oxoacetic acid) as potential lead compounds for further study in drug development process with the Smo protein.
Phytochemicals: A Multitargeted Approach to Gynecologic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Farrand Lee , Oh Se-Woong , Song Yong Sang , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: July 2014

Gynecologic cancers constitute the fourth most common cancer type in women. Treatment outcomes are dictated by a multitude of factors, including stage at diagnosis, tissue type, and overall health of the patient. Current therapeutic options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, although significant unmet medical needs remain in regard to side effects and long-term survival. The efficacy of chemotherapy is influenced by cellular events such as the overexpression of oncogenes and downregulation of tumor suppressors, which together determine apoptotic responses. Phytochemicals are a broad class of natural compounds derived from plants, a number of which exhibit useful bioactive effects toward these pathways. High-throughput screening methods, rational modification, and developments in regulatory policies will accelerate the development of novel therapeutics based on these compounds, which will likely improve overall survival and quality of life for patients.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection of Quorum Sensing Activity in Multidrug Resistant Clinical IsolateAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Chan Kok-Gan , Cheng Huey Jia , Chen Jian Woon , Yin Wai-Fong , Ngeow Yun Fong
Published: July 2014

ManyProteobacteriacommunicate via production followed by response of quorum sensing molecules, namely,N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). These molecules consist of a lactone moiety withN-acyl side chain with various chain lengths and degrees of saturation at C-3 position. AHL-dependent QS is often associated with regulation of diverse bacterial phenotypes including the expression of virulence factors. With the use of biosensor and high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, the AHL production of clinical isolateA. baumannii4KT was studied. Production of short chain AHL, namely,N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) andN-octanoyl-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL), was detected.
Efficacy of Zonisamide in Migraineurs with Nonresponse to Topiramate
Authors: Chung Jin-Young , Kim Min-Wook , Kim Manho
Published: July 2014

This study investigated another type of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and antiepileptic drug, zonisamide, in order to evaluate its potential effectiveness for migraine prophylaxis refractory to topiramate, and to assess intolerability to adverse events, paresthesia in particular. This is an open-labeled retrospective single center study. We included headache patients who met the requirement of migraine without aura and were refractory to topiramate. Patients were treated only with zonisamide 100 mg/day, directly switching from topiramate. Patients were monitored every month for three months. A positive response to treatment (responders) was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in headache days at three months after study commencement, compared with baseline. One hundred and twenty migraineurs who were refractory to topiramate were recruited. Compared with baseline, headache days with zonisamide showed a decrease, compared with baseline (P<0.01). Two patients complained of adverse effects, such as paresthesia. These results suggest that zonisamide is effective for migraine prophylaxis refractory to topiramate, or intolerable patients due to topiramate-induced paresthesia.
Gastric Emphysema a Spectrum of Pneumatosis Intestinalis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: López-Medina Guillermo , Castillo Díaz de León Roxana , Heredia-Salazar Alberto Carlos , Hernández-Salcedo Daniel Ramón
Published: July 2014

The finding of gas within the gastric wall is not a disease by itself, rather than a sign of an underlying condition which could be systemic or gastric. We present the case of a woman identified with gastric emphysema secondary to the administration of high doses of steroids, with the purpose of differentiating emphysematous gastritis versus gastric emphysema due to the divergent prognostic implications. Gastric emphysema entails a more benign course, opposed to emphysematous gastritis which often presents as an acute abdomen and carries a worse prognosis. Owing to the lack of established diagnostic criteria, computed tomography is the assessment method of choice. Currently no guidelines are available for the management of this entity, since the evidence is limited to a few case series and a considerable number of single case reports.
Back Pain in Poland and Germany: A Survey of Prevalence and Association with Demographic Characters
Authors: Henn Lea , Schier Katarzyna , Brian Tamara , Hardt Jochen
Published: July 2014

Background.Back pain is the most common form of pain and leads to high costs in all medical care systems.Objective.The present study examines the prevalence of back pain and its associations with some basic demographics.Methods.Two samples from Poland and Germany (aboutn=500each) were examined via Internet regarding back pain, gender, age, and body mass index (BMI).Results.Back pain is more common in women than in men (risk ratio about 1.7), and a high BMI constitutes an additional risk factor. Age was not related to back pain prevalence.Conclusion.Congruent results in two countries based on the same measure of back pain lead to the assumption that much of the variety found in estimates of back pain are due to inconsistent assessment. For future research, a definition of common criteria on how to assess back pain would be an asset.
The Clinicopathological Significance of miR-133a in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wan Timothy Ming-Hun , Lam Colin Siu-Chi , Ng Lui , Chow Ariel Ka-Man , Wong Sunny Kit-Man , Li Hung-Sing , Man Johnny Hon-Wai , Lo Oswens Siu-Hung , Foo Dominic , Cheung Alvin , Yau Thomas , Poon Jensen Tung-Chung , Poon Ronnie Tung-Ping , Law Wai-Lun , Pang Roberta Wen-Chi
Published: July 2014

This study determined the expression of microRNA-133a (MiR-133a) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and adjacent normal mucosa samples and evaluated its clinicopathological role in CRC. The expression of miR-133a in 125 pairs of tissue samples was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and correlated with patient’s clinicopathological data by statistical analysis. Endogenous expression levels of several potential target genes were determined by qRT-PCR and correlated using Pearson’s method. MiR-133a was downregulated in 83.2% of tumors compared to normal mucosal tissue. Higher miR-133a expression in tumor tissues was associated with development of distant metastasis, advanced Dukes and TNM staging, and poor survival. The unfavorable prognosis of higher miR-133a expression was accompanied by dysregulation of potential miR-133a target genes, LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1), Caveolin-1 (CAV1), and Fascin-1 (FSCN1). LASP1 was found to possess a negative correlation (γ=-), whereas CAV1 exhibited a significant positive correlation (γ=), and a stronger correlation was found in patients who developed distant metastases (γ=). In addition, a negative correlation of FSCN1 was only found in nonmetastatic patients. In conclusion, miR-133a was downregulated in CRC tissues, but its higher expression correlated with adverse clinical characteristics and poor prognosis.
Survivable Network Design and Optimization with Network Families
Authors: Todd Brody , Ibigbami Abiose , Doucette John
Published: July 2014

In modeling communication networks for simulation of survivability schemes, one goal is often to implement these schemes across varying degrees of nodal connectivity to get unbiased performance results. Abstractions of real networks, simple random networks, and families of networks are the most common categories of these sample networks. This paper looks at how using the network family concept provides a solid unbiased foundation to compare different network protection models. The network family provides an advantage over random networks by requiring one solution per average nodal degree, as opposed to having to solve many, which could take a significant amount of time. Also, because the network family looks at a protection scheme across a variety of average nodal connectivities, a clearer picture of the scheme’s performance is gained compared to just running the simulation on a single network or select few networks.