bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunochemical analysis of heat-shock protein synthesis in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Baszczynski Chris L.
Published: November 2014

Polyclonal antibodies to 18-kilodalton (kDa) heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and to the high molecular weight (73 000 – 89 000) HSPs from 5- day-old maize plumules have been produced in rabbits. The antisera to high molecular weight HSPs show minor cross-reactivity to proteins of similar molecular mass in not heat-shocked tissues, while antisera to 18-kDa HSPs react only with this 18-kDa HSP class. HSPs of similar molecular mass and isoelectric points in maize plumules, mesocotyls, radicles, and young leaves also have similar antigenic determinants based on positive reactions with antisera to plumule HSPs. Among 13 maize inbreds and genetic stocks tested, differences were noted in the amount of immunoprecipitable 18-kDa HSPs. Antisera to maize plumule HSPs also showed cross-reactivity with similar-sized HSPs from pea epicotyls and soybean hypocotyls but not with HSPs from several animal tissues.Key words: polyclonal antibodies, maize, heat-shock.
Real-Time EEG-Based Detection of Fatigue Driving Danger for Accident Prediction
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhang Chi , Shi Tianwei , Wang Fuwang , Ma Shujun
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a real-time electroencephalogram (EEG)-based detection method of the potential danger during fatigue driving. To determine driver fatigue in real time, wavelet entropy with a sliding window and pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) were used to process the EEG signals in the visual area (the main information input route). To detect the fatigue danger, the neural mechanism of driver fatigue was analyzed. The functional brain networks were employed to track the fatigue impact on processing capacity of brain. The results show the overall functional connectivity of the subjects is weakened after long time driving tasks. The regularity is summarized as the fatigue convergence phenomenon. Based on the fatigue convergence phenomenon, we combined both the input and global synchronizations of brain together to calculate the residual amount of the information processing capacity of brain to obtain the dangerous points in real time. Finally, the danger detection system of the driver fatigue based on the neural mechanism was validated using accident EEG. The time distributions of the output danger points of the system have a good agreement with those of the real accident points.
Two-dimensional DFA scaling analysis applied to encrypted images
Authors: Vargas-Olmos C. , Murguía J. S. , Ramírez-Torres M. T. , Mejía Carlos M. , Rosu H. C. , González-Aguilar H.
Published: November 2014

The technique of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) has been widely used to unveil scaling properties of many different signals. In this paper, we determine scaling properties in the encrypted images by means of a two-dimensional DFA approach. To carry out the image encryption, we use an enhanced cryptosystem based on a rule-90 cellular automaton and we compare the results obtained with its unmodified version and the encryption system AES. The numerical results show that the encrypted images present a persistent behavior which is close to that of the 1/f-noise. These results point to the possibility that the DFA scaling exponent can be used to measure the quality of the encrypted image content.
Parameter Matching Using Adaptive Synchronization of Two Chua's Oscillators
Authors: Siderskiy Valentin , Kapila Vikram
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we develop a parameter matching technique using adaptive synchronization with a chaotic attractor. Two Chua's oscillators, identical in every parameter except for one, are set-up in a master/slave configuration where the slave's mismatched parameter is adaptable. Using Lyapunov functions and incorporating the presence of chaotic signals, adaptive control laws are designed to ensure exact parameter matching. One of the derived adaptive controllers is experimentally validated by using an adaptive inductor-gyrator composed of current feedback op-amps (CFOAs). The experimental results are compared to high-fidelity SPICE simulations, and performance of adaptive controllers are compared over a wide range of parameter values using MATLAB.
Dynamical Analysis of Raychaudhuri Equations Based on the Localization Method of Compact Invariant Sets
Authors: Krishchenko Alexander P. , Starkov Konstantin E.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we examine the localization problem of compact invariant sets of Raychaudhuri equations with nonzero parameters. The main attention is attracted to the localization of periodic/homoclinic orbits and homoclinic cycles: we prove that there are neither periodic/homoclinic orbits nor homoclinic cycles; we find heteroclinic orbits connecting distinct equilibrium points. We describe some unbounded domain such that nonescaping to infinity positive semitrajectories which are contained in this domain have the omega-limit set located in the boundary of this domain. We find a locus of other types of compact invariant sets respecting three-dimensional and two-dimensional invariant planes. Besides, we describe the phase portrait of the system obtained from the Raychaudhuri equations by the restriction on the two-dimensional invariant plane.
Multipulse Chaotic Dynamics of Six-Dimensional Nonautonomous Nonlinear System for a Honeycomb Sandwich Plate
Authors: Hao W. L. , Zhang W. , Yao M. H.
Published: November 2014

This paper studies the global bifurcations and multipulse chaotic dynamics of a four-edge simply supported honeycomb sandwich rectangular plate under combined in-plane and transverse excitations. Based on the von Karman type equation for the geometric nonlinearity and Reddy's third-order shear deformation theory, the governing equations of motion are derived for the four-edge simply supported honeycomb sandwich rectangular plate. The Galerkin method is employed to discretize the partial differential equations of motion to a three-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system. The six-dimensional nonautonomous nonlinear system is simplified to a three-order standard form by using the normal form method. The extended Melnikov method is improved to investigate the six-dimensional nonautonomous nonlinear dynamical system in a mixed coordinate. The global bifurcations and multipulse chaotic dynamics of the four-edge simply supported honeycomb sandwich rectangular plate are studied by using the improved extended Melnikov method. The multipulse chaotic motions of the system are found by using numerical simulation, which further verifies the result of theoretical analysis.
Bifurcations in a Cubic System with a Degenerate Saddle Point
Authors: Shang Desheng , Zhang Yaoming
Published: November 2014

Bifurcations in a cubic system with a degenerate saddle point are investigated using the technique of blow-up, the method of planar perturbation theory and qualitative analysis. It has been found that after appropriate perturbations, at least 12 limit cycles can bifurcate from a degenerate saddle point in a type of cubic systems.
Study on Adsorption of Cu(II) on Chitosan Nanofiber Membranes
Authors: Cao Jianhua , Li Dongzhou , Liang Weihua , Wu Dayong
Published: November 2014

Chitosan nanofiber membranes by electrospinning technique were used to remove Cu ( II ) from aqueous solution. The adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, and pH effect were investigated in batch experiments. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetic models agree well with the experimental data. The chitosan nanofiber membranes are effective for Cu ( II ) adsorption at pH6. Results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of the chitosan nanofiber membranes with Cu ( II ) is 118.62 mg g-1. The chitosan nanofiber membranes can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cu ( II ) in aqueous solution due to high adsorption capacity.
Sensing Properties of GO and Amine-Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized QCM Sensors for Detection of Formaldehyde
Authors: Wang Zhenqiang , Yang Mingqing , He Junhui
Published: November 2014

In the current work, graphene oxides (GO) and Amine-Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles ( NH 2-SNs) were used as sensing layer on quart crystal microbalance (QCM) for detection of HCHO gas. The GO and NH 2-SNs functionalized QCM resonators all had a significant response to HCHO gas. The sensitivity of GO functionalized QCM resonator is 0.04 Hz/(μg⋅ppm), which is four times as high as that of NH 2-SNs functionalized QCM resonator (0.01 Hz/(μg⋅ppm)). The GO functionalized QCM resonators would be of benefit in area of environmental applications.
Nature of Sigma-Type Lithium Bonding Interaction in Nanoscale
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Yuan Wen , Gu Chaokang , Huang Wenhao , Hu Weixin
Published: November 2014

Li-based rechargeable batteries are becoming popular power sources for biomedical devices and healthcare equipment. In nanoscale, lithium bonds may associate with intermolecular noncovalent interactions when Li atoms are shared by adjacent atoms inside rechargeable Li batteries. Theoretical study of lithium boding interactions thus is of paramount importance for a better understanding of the working mechanisms and designing high-efficient electrode–electrolyte interfaces from nanolevel for Li-based batteries. In this study, we used state-of-the-art theoretical methods, with inclusion of density functional theory/symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (DFT/SAPT), density functional reactivity theory (DFRT) and energy decomposition analysis (EDA), to delve into the nature of lithium bonding interactions. Our results showed that B3LYP outperforms all other functionals under consideration in the conventional supramolecular scheme, indicating that the formation of a lithium bond is not dispersion-driven. The calculated PBE0/SAPT and B3LYP/EDA data are consistent with each other, unravelling that the lithium bond is mainly of an electrostatically driven nature. Both steric hindrance and exchange-correlation potentials also make important contributions when two-variable fitting is considered. These results provide new sight in understanding lithium atom interactions for potential lithium-based batteries applications.
Basement reactivation in the development of rift basins: an example of reactivated Caledonide structures in the West Orkney Basin
Authors: Bird P. C. , Cartwright J. A. , Davies T. L.
Published: November 2014

The West Orkney Basin is a poorly studied Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rift basin that overlies a highly seismic-reflective Caledonian orogenic basement terrane. This study presents a novel approach of using 2D seismic data to map single intra-basement reflection packages and their relationship to overlying normal faults in the West Orkney Basin. It is demonstrated that the rift architecture of the West Orkney Basin is more linear with a prominence of relay zones relative to previous interpretations, and that rift structures form complex discordant and concordant relationships with pre-rift Caledonide basement structures. Restoration of basement fabrics to their pre-extensional geometry indicates that the reactivation of basement structures as normal faults has occurred only where the pre-extensional-dip of basement structures is greater than 30°. The relatively high density of relay zones mapped in the West Orkney Basin is proposed to be the result of the rift system forming a partially exploitative relationship with basement structure, where extension has been accommodated between segments that have or have not reactivated basement fabrics.
Speleothem U-series constraints on scarp retreat rates and landscape evolution: an example from the Severn valley and Cotswold Hills gull-caves, UK
Authors: Farrant Andrew R. , Noble Stephen R. , Barron A. J. Mark , Self Charles A. , Grebby Stephen R.
Published: November 2014

Modelling landscape evolution requires quantitative estimates of erosional processes. Dating erosional landscape features such as escarpments is usually difficult because of the lack of datable deposits. Some escarpments and valley margins are associated with the formation of mass-movement caves, sometimes known as ‘gull’ or ‘crevice’ caves, which are typically restricted to within 0.5 km of the valley margin or scarp edge. As in other caves, these mass-movement cavities may host speleothems. As gull-caves develop only after valley incision, uranium-series dating of speleothems within them can provide a minimum age for the timing of valley excavation and scarp formation. Here we present data from several gull-caves in the Cotswold Hills, which form the eastern flank of the Severn valley in southern England. U-series ages from these gull-caves yield estimates for both the minimum age of the Cotswold escarpment and the maximum scarp retreat rate. This is combined with data from geological modelling to propose a model for the evolution of the Severn valley and the Cotswold Hills. The data suggest that the location of the escarpment and regional topography is determined not by valley widening and scarp retreat, but by the
in situ
generation of relief by differential erosion.
Stone materials used for monumental buildings in the historical centre of Turin (NW Italy): architectonical survey and petrographic characterization of Via Roma
Authors: Borghi Alessandro , Berra Valentina , d'Atri Anna , Dino Giovanna A. , Gallo Lorenzo M. , Giacobino Elena , Martire Luca , Massaro Gianluca , Vaggelli Gloria , Bertok Carlo , Castelli Daniele , Costa Emanuele , Ferrando Simona , Groppo Chiara , Rolfo Franco
Published: November 2014

One of the peculiarities of Turin (NW Italy) lies on the presence of monumental arcades which mainly consist of stone material. These arcades, characterized by more than 12 km of interconnected paths, represent one of the widest city
promenades
of Europe and are an architectural, aesthetic and socio-economic example unique in the world. This paper, analysing the urban axis of Via Roma (Rome Street), aims to study the material used in arcade construction. The main stones occurring in Via Roma have been identified and described from a petrographic and mineralogical point of view in order to find out the corresponding geological units and original quarry sites.

The minero-petrographic study is accompanied by an architectural survey that was performed applying different methods, as well as the geometric mapping and the perspective rectification of span-types, of block terminations and of other architectonical elements, in plan and in elevation, of the arcades.

This allows us to emphasize the merging of cultural and scientific interest for the stone materials used in the historical architecture of a town closely interconnected to the surrounding Western Alps orogenic chain.
Comparative Effects of Some Medicinal Plants:Anacardium occidentale, Eucalyptus globulus, Psidium guajava,andXylopia aethiopicaExtracts in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Okpashi Victor Eshu , Bayim Bayim Peter-Robins , Obi-Abang Margaret
Published: November 2014

Insulin therapy and oral antidiabetic agents/drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus have not sufficiently proven to control hyperlipidemia, which is commonly associated with the diabetes mellitus. Again the hopes that traditional medicine and natural plants seem to trigger researchers in this area is yet to be discovered. This research was designed to compare the biochemical effects of some medicinal plants in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats using named plants that are best at lowering blood glucose and hyperlipidemia and ameliorating other complications of diabetes mellitus by methods of combined therapy. The results obtained showed 82% decrease in blood glucose concentration after the 10th hour to the fortieth hour. There was significant increaseP<0.05in the superoxide dismutase activity of the test group administered 100 mg/kg ofA. Occidentale. There was no significant differenceP>0.05recorded in the glutathione peroxidase activity ofE. globulus(100 mg/kg) when compared to the test groups ofP. guajava(250 mg/kg) andX. aethiopica(250 mg/kg). Catalase activity showed significant increaseP<0.05in the catalase activity, compared to test groups. While atP>0.05, there was no significant difference seen between test group and treated groups. Meanwhile, degree of significance was observed in other parameters analysed. The biochemical analysis conducted in this study showed positive result, attesting to facts from previous works. Though these individual plants extracts exhibited significant increase in amelorating diabetes complication and blood glucose control compared to glibenclamide, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Greater performance was observed in the synergy groups. Therefore, a poly/combined formulation of these plants extracts yielded significant result as well as resolving some other complications associated with diabetics.
Distributed Spectrum Sharing in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Pricing-Based Decomposition Approach
Authors: Zhu Yanmin , Sun Wei , Yu Jiadi , Liu Tong , Li Bo
Published: November 2014

The limited radio spectrum has become a bottleneck for various wireless communications. To better utilize the scare radio spectrum, cognitive radios have recently attracted increasing attention, which makes spectrum sharing more viable. Sharing radio spectrum from primary users to secondary users is of great importance. A licensed primary user (PU) can lease its spectrum to secondary users (SUs) for wireless communications. This paper studies the problem of social welfare maximization of distributed spectrum sharing among a PU and SUs. We first formulate the problem of social welfare maximization which takes into account both the cost of the PU and the utility gained by each SU. The social welfare maximization is a convex optimization problem and thus can be solved by a centralized algorithm. However, the utility function of each SU may contain the private information. To avoid privacy leakage of SUs, we propose an iterative distributed algorithm based on a pricing-based decomposition framework. It is theoretically proved that our algorithm converges to the optimal solution. Simulation results are presented to show that our algorithm achieves the optimal social welfare and converges quickly in a practical setting.
Method Development and Validation for Determination of Febuxostat
from Spiked Human Plasma Using RP-HPLC with UV Detection
Authors: Gide Monita , Sharma Pankaj , Saudagar Ravindra , Shrivastava Birendra
Published: November 2014

A rapid, simple, selective, and specific reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with UV detection (315 nm) was developed and validated for estimation of febuxostat from spiked human plasma. The analyte and internal standard (diclofenac) were extracted using LLE with diethyl ether. The chromatographic separation was performed on Shodex C-18-4E (5 μm; 250×4.6 mm) with a mobile phase comprised of methanol : acetate buffer pH 4, 20 mM (90 : 10 v/v), at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Febuxostat was well resolved from plasma constituents and internal standard. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 250–8000 ng/mL. The heteroscedasticity was minimized by using weighted least square regression with weighing factor of 1/x. The intraday and interday %RSD was less than 15. Results of recovery studies prove the extraction efficiency. Stability data indicated that febuxostat was stable in plasma after three freeze thaw cycles and upon storage at −20°C for 30 days.
Subcutaneous Implants of Buprenorphine-Cholesterol-Triglyceride Powder in Mice
Authors: DeTolla L. , Sanchez R. , Khan E. , Tyler B. , Guarnieri M.
Published: November 2014

Subcutaneous drug implants are convenient systems for the long-term delivery of drugs in animals. Lipid carriers are logical tools because they generally allow for higher doses and low toxicity. The present study used an US Food and Drug Administration Target Animal Safety test system to evaluate the safety of a subcutaneous implant of a cholesterol-triglyceride-buprenorphine powder in 120 BALB/c mice. Mice were evaluated in 4- and 12-day trials with 1- and 5-fold doses of the intended 3 mg/kg dose of drug. One male mouse treated with three 3 mg/kg doses and surgery on days 0, 4, and 8 died on day 9. The cause of death was not determined. In the surviving 119 mice there was no evidence of skin reaction at the site of the implant. Compared to control animals treated with saline, weight measurements, clinical pathology, histopathology, and clinical observations were unremarkable. These results demonstrate that the lipid carrier is substantially safe. Cholesterol-triglyceride-drug powders may provide a valuable research tool for studies of analgesic and inflammatory drug implants in veterinary medicine.
Portable XRF Technology to Quantify Pb in Bone In Vivo
Authors: Specht Aaron James , Weisskopf Marc , Nie Linda Huiling
Published: November 2014

Lead is a ubiquitous toxicant. Bone lead has been established as an important biomarker for cumulative lead exposures and has been correlated with adverse health effects on many systems in the body. K-shell X-ray fluorescence (KXRF) is the standard method for measuring bone lead, but this approach has many difficulties that have limited the widespread use of this exposure assessment method. With recent advancements in X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, we have developed a portable system that can quantify lead in bone in vivo within 3 minutes. Our study investigated improvements to the system, four calibration methods, and system validation for in vivo measurements. Our main results show that the detection limit of the system is 2.9 ppm with 2 mm soft tissue thickness, the best calibration method for in vivo measurement is background subtraction, and there is strong correlation between KXRF and portable LXRF bone lead results. Our results indicate that the technology is ready to be used in large human population studies to investigate adverse health effects of lead exposure. The portability of the system and fast measurement time should allow for this technology to greatly advance the research on lead exposure and public/environmental health.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation for Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of N-Heteroaryl Substituted Benzene Sulphonamides
Authors: Igwe Christiana Nonye , Okoro Uchechukwu Chris
Published: November 2014

The synthesis and biological activity of N-heteroaryl substituted benzene sulphonamides (3a–h) were successful. Simple condensation reaction of benzene sulphonyl chloride (1) with substituted heteroaromatic compounds (2a–h) under dry pyridine and acetone gave the target molecules (3a–h) in good to excellent yield. The compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR. The compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against E. coli, Salmonella typhi, P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, K. pneumonia, and Sarcina  lutea and antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger. The results of the antimicrobial activity showed improved biological activity against some tested organisms.
Stereo‐Vision‐Based Relative Pose Estimation for the Rendezvous and Docking of Noncooperative Satellites
Authors: Yu Feng , He Zhen , Qiao Bing , Yu Xiaoting
Published: November 2014

Autonomous on‐orbit servicing is expected to play an important role in future space activities. Acquiring the relative pose information and inertial parameters of target is one of the key technologies for autonomous capturing. In this paper, an estimation method of relative pose based on stereo vision is presented for the final phase of the rendezvous and docking of noncooperative satellites. The proposed estimation method utilizes the sparse stereo vision algorithm instead of the dense stereo algorithm. The method consists of three parts: (1) body frame reestablishment, which establishes the body‐fixed frame for the target satellite using the natural features on the surface and measures the relative attitude based on TRIAD and QUEST; (2) translational parameter estimation, which designs a standard Kalman filter to estimate the translational states and the location of mass center; (3) rotational parameter estimation, which designs an extended Kalman filter and an unscented Kalman filter, respectively, to estimate the rotational states and all the moment‐of‐inertia ratios. Compared to the dense stereo algorithm, the proposed method can avoid degeneracy when the target has a high degree of axial symmetry and reduce the number of sensors. The validity of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulations.
Sodium Hydrosulfide Relieves Neuropathic Pain in Chronic Constriction Injured Rats
Authors: Lin Jian-qing , Luo Hui-qin , Lin Cai-zhu , Chen Jin-zhuan , Lin Xian-zhong
Published: November 2014

Aberrant neuronal activity in injured peripheral nerves is believed to be an important factor in the development of neuropathic pain (NPP). Channel protein pCREB of that activity has been shown to mitigate the onset of associated molecular events in the nervous system, and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) could inhibit the expression of pCREB. However, whether NaHS could relieve the pain, it needs further experimental research. Furthermore, the clinical potential that NaHS was used to relieve pain was limited so it would be required. To address these issues, the rats of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) were given intraperitoneal injection of NaHS containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The experimental results showed that NaHS inhibited the reduction of paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL), mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), and the level of pCREB in CCI rats in a dose‐dependent manner and they were greatly decreased in NaHSM group (P < 0.05). NaHS alleviates chronic neuropathic pain by inhibiting expression of pCREB in the spinal cord of Sprague‐Dawley rats.
Non‐Gaussian Stochastic Equivalent Linearization Method for Inelastic Nonlinear Systems with Softening Behaviour, under Seismic Ground Motions
Authors: Silva-González Francisco L. , Ruiz Sonia E. , Rodríguez-Castellanos Alejandro
Published: November 2014

A non‐Gaussian stochastic equivalent linearization (NSEL) method for estimating the non‐Gaussian response of inelastic non‐linear structural systems subjected to seismic ground motions represented as nonstationary random processes is presented. Based on a model that represents the time evolution of the joint probability density function (PDF) of the structural response, mathematical expressions of equivalent linearization coefficients are derived. The displacement and velocity are assumed jointly Gaussian and the marginal PDF of the hysteretic component of the displacement is modeled by a mixed PDF which is Gaussian when the structural behavior is linear and turns into a bimodal PDF when the structural behavior is hysteretic. The proposed NSEL method is applied to calculate the response of hysteretic single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems with different vibration periods and different design displacement ductility values. The results corresponding to the proposed method are compared with those calculated by means of Monte Carlo simulation, as well as by a Gaussian equivalent linearization method. It is verified that the NSEL approach proposed herein leads to maximum structural response standard deviations similar to those obtained with Monte Carlo technique. In addition, a brief discussion about the extension of the method to muti‐degree‐of‐freedom systems is presented.
Hepatitis B Virus Seroprevalence and Serology Patterns in a Cohort of HIV Positive Individuals from Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mzingwane Mayibongwe Louis , Mamvura Tafadzwa
Published: November 2014

Zimbabwe is highly endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and also has high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rates which may result in HIV/HBV coinfection, and as HIV/HBV coinfection may affect the classical HBV serology patterns and cause interpretation challenges, we assessed the seroprevalence of HBV in HIV positive patients and determined their serology profiles. This was a cross-sectional study on 957 HIV positive specimens from treatment naive patients. HBV serology tests were done using enzyme immunoassays for the detection of HBV markers in human serum or plasma. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 17.1% (males 19.0%, females 15.8%). Previous and/or current HBV exposure was evident in 59.8% of the patients and hepatitis B e antigen markers were present in 103 (10.8%) specimens. There was high prevalence of unusual HBV patterns with 14.1% of total specimens showing an anti-HBc alone profile and an additional 4.3% HBsAg positive specimens that were anti-HBc negative.
Breast Stimulation in Low-Risk Primigravidas at Term: Does It Aid in Spontaneous Onset of Labour and Vaginal Delivery? A Pilot Study
Authors: Singh Nilanchali , Tripathi Reva , Mala Yedla Manikya , Yedla Niharika
Published: November 2014

Aims. The aim of the study was to elicit the safety and efficacy of breast stimulation as an intervention to prevent postdatism and as an aid in spontaneous onset of labour.Methods. Primigravidas with cephalic presentation, without any high-risk factor, were recruited between 36 to 38 weeks of gestation. 200 patients were recruited and randomized into two groups (n= 100). Breast stimulation was advised to one group but not to the other group. Bishop’s scoring was done at 38 weeks and repeated at 39 weeks of gestation. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared in two groups.Result. Bishop’s score changed from 3.12 (±1.01) to 3.9 (±1.08) in control group and from 3.02 (±0.82) to 6.08 (±1.29) in breast stimulation group after one week (Pvalue < 0.0001). The period of gestation at delivery was 39.5 (±2.3) weeks in control group and 39.2 (±2.8) weeks in intervention group (Pvalue: 0.044). There were increased chances of vaginal delivery in intervention group (Pvalue: 0.046). Duration of labor, hyperstimulation, presence of meconium stained liquor, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups.Conclusion. Breast stimulation in low-risk primigravidas helps in cervical ripening and increases chances of vaginal delivery.
The Costs of Operative Complications for Ankle Fractures: A Case Control Study
Authors: Avilucea Frank R. , Greenberg Sarah E. , Grantham W. Jeffrey , Sathiyakumar Vasanth , Thakore Rachel V. , Nwosu Samuel K. , Archer Kristin R. , Obremskey William T. , Mir Hassan R. , Sethi Manish K.
Published: November 2014

As our healthcare system moves towards bundling payments, it is vital to understand the potential financial implications associated with treatment of surgical complications. Considering that surgical treatment of ankle fractures is common, there remains minimal data relating costs to postsurgical intervention. We aimed to identify costs associated with ankle fracture complications through case-control analysis. Using retrospective analysis at a level I trauma center, 28 patients with isolated ankle fractures who developed complications (cases) were matched with 28 isolated ankle fracture patients without complications (controls) based on ASA score, age, surgery type, and fracture type. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics and complications leading to readmission/reoperation and costs were obtained from the financial department. Wilcoxon tests measured differences in the costs between the cases and controls. 28 out of 439 patients (6.4%) developed complications. Length of stay and median costs were significantly higher for cases than controls. Specifically, differences in total costs existed for infection and hardware-related pain. This is the first study to highlight the considerable costs associated with the treatment of complications due to isolated ankle fractures. Physicians must therefore emphasize methods to control surgical and nonsurgical factors that may impact postoperative complications, especially under a global payment system.
Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Nanoscale Ordering of Polystyrene‐b‐poly(N,N′‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), a Block Copolymer Carrying Tertiary Amine Functional Groups
Authors: Navarro-Vega Pedro , Zizumbo-López Arturo , Licea-Claverie Angel , Vega-Rios Alejandro , Paraguay-Delgado Francisco
Published: November 2014

Poly(styrene)‐b‐poly(N,N′‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PDEAEM) block copolymer was synthesized by RAFT free‐radical polymerization using a trithiocarbonate type of chain transfer agent (CTA). Several block copolymer compositions were achieved maintaining low polydispersities by using PS as macro‐CTA in the first step. Thin films of PS60%‐b‐PDEAEM40% were deposited over mica substrate, and its equilibrium and nonequilibrium nanostructures were studied. Lamellar (equilibrium), bicontinuous (nonequilibrium) and detached nanoflakes (nonequilibrium), were obtained by using different annealing methods. Mixing nanocomposites of gold nanoparticles/PDEAEM in the block copolymer resulted in the formation of toroidal nanostructures confining gold nanoparticles to the core of those nanostructures. The same toroidal nanostructure was achieved by different annealing methods, including irradiation with UV light for 15 min. Electron micrographs show clearly this different type of arrays.
Serum Amyloid A as a Marker of Persistent Inflammation and an Indicator of Cardiovascular and Renal Involvement in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Majdan Maria
Published: November 2014

Objectives. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory disease. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein, involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentration of SAA in RA patients, with reference to other inflammatory parameters and markers of extra-articular involvement.Methods. The study population consisted of 140 RA patients, low/moderate disease activity (L/MDA) in 98 (70%) patients and high disease activity (HDA) in 42 (30%). Comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessment was performed with evaluation of electrocardiogram and carotid intima-media thickness.Results. The mean SAA concentration [327.0 (263.4) mg/L] was increased highly above the normal value, even in patients with L/MDA. Simultaneously, SAA was significantly higher in patients with HDA versus L/MDA. The mean SAA concentration was significantly higher in patients treated with glucocorticoids, was inversely associated with QTc duration, and was markedly higher in patients with atherosclerotic plaques, emphasizing increased CV risk. SAA was significantly higher in patients with increased cystatin-C level.Conclusions. In RA patients, high serum SAA concentration was strongly associated with activity of the disease and risk of CV and renal involvement. Recurrent assessment of SAA may facilitate searching patients with persistent inflammation and risk of extra-articular complications.
Correlations of Ezrin Expression with Pathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Da-Hang , Zhu Jiang , Wang Wen-Bo , Dong Feng , Zhang Qiao , Fan Hong-Wu , Zhang Jing-Zhe , Wang Yong-Ming
Published: November 2014

We conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the correlations of ezrin expression with pathological characteristics and the prognosis of osteosarcoma. The MEDLINE (1966–2013), the Cochrane Library Database, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science (1945–2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database were searched without language restrictions. Meta-analyses conducted using STATA software were calculated. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including 459 patients with osteosarcoma. Meta-analysis results illustrated that ezrin expression may be closely associated with the recurrence of osteosarcoma or metastasis in osteosarcoma. Our findings also demonstrated that patients with grade III-IV osteosarcoma showed a higher frequency of ezrin expression than those with histological grade I-II osteosarcoma. Furthermore, we found that patients with positive expression of ezrin exhibited a shorter overall survival than those with negative ezrin expression. The results also indicated that positive ezrin expression was strongly correlated with poorer metastasis-free survival. Nevertheless, no significant relationships were observed between ezrin expression and clinical variables (age and gender). In the current meta-analysis, our results illustrated significant relationships of ezrin expression with pathological characteristics and prognosis of osteosarcoma. Thus, ezrin expression could be a promising marker in predicting the clinical outcome of patients with osteosarcoma.
The Effect of Economic, Physical, and Psychological Abuse on Mental Health: A Population-Based Study of Women in the Philippines
Authors: Antai Diddy , Oke Ayo , Braithwaite Patrick , Lopez Gerald Bryan
Published: November 2014

Background. The comparative effect of economic abuse and other forms of abuse in predicting depression and other mental health disorders has not been previously investigated despite its relevance for mental illness prevention. Objective. To determine the differential association of economic abuse on psychological distress and suicide attempts. Study Design. We used cross-sectional data from women aged 15–49 years in the 2008 Philippines Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) (N = 9,316). Results. Adjusting for sociodemographic confounders revealed positive associations between economic, physical, or psychological abuse and suicide attempts and psychological distress. Psychological and economic abuse were the strongest predictors of suicide attempts and psychological distress, respectively. Economic abuse was also negatively associated with psychological distress. Comorbidity with one mental health disorder greatly increased the odds of reporting the other mental health disorder. Conclusion. Overall, the results elucidate the differential effects of these forms of abuse on women’s mental health.
DOC and CO2-C Releases from Pristine and Drained Peat Soils in Response to Water Table Fluctuations: A Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Laine Merjo P. P. , Strömmer Rauni , Arvola Lauri
Published: November 2014

Hydrological conditions are considered to be among the main drivers influencing the export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems, and hydrology is likely to alter due to climate change. We built a mesocosm experiment by using peat profiles from a pristine and from a drained (drained in 1978) peatland. A several-week-long low water table period followed by a high water table period, that is, a setting mimicking drought followed by flood, released relatively more DOC from pristine peat than from drained peat. From pristine peat profiles DOC was released into soil water in such quantities that the concentration of DOC remained stable despite dilution caused by added spring water to the mesocosms. In drained peat the DOC concentrations decreased during the high water table period indicating stronger dilution effect in comparison to pristine peat. At the landscape level DOC load from a drained peatland to the recipient water body may, however, increase during flooding because of high water runoff out of the peatland containing high DOC concentrations relative to the forest and agricultural areas. During the high water table period neither peat type nor water table had any clear impact on carbon dioxide (CO2-C) fluxes.
A Review on Current Status of Stability and Knowledge on Liquid Electrolyte-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Sauvage Frédéric
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this review is to gather the current background in materials development and provide the reader with an accurate image of today’s knowledge regarding the stability of dye-sensitized solar cells. This contribution highlights the literature from the 1970s to the present day on nanostructured TiO2, dye, Pt counter electrode, and liquid electrolyte for which this review is focused on.
Cheminformatics Models for Inhibitors ofSchistosoma mansoniThioredoxin Glutathione Reductase
Authors: Gaba Sonam , Jamal Salma , Drug Discovery Consortium Open Source , Scaria Vinod
Published: November 2014

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasiteSchistosoma mansoniand affects over 200 million annually. There is an urgent need to discover novel therapeutic options to control the disease with the recent emergence of drug resistance. The multifunctional protein, thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR), an essential enzyme for the survival of the pathogen in the redox environment has been actively explored as a potential drug target. The recent availability of small-molecule screening datasets against this target provides a unique opportunity to learn molecular properties and apply computational models for discovery of activities in large molecular libraries. Such a prioritisation approach could have the potential to reduce the cost of failures in lead discovery. A supervised learning approach was employed to develop a cost sensitive classification model to evaluate the biological activity of the molecules. Random forest was identified to be the best classifier among all the classifiers with an accuracy of around 80 percent. Independent analysis using a maximally occurring substructure analysis revealed 10 highly enriched scaffolds in the actives dataset and their docking against was also performed. We show that a combined approach of machine learning and other cheminformatics approaches such as substructure comparison and molecular docking is efficient to prioritise molecules from large molecular datasets.
Pareto Optimality Conditions and Duality for Vector Quadratic Fractional Optimization Problems
Authors: Oliveira W. A. , Beato-Moreno A. , Moretti A. C. , Salles Neto L. L.
Published: November 2014

One of the most important optimality conditions to aid in solving a vector optimization problem is the first-order necessary optimality condition that generalizes the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition. However, to obtain the sufficient optimality conditions, it is necessary to impose additional assumptions on the objective functions and on the constraint set. The present work is concerned with the constrained vector quadratic fractional optimization problem. It shows that sufficient Pareto optimality conditions and the main duality theorems can be established without the assumption of generalized convexity in the objective functions, by considering some assumptions on a linear combination of Hessian matrices instead. The main aspect of this contribution is the development of Pareto optimality conditions based on a similar second-order sufficient condition for problems with convex constraints, without convexity assumptions on the objective functions. These conditions might be useful to determine termination criteria in the development of algorithms.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion: 12-month Follow-Up and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Maggio Emilia , Polito Antonio , Guerriero Massimo , Pertile Grazia
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To evaluate anatomical and visual outcomes following intravitreal dexamethasone implantation (Ozurdex) in eyes with visual loss due to macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and to identify predictive factors for improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 43 consecutive eyes with treatment-naïve ME secondary to recent onset RVO treated with repeated Ozurdex injections on a pro re nata basis. Results: The mean follow-up (FU) duration was 14 months (min. 12, max. 22). Both mean BCVA and central macular thickness improved significantly at the end of the FU period (p = 0.0001), and more than 30% of the eyes gained ≥3 lines within 3 months of repeated injections. Presence of foveal serous retinal detachment and macular ischemia were negatively associated with visual outcomes. Improvements were significantly associated with baseline BCVA and the integrity of the ellipsoid zone. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: In our study population, Ozurdex was a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of ME associated with RVO. The results suggest that a comprehensive approach in the examination of RVO eyes may help to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment.
Temporal Kinetics of Marek's Disease Herpesvirus: Integration Occurs Early after Infection in Both B and T Cells
Authors: Robinson Charmaine M. , Cheng Hans H. , Delany Mary E.
Published: November 2014

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an oncogenic α-herpesvirus that induces Marek's disease characterized by fatal lymphomas in chickens. Here, we explored the timing during pathogenesis when the virus integrates into the host genome, the cell type involved, the role of viral integration on cellular transformation, and tumor clonality. Three immune organs of chicken (thymus, bursa, and spleen) were extracted following infection with either an oncogenic or a non-oncogenic strain of MDV. Using molecular cytogenetics, cells were investigated for viral integration at key time points throughout pathogenesis. Integration profiling of tumors (early to late stage) was conducted. Virus integration was widespread in B and T lymphocytes based on their abundance in bursa and thymus, respectively. Viral replication was detected early after infection as was viral integration into the host genome. Integration is a natural part of the MDV herpesvirus life cycle. In addition, our data using a non-oncogenic virus establish that although integration is a hallmark of tumor cell populations, integration alone is not sufficient for cellular transformation. Our results provide evidence for progression of lineage clonality within tumors. Understanding the features of integration provides insight into the mechanisms of herpesvirus pathology which could lead to disease mitigation strategies.
miR-29a-3p Attenuates Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension by Inhibiting Pulmonary Adventitial Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Luo Ying , Dong Hai-Ying , Zhang Bo , Feng Zhao , Liu Yi , Gao Yu-Qi , Dong Ming-Qing , Li Zhi-Chao
Published: November 2014

Activation of pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts plays a key role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Previous studies showed that miRNAs participated in the regulation of fibroblast activation. This study explored the role of miR-29 in the activation of pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts and the therapeutic potential in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. We found that hypoxia-induced pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts activation was accompanied with a drastic decrease of miR-29a-3p expression. Knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α or Smad3 reversed the hypoxia-induced decrease of miR-29-3p in cultured pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts. In vitro, miR-29a-3p mimic inhibited the hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, and secretion of pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts, suppressed the hypoxia-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix collagen in pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts; however, miR-29a-3p inhibitor mimicked the effect of hypoxia on the activation of pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts. Further studies revealed that preventative or therapeutic administration of miR-29a-3p significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricle hypertrophy index and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension rats. These findings suggest that miR-29a-3p regulates the activation and phenotype of pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts in hypoxia and has preventative and therapeutic potential in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.