bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern Formation in a Cross‐Diffusive Holling‐Tanner Model
Authors: Wang Weiming , Guo Zhengguang , Upadhyay R. K. , Lin Yezhi
Published: December 2012

We present a theoretical analysis of the processes of pattern formation that involves organisms distribution and their interaction of spatially distributed population with self‐ as well as cross‐diffusion in a Holling‐Tanner predator‐prey model; the sufficient conditions for the Turing instability with zero‐flux boundary conditions are obtained; Hopf and Turing bifurcation in a spatial domain is presented, too. Furthermore, we present novel numerical evidence of time evolution of patterns controlled by self‐ as well as cross‐diffusion in the model, and find that the model dynamics exhibits a cross‐diffusion controlled formation growth not only to spots, but also to strips, holes, and stripes‐spots replication. And the methods and results in the present paper may be useful for the research of the pattern formation in the cross‐diffusive model.
A Geometric Mean of Parameterized Arithmetic and Harmonic Means of Convex Functions
Authors: Kum Sangho , Lim Yongdo
Published: December 2012

The notion of the geometric mean of two positive reals is extended by Ando
(1978) to the case of positive semidefinite matrices A and B. Moreover, an interesting
generalization of the geometric mean A # B of A and B to convex functions
was introduced by Atteia and Raïssouli (2001) with a different viewpoint of convex
analysis. The present work aims at providing a further development of the geometric
mean of convex functions due to Atteia and Raïssouli (2001). A new algorithmic
self‐dual operator for convex functions named “the geometric mean of parameterized
arithmetic and harmonic means of convex functions” is proposed, and its essential
properties are investigated.
The Intersection between Sex Work and Reproductive Health in Northern Karnataka, India: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities in the Context of HIV Prevention
Authors: Becker Marissa , Ramanaik Satyanarayana , Halli Shiva , Blanchard James F. , Raghavendra T. , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Moses Stephen , Avery Lisa , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: December 2012

Objective. To examine the reproductive health practices of female sex workers (FSWs) in the context of an HIV prevention program in Karnataka, India.Methods. Data obtained from a survey of 1,011 FSWs registered with an HIV prevention program. We examined reproductive health indicators, and performed multivariate logistic regression among primiparous FSWs to assess sex work during pregnancy and antenatal HIV testing.Results. Among primiparous FSWs (N=251), 92.0% continued sex work during pregnancy, and 55.4% received antenatal HIV testing. A longer duration in sex work (AOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0–7.5), rural residence (AOR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.2–8.9), and antenatal HIV testing (AOR 6.3, 95% CI: 2.0–20.1) were associated with continued sex work during pregnancy. Older FSWs (age >25 years, AOR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05–0.33), who delivered at home (AOR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.09–0.34), were least likely to receive antenatal HIV testing. Antenatal HIV testing was associated with awareness of methods to prevent vertical HIV transmission (AOR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9–14.1).Conclusions. Antenatal HIV testing remains low in the context of ongoing sex work during pregnancy. Existing HIV prevention programs are well positioned to immediately integrate reproductive health care with HIV interventions targeted to FSWs.
Identification of Major Active Ingredients Responsible for Burn Wound Healing ofCentella asiaticaHerbs
Authors: Wu Fang , Bian Difei , Xia Yufeng , Gong Zhunan , Tan Qian , Chen Jiaojiao , Dai Yue
Published: December 2012

Centella asiaticaherbs have been prescribed as a traditional medicine for wound healing in China and Southeast Asia for a long time. They contain many kinds of triterpenoid compounds, mainly including glycosides (asiaticoside and madecassoside) and corresponding aglycones (asiatic acid and madecassic acid). To identify which is the major active constituent, a comprehensive and comparative study of these compounds was performed.In vitro, primary human skin fibroblasts, originating from healthy human foreskin samples, were treated with various concentrations of asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, respectively. Cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, MMP-1/TIMP-1 balance, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway were investigated.In vivo, mice were orally administered with the four compounds mentioned above for two weeks after burn injury. The speed and quality of wound healing, as well as TGF-β1levels in skin tissues, were examined. Interestingly, in contrast to prevalent postulations, asiaticoside and madecassoside themselves, rather than their corresponding metabolites asiatic acid and madecassic acid, are recognized as the main active constituents ofC. asiaticaherbs responsible for burn wound healing. Furthermore, madecassoside is more effective than asiaticoside (P=0.0446for procollagen type III synthesisin vitro,P=0.0057for wound healing speed, andP=0.0491for wound healing patternin vivo, correspondingly).
Control Systems Described by a Class of Fractional Semilinear Evolution Equations and Their Relaxation Property
Authors: Liu Xiaoyou , Fu Xi
Published: December 2012

We consider a control system described by a class of fractional semilinear evolution equations in a separable reflexive Banach space.
The constraint on the control is a multivalued map with nonconvex values which is lower semicontinuous with respect to the state variable. Along with the original system we also consider the system in which the constraint on the control is the upper semicontinuous convex‐valued regularization of the original constraint. We obtain the existence results for the control systems and the relaxation property between the
solution sets of these systems.
Comparative Studies of Different Switching Patterns for Direct and Indirect Space Vector Modulated Matrix Converter
Authors: Shabanpour Amin , Gholami Sasan , Seifi Ali Reza
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a MATLAB/Simulink simulation of direct and indirect space vector modulation for matrix converter. Different switching patterns for both direct and indirect methods are simulated and compared. Three criteria are chosen to compare the performance of switching patterns: (1) total harmonic distortion (THD); (2) harmonic spectrum analysis of output voltages; and (3) number of switching in each switching period. Switching strategies are completely implemented using the power library in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Perianal Tuberculosis: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ibn Majdoub Hassani K. , Ait Laalim S. , Toughrai I. , Mazaz K.
Published: December 2012

Extra pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for less than 15% of all cases of tuberculosis whereas the Intestinal one constitutes less than 1% of the extrapulmonary forms of the disease. The lesions of abdominal organs are more common while they rarely occur in the anoperineal area for the spread of the disease to the anus is extremely rare. We report a case of a 37-year-old male patient with large bilateral infected perianal tubercular ulcerations as well as pulmonary and peritoneal tuberculosis. The treatment was both surgical and medical and the therapy lasted for seven months. After six months from the beginning of the treatment, the lesion had totally disappeared and there is still no recurrence after one year of followup. Tuberculosis should generally be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of the ulcerative lesions of the anal and perianal regions for these lesions do occur in the said areas despite their rarity. The treatment is usually both surgical and medical so as to get excellent results.
Spontaneous Rupture of an Adrenal Artery in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Bolla D. , Schyrba V. , Drack G. , Dietler S. , Hornung R.
Published: December 2012

A spontaneous rupture of an adrenal artery is a rare cause of abdominal pain in pregnancy. We present a case of a pregnant woman who needed to be operated on because of a rupture of the right adrenal artery associated with a fetal bradycardia. An immediate caesarean section was performed. The intra-abdominal palpation identified an extensive retroperitoneal mass near the right kidney and a postoperative computer tomography confirmed an active bleeding near the kidney. For this reason our interventional radiology team, using a right femoral artery approach, performed a flush aortogram and identified the source of bleeding in the right adrenal artery. After two attempts, a coiling of the artery stopped the haemorrhage. The pathogenesis of arterial haemorrhage is still poorly understood although a possible cause could be the excess of hormones during pregnancy, which can lead to a significant arterial wall degeneration. In case of a retroperitoneal bleeding and if the patient is still haemodynamically stable, a transcatheter embolization using microcoils must be considered. This technique is nowadays safe and effective and can be performed within a short time with a lower risk of complications.
Chemical Phase Separation of Superconductive and Ferromagnetic Domains inZnNNi3−xCox
Authors: Yamazaki Takahiro , Uehara Akira , Kozawa Katsuya , Kimisima Yoshihide , Uehara Masatomo
Published: December 2012

Various ZnNyNi3−xCoxcompounds with differing Co content,x, were synthesized, and their magnetic properties were investigated. Uniform solid solutions could not be obtained at low Co content (x<0.75); instead micrometer-scaled ferromagnetic ZnNyNi0.6Co2.4domains formed embedded within a superconductive ZnNNi3bulk, showing chemical phase separation of superconductive ZnNNi3and ferromagnetic ZnNyNi0.6Co2.4. At intermediate levels of Co concentration (0.75<x<2), this two-phase separation might persist, and the superconductive behavior was strongly suppressed in this composition region. Only at high Co concentration (x>2) the uniform ferromagnetic solid solution ZnNyNi3−xCox(with most likelyy=0.5) formed. The phase separation behavior is intrinsic to the system, reflecting the existence of a miscibility gap in ZnNyNi3−xCoxfor the samples withx<2, and was shown not to be attributable to incomplete synthesis. In the two-phased samples, high-quality granular contact between the superconductor and ferromagnet has been realized, suggesting that the production of useful devices requiring high-quality contacts between superconductors and ferromagnets may be possible by making use of this two-phase situation.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Hexagonal Shaped α‐Al2O3 Using a Solvothermal Method
Authors: Kim A-Young , Kim Hyun Soo , Park No-Kuk , Lee Tae Jin , Lee Won Gun , Kim Heun Duk , Park Jun Woo , Kang Misook
Published: December 2012

This study demonstrates the low temperature synthesis of α‐Al2O3 by solvothermal method using gibbsite alumina precursor in 1, 4‐butanediol solvent according to various pH conditions. In acidic solution, an orthorhombic boehmite (AlOOH) structure was obtained after solvothermal reaction. A significant result in this study was that the solvothermally synthesized alumina in pH = 9 at 300 °C for 36 h represented a rhombohedral α‐Al2O3 structure hexagonal shaped with about 1.5~2.0 μm of particle size. Otherwise, the α‐Al2O3 structure was rather changed to the mixture of a boehmite and α‐Al2O3 structures above pH = 11. In the case of α‐Al2O3 synthesized at pH = 9, the specific surface area was 26.18 m2/g, and the particles that were stable in acidic solution resulted in 61.80 mV of zeta potential.
Electronic-Rotational Coupling in Cl–para-H2 Van der Waals Dimers
Authors: Hinde Robert J.
Published: December 2012

We examine the interaction between an open-shell chlorine atom
and a para-H2 molecule in the region of configuration space that corresponds to a weakly bound Cl–para-H2 van der Waals dimer. By constructing and diagonalizing the Hamiltonian matrix that represents
the coupled Cl atom electronic and H2 rotational degrees of freedom, we obtain one-dimensional energy curves for the Cl–para-H2 system in this region of configuration space. We find that the dimer exhibits fairly strong electronic-rotational coupling when the Cl–H2 distance R is close to ; however, this coupling does not modify substantially the positions and depths of the van der Waals wells in the dimer’s curves. An approximation in which the para-H2 fragment is treated in the strict limit thus appears to yield an accurate representation of those states of the weakly bound Cl–para-H2 dimer that correlate with H2 in the limit.
Fractional Difference Equations with Real Variable
Authors: Cheng Jin-Fa , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: December 2012

We independently propose a new kind of the definition of fractional difference, fractional sum, and fractional difference equation, give some basic properties of fractional difference and fractional sum, and give some examples to demonstrate several methods of how to solve certain fractional difference equations.
The K-Theoretic Formulation of D-Brane Aharonov-Bohm Phases
Authors: Warren Aaron R.
Published: December 2012

The topological calculation of Aharonov-Bohm phases associated with D-branes in the absence of a Neveu-SchwarzB-field is explored. The K-theoretic classification of Ramond-Ramond fields in Type II and Type I theories is used to produce formulae for the Aharonov-Bohm phase associated with a torsion flux. A topological construction shows that K-theoretic pairings to calculate such phases exist and are well defined. An analytic perspective is then taken, obtaining a means for determining Aharonov-Bohm phases by way of the reduced eta-invariant. This perspective is used to calculate the phase for an experiment involving the (−1) −8 system in Type I theory and compared with previous calculations performed using different methods.
Polymeric and Ceramic Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Moreno-Vega Aura-Ileana , Gómez-Quintero Teresa , Nuñez-Anita Rosa-Elvira , Acosta-Torres Laura-Susana , Castaño Víctor
Published: December 2012

Materials in the nanometer size range may possess unique and beneficial properties, which are very useful for different medical applications including stomatology, pharmacy, and implantology tissue engineering. The application of nanotechnology to medicine, known as nanomedicine, concerns the use of precisely engineered materials at this length scale to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties, such as small size, large surface area to mass ratio, and high reactivity, which are different from bulk materials of the same composition. Polymeric and ceramic nanoparticles have been extensively studied as particulate carriers in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, because they show promise as drug delivery systems as a result of their controlled- and sustained-release properties, subcellular size, and biocompatibility with tissue and cells. These properties can be used to overcome some of the limitations found in traditional therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Nanotechnology is showing promising developments in many areas and may benefit our health and welfare. However, a wide range of ethical issues has been raised by this innovative science. Many authorities believe that these advancements could lead to irreversible disasters if not limited by ethical guidelines.
Chaotic Trajectory Design for Monitoring an Arbitrary Number of Specified Locations Using Points of Interest
Authors: Curiac Daniel-Ioan , Volosencu Constantin
Published: December 2012

The design of unpredictable trajectories for autonomous patrol robots when accomplishing surveillance missions represents, in many situations, a key desideratum. Solutions to this problem had often been associated with chaotic dynamics. While for area surveillance missions, relevant techniques to produce chaotic motion had been reported, in the case of monitoring a number of precise locations no viable solutions had been proposed. The present paper covers this research gap by offering a complex methodology that involves a mixture of two types of chaotic trajectory segments, based on Lorenz and Chen systems, in obtaining unpredictable trajectories when an arbitrary number of specified locations have to be monitored. The developed path‐planning strategy produces trajectories that can cope efficiently with dynamical degradation of chaos or with obstacle avoidance issues.
Antacids, Altered Mental Status, and Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Authors: Watson Simon C. , Dellinger Bonnie B. , Jennings Katie , Scott Lancer A.
Published: December 2012

The frequency of milk-alkali syndrome decreased rapidly after the development of histamine-2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease; however, the availability and overconsumption of antacids and calcium supplements can still place patients at risk (D. P. Beall et al., 2006). Here we describe a patient who presented with altered mental status, hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute renal failure in the context of ingesting large amounts of antacids to control dyspepsia.
Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Guridi J. , González-Redondo R. , Obeso J. A.
Published: December 2012

Dyskinetic disorders are characterized by excess of motor activity that may interfere with normal movement control. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, the chronic levodopa treatment induces dyskinetic movements known as levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). This paper analyzed the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, pharmacological treatments, and surgical procedures to treat hyperkinetic disorders. Surgery is currently the only treatment available for Parkinson’s disease that may improve both parkinsonian motor syndrome and LID. However, this paper shows the different mechanisms involved are not well understood.
A Pedestrian Navigation System Using Cellular Phone Video-Conferencing Functions
Authors: Sugiura Akihiko , Shoji Takuya
Published: December 2012

A user’s position-specific field has been developed using the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. To determine the position using cellular phones, a device was developed, in which a pedestrian navigation unit carries the GPS. However, GPS cannot specify a position in a subterranean environment or indoors, which is beyond the reach of transmitted signals. In addition, the position-specification precision of GPS, that is, its resolution, is on the order of several meters, which is deemed insufficient for pedestrians. In this study, we proposed and evaluated a technique for locating a user’s 3D position by setting up a marker in the navigation space detected in the image of a cellular phone. By experiment, we verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. Additionally, we improved the positional precision because we measured the position distance using numerous markers.
An Algebraic Criterion of Zero Solutions of Some Dynamic Systems
Authors: Wang Ying , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Chunrui
Published: December 2012

We establish some algebraic results on the zeros of some exponential polynomials and a real coefficient polynomial. Based on the basic theorem, we develop a decomposition technique to investigate the stability of two coupled systems and their discrete versions, that is, to find conditions under which all zeros of the exponential polynomials have negative real parts and the moduli of all roots of a real coefficient polynomial are less than 1.
Inflammatory Demyelinating Central Nervous System Diseases in Childhood: Clinical and Paraclinical Profiles in 133 Patients
Authors: Kaya Derya , İdiman Egemen , Özakbaş Serkan
Published: December 2012

In a retrospective review of patients with acquired demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, 133 patients (5.6%) whose diseases started in childhood, were selected from 2369 patients, who had medical records in the Neurology Department of Dokuz Eylul University. Out of 133, 98 had relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, 21 had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, 8 had clinically isolated syndrome, 3 had neuromyelitis optica, 2 had Marburg disease, and 1 had radiologically isolated syndrome. In 55 patients (41.3%), disease onset was before age 16. Polysymptomatic presentation (22.6%) was the most common initial feature. The EDSS scores ranged from 0 to 9 with a median of 2.0 () for 126 patients. MRI records of 111 patients were obtained. 97 patients had clinically definite multiple sclerosis. 11 MS patients (11.3%) did not initially present the diagnostic MRI features. All of the remaining multiple sclerosis patients fulfilled Barkhof-Tintore criteria (100%) and 88.7% fulfilled KIDMUS criteria. Cranial MRI of NMO patients was normal. Our findings demonstrate some important clinical and paraclinical features that can help the literature on acquired demyelinating disorders of childhood by utilizing data from Western Turkey.
A Robust and Space-Efficient Stack Management Method for Wireless Sensor Network OS with Scarce Hardware Resources
Authors: Kim Seokhwan , Kim Seungku , Eom Doo-Seop
Published: December 2012

Due to such requirements as low power consumption and low cost, sensor nodes commonly do not include advanced H/W features. The absence of the features such as the memory management unit enforces several tasks to share a memory address domain on a small data memory space (1 ~16 KB). It exposes each task to the stack overflow causing the corruption of other memory areas. In this paper, we propose a robust and efficient stack memory management method (RESM) that dynamically assigns and releases a preestimated amount of stack memory to each function call at runtime. RESM maintains the stack memory usage with the similar amount of the stack usage that the system actually requires, and the stack memory area of each task is individually protected from corruption by the stack overflow. RESM can also anticipate a saturated condition in data memory at runtime. When the memory state is unsafe from the saturated condition, it conditionally allows function calls to operate tasks without any memory fault by using the proposed function call deferring algorithm. From the analytical and experiment results, it is proven that the performance of RESM outperforms the other mechanisms and RESM can provide more robust stack operation environment.
Small Bowel Intussusception due to Metastasized Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Lung: A Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction in Adults
Authors: Guner Ali , Karyagar Savaş , Livaoglu Ayten , Kece Can , Kucuktulu Uzer
Published: December 2012

Although small bowel intussusception is one of the most common abdominal emergencies in childhood, it is rare in adults and usually occurs as a result of an underlying pathology. Sarcomatoid carcinoma, a very rare subtype of lung cancer, rarely metastasizes to small bowel and causes complications. In this paper, we aim to describe a patient with small bowel intussusception caused by an isolated small bowel metastasis of the sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung by reviewing the literature.
Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity and Short-Term Plasticity Jointly Control the Excitation of Hebbian Plasticity without Weight Constraints in Neural Networks
Authors: Fernando Subha , Yamada Koichi
Published: December 2012

Hebbian plasticity precisely describes how synapses increase their synaptic strengths according to the correlated activities between two neurons; however, it fails to explain how these activities dilute the strength of the same synapses. Recent literature has proposed spike-timing-dependent plasticity and short-term plasticity on multiple dynamic stochastic synapses that can control synaptic excitation and remove many user-defined constraints. Under this hypothesis, a network model was implemented giving more computational power to receptors, and the behavior at a synapse was defined by the collective dynamic activities of stochastic receptors. An experiment was conducted to analyze can spike-timing-dependent plasticity interplay with short-term plasticity to balance the excitation of the Hebbian neurons without weight constraints? If so what underline mechanisms help neurons to maintain such excitation in computational environment? According to our results both plasticity mechanisms work together to balance the excitation of the neural network as our neurons stabilized its weights for Poisson inputs with mean firing rates from 10 Hz to 40 Hz. The behavior generated by the two neurons was similar to the behavior discussed under synaptic redistribution, so that synaptic weights were stabilized while there was a continuous increase of presynaptic probability of release and higher turnover rate of postsynaptic receptors.
Bilateral Vascular Variations at the Renal Hilum: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Aithal Ashwini P. , Guru Anitha , Nayak Satheesha B.
Published: December 2012

Imaging technology with its advancement in the field of urology is the boon for the patients who require minimally invasive approaches for various kidney disorders. These approaches require a precise knowledge of the normal and variant anatomy of vascular structures at the hilum of the kidney in terms of their pattern of arrangement and division. The present paper describes a bilateral anomalous arrangement of the structures at the renal hilum as well as their peculiar branching pattern which is of clinical and surgical relevance. Multiple branching of the renal vessels was observed in both kidneys due to which the hila were congested. The right renal artery immediately after its origin divided into 2 branches. The upper branch represented an aberrant artery whereas the lower branch gave 5 divisions. The left renal artery also divided into 2 branches much before the hilum as anterior and posterior divisions. The anterior branch took an arched course and gave 6 branches. The posterior branch gave 3 terminal branches before entering the renal substance. In addition to anomalous hilar structures, normal architecture of both kidneys was altered and the hilum of the left kidney was found on its anterior surface.
Cocaine Induced Vasculitis: Have We Found a Culprit?
Authors: Sánchez-Cruz Alfredo , Marrero Sylmarie , Betancourt José , Andino Myrna , Lopez Adolfo , Gutierrez-Nuñez Jose
Published: December 2012

Cocaine abuse is relatively common in our society. To enhance profitability and acceptability of the product, it is not uncommon for illicit drugs to undergo several processes. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has reported that seventy percent (70%) of cocaine seized at USA borders has been adulterated with levamisole, previously used as chemotherapeutic and immunomodulator for several conditions. Among the side effects of levamisole-adulterated cocaine, necrotizing vasculitis is the more dramatic. We report three cases of necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophils cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) positivity, linked to the use of cocaine. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of cocaine induced vasculitis reported in the Caribbean.
Fabrication and Application of Iron(III)‐Oxide Nanoparticle/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Cone in Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Huang Cheng-Chun , Wu Ming-Dao , Liang Dao , Yu Jiashing , Shih Po-Jen , Shih Wen-Pin
Published: December 2012

This paper presented the fabrication and applications of an iron(III)‐oxide nanoparticle/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) cone as a component integrated in lab on a chip. The two main functions of this component were to capture magnetic microbeads in the microfluid and to mix two laminar fluids by generating disturbance. The iron(III)‐oxide nanoparticle/PDMS cone was fabricated by automatic dispensing and magnetic shaping. Three consecutive cones of 300 μm in height were asymmetrically placed along a microchannel of 2 mm in width and 1.1 mm in height. Flow passing the cones was effectively redistributed for Renolds number lower than 3.45 × 10−3. Streptavidin‐coated magnetic microbeads which were bound with biotin were successfully captured by the composite cones as inspected under fluorescence microscope. The process parameters for fabricating the composite cones were investigated. The fabricated cone in the microchannel could be applied in lab on a chip for bioassay in the future.
VO2 Kinetics during Moderate Effort in Muscles of Different Masses and Training Level
Authors: Inbar Omri , Faina Marcello , Demarie Sabrina , Whipp Brian J.
Published: December 2012

Purpose. To examine the relative importance of central or peripheral factors in the on-transient VO2 response dynamics to exercise with “trained” and relatively “untrained” muscles. Methods. Seven professional road cyclists and seven elite kayak paddlers volunteered to participate in this study. Each completed two bouts of constant-load “square-wave” rest-to-exercise transition cycling and arm-cranking exercise at a power output 50–60% of the mode-specific VO2peak presented in a randomized order. Results. In the cyclists, the mean response time (MRT) as well as the phase II VO2 time constant () was significantly slower in the untrained compared with the trained muscles. The opposite was the case in the kayakers. With respect to the relatively untrained muscle groups, while both demonstrated faster VO2 kinetics than normal (moderately fit) subjects, the kayakers evidenced faster VO2 kinetics than the cyclists. This suggests that there is a greater stabilizing-counterforce involvement of the legs in the task of kayaking than of the arms for cycling. Conclusions. The results of the present study provide no support for the “transfer” of a training effect onto the VO2 on-transient response for moderate exercise, but rather support earlier reports demonstrating that peripheral effects may be important in dictating this kinetics.
Preparation and Comparative Bioavailability Studies of Indomethacin-Loaded Cetyl Alcohol Microspheres
Authors: Gupta N. Vishal , Gowda D. V. , Balamuralidhara V. , Khan M. S.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the present study was to compare the in vitro release and to find out whether the bioavailability of a 75 mg indomethacin capsule (Microcid SR) was equivalent to optimized formulation (indomethacin-loaded cetyl alcohol microspheres). Indomethacin-loaded cetyl alcohol microspheres were prepared by meltable emulsified cooling-induced technique. Surface morphology of microspheres has been evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. A single dose, randomized, complete cross over study of IM microspheres was carried out on 10 healthy male and female Albino sheep’s under fasting conditions. The plasma was separated and the concentrations of the drug were determined by HPLC-UV method. Plasma indomethacin concentrations and other pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were statistically analyzed. The SEM images revealed the spherical shape of fat microspheres, and more than 98.0% of the isolated microspheres were in the size range 12–32 μm. DSC, FTIR spectroscopy and stability studies indicated that the drug after encapsulation with fat microspheres was stable and compatible. Both formulations were found to be bioequivalent as evidenced by in vivo studies. Based on this study, it can be concluded that cetyl alcohol microspheres and Microcid SR capsule are bioequivalent in terms of the rate and extent of absorption.
IL-6 Production by Dendritic Cells Is Dispensable for CD8+Memory T-Cell Generation
Authors: Daudelin Jean-François , Mathieu Mélissa , Boulet Salix , Labrecque Nathalie
Published: December 2012

Following activation, naïve CD8+T cells will differentiate into effectors that differ in their ability to survive: some will persist as memory cells while the majority will die by apoptosis. Signals given by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) at the time of priming modulate this differential outcome. We have recently shown that, in opposition to dendritic cell (DC), CD40-activated B-(CD40-B) cell vaccination fails to efficiently produce CD8+memory T cells. Understanding why CD40-B-cell vaccination does not lead to the generation of functional long-lived memory cells is essential to define the signals that should be provided to naïve T cells by APCs. Here we show that CD40-B cells produce very low amount of IL-6 when compared to DCs. However, supplementation with IL-6 during CD40-B-cell vaccination did not improve memory generation. Furthermore, IL-6-deficient DCs maintained the capacity to promote the formation of functional CD8+effectors and memory cells. Our results suggest that in APC vaccination models, IL-6 provided by the APCs is dispensable for proper CD8+T-cell memory generation.
Structural Features and Transcriptional Activity of Chicken PPARs (α,β, andγ)
Authors: Takada Ichiro , Kobayashi Mime
Published: January 2013

While an understanding of lipid metabolism in chickens is critical for a further improvement of food production, there are few studies concerning differences in lipid metabolism mechanisms between chickens and other species at a molecular level. Chickens have three PPAR gene subtypes (α,β, andγ) that function differently from those present in humans and mice. The chicken PPAR-gamma (cPPARγ) gene is shorter than that in humans and lacks aγ2 isoform. Moreover, in serum-free media, cPPARγshows high transcriptional activity without exogenous ligands. Luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the effect of sera on cPPAR transcriptional activities and showed that adult bovine serum and chicken serum highly activate cPPARαandβfunctions. Moreover, we found that bezafibrate induces the transactivation function of cPPARβ, but not human PPARδ(human PPARβortholog). This ligand selectivity relies on one amino acid residue (chicken: Val419, human: Met444). These results show the possibilities for unique functions of cPPARs on chicken-specific lipid glucose metabolism. As such, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism in chickens could result in higher productivity for the poultry industry.
The Inflammatory Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pivotal Role for Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Capece Daria , Fischietti Mariafausta , Verzella Daniela , Gaggiano Agata , Cicciarelli Germana , Tessitore Alessandra , Zazzeroni Francesca , Alesse Edoardo
Published: December 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and aggressive human cancers worldwide. HCC is an example of inflammation-related cancer and represents a paradigm of the relation occurring between tumor microenvironment and tumor development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of leukocyte infiltrate of tumors and play a pivotal role in tumor progression of inflammation-related cancer, including HCC. Several studies indicate that, in the tumor microenvironment, TAMs acquire an M2-polarized phenotype and promote angiogenesis, metastasis, and suppression of adaptive immunity through the expression of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteases. Indeed, an established M2 macrophage population has been associated with poor prognosis in HCC. The molecular links that connect cancer cells and TAMs are not completely known, but recent studies have demonstrated that NF-κB, STAT-3, and HIF-1 signaling pathways play key roles in this crosstalk. In this paper, we discuss the current knowledge about the role of TAMs in HCC development, highlighting the role of TAM-derived cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in the initiation and progression of liver cancer and outlining the signaling pathways involved in the interplay between cancer cells and TAMs.
Contribution of Large Genomic Rearrangements in Italian Lynch Syndrome Patients: Characterization of a Novel Alu-Mediated Deletion
Authors: Duraturo Francesca , Cavallo Angela , Liccardo Raffaella , Cudia Bianca , De Rosa Marina , Diana Giuseppe , Izzo Paola
Published: December 2012

Lynch syndrome is associated with germ-line mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, mainlyMLH1andMSH2. Most of the mutations reported in these genes to date are point mutations, small deletions, and insertions. Large genomic rearrangements in the MMR genes predisposing to Lynch syndrome also occur, but the frequency varies depending on the population studied on average from 5 to 20%. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of large rearrangements in theMLH1andMSH2genes in a well-characterised series of 63 unrelated Southern Italian Lynch syndrome patients who were negative for pathogenic point mutations in theMLH1,MSH2, andMSH6genes. We identified a large novel deletion in theMSH2gene, including exon 6 in one of the patients analysed (1.6% frequency). This deletion was confirmed and localised by long-range PCR. The breakpoints of this rearrangement were characterised by sequencing. Further analysis of the breakpoints revealed that this rearrangement was a product of Alu-mediated recombination. Our findings identified a novel Alu-mediated rearrangement withinMSH2gene and showed that large deletions or duplications inMLH1andMSH2genes are low-frequency mutational events in Southern Italian patients with an inherited predisposition to colon cancer.
Electrochemical Investigation on Adsorption of Fluconazole at Mild Steel/HCl Acid Interface as Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Jebakumar Immanuel Edison T. , Sethuraman M. G.
Published: December 2012

The interfacial behavior of fluconazole on mild steel in 1 M HCl solution was studied by electrochemical methods, namely, polarization (Tafel Plot) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The surface morphology of mild steel in the presence and absence of fluconazole was studied by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results of the study showed that fluconazole reduced the corrosion rate in HCl acid solution by adsorbing on the surface of mild steel. Tafel results suggest that fluconazole behaves predominantly as an anodic inhibitor and shows greater inhibition efficiency (96%) at 0.30 mM. Thermodynamical parameters suggest that fluconazole is adsorbed on mild steel mainly by chemical mode. The EIS studies reveal the formation of a thin barrier film on mild steel surface. The AFM image of mild steel immersed in optimum concentration of fluconazole has confirmed the film formation on metal surface.
Recent Developments in the Research of Splat Formation Process in Thermal Spraying
Authors: Yang Kun , Liu Min , Zhou Kesong , Deng Changguang
Published: December 2012

Thermal spraying is a well-established surface modification technology which has been widely used in industrial applications. As the coating properties were mainly determined by the flattening nature of each splat, much attention has been increasingly paid to the study on the splat formation process of thermal sprayed particles. This paper is concerned with the development in the research of the splat formation process of the individual splat deposited by thermal spraying during the past few decades, including the experimental and numerical simulations up to today; some classical splashing models were also reviewed. As a simulation of the actual thermal spray process, the development of the flattening behavior of free falling droplet has been mentioned as well. On the basis of the current investigation, some recommendations for the future work have been advised.
Active Ageing in CIS Countries: Semantics, Challenges, and Responses
Authors: Sidorenko Alexandre , Zaidi Asghar
Published: January 2013

Although the CIS countries are connected together by the legacy of breaking away from the Soviet Union, they have had a distinctive transition course and are rather diverse in terms of the population ageing challenges and policy responses in place. The commonality is that a comprehensive national strategy on ageing is lacking, and many of necessary reforms were put aside owing to political uncertainties, lack of societal consensus, and financial instability. The notion of active ageing is associated with the term “accelerated ageing,” which is understood to be an individual living a life under harsh living conditions or a society experiencing rapid increases in the relative number of older persons, and therefore it carries a negative connotation. Yet, in the same spirit as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012, the CIS countries have initiated sectoral programmes towards enhancing employment of older workers, social participation of older people in the society in a wider sense and also measures promoting health and independent living of older persons.
Material Handling Equipment Selection Using Weighted Utility Additive Theory
Authors: Karande Prasad , Chakraborty Shankar
Published: December 2012

Better utilization of manpower, providing product flexibility, increasing productivity, decreasing lead time, reduction in handling cost, increased efficiency of material flow, and enhancement of production process are some of the most important issues influencing material handling (MH) equipment selection decision. As a wide variety of MH equipment is available today, selection of the proper equipment for a designed manufacturing system is a complicated task. Selection of suitable MH equipment for a typical handling environment is found to be a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. As the selection process is found to be unstructured, characterized by domain dependent knowledge, there is a need to apply an efficient MCDM tool to select the most suitable MH equipment for the given application. This paper applies weighted utility additive (WUTA) method to solve an MH equipment selection problem. The ranking obtained using the WUTA method is compared with that derived by the past researchers which proves its potentiality, applicability, and accuracy to solve complex decision-making problems.
Molecular Cloning, Expression, Purification, and Functional Characterization of Dammarenediol Synthase fromPanax ginseng
Authors: Hu Wei , Liu Ning , Tian Yuhua , Zhang Lianxue
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study is to clone and charecterize the expression of dammarenediol synthase gene and then to determine the relationship between the expression of dammarenediol synthase gene that is involved in the ginsenoside biosynthetic pathway and the ginsenoside content. A cDNA phage library was constructed from a five-year-old ginseng root. The cDNA library was screened for the dammarenediol synthase gene by using its specific primers. It was further cloned and expressed in pET-30a vector. The recombinant plasmid pET-30a-DS was expressed in RosettaE. coli. The recombinant DS protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The production of dammarenediol was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results showed that dammarenediol synthase gene was cloned from the cDNA library and was expressed in RosettaE. coliand the SDS-PAGE analysis showed the presence of purified DS protein. LS-MS showed the activity of DS protein, as the protein content increases the dammarenediol increases. Our results indicate that the recombinant dammarenediol synthase protein could increase the production of dammarenediol and the expression of DS played a vital role in the biosynthesis of ginsenosides inP. ginseng.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Fungicidal Activity of 5‐(4‐cyclopropyl‐5‐((3‐fluorobenzyl)thio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole
Authors: Liu Xing-Hai , Weng Jian-Quan , Tan Cheng-Xia
Published: December 2012

A new 1,2,3‐thiadiazole compound was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the title compound (C15H14FN5S2, Mr = 347.43) has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal is of triclinic, space group P‐1 with a = 7.0490(14), b = 9.0212(18), c = 12.799(3) Å, α = 89.97(3)°, β = 82.27(3)°, γ = 73.17(3)°, V = 771.3(3)  Å3, Z = 2, F(000) = 360, Dc = 1.496 g/cm3, μ = 0.036 mm−1, the final R1 = 0.0358, and wR2 = 0.0986 for 2204 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 5697 reflections were collected, of which 2719 were independent (Rint = 0.0028). The herbicidal activity of title compound was determined; the results showed that the title compound displayed excellent fungicidal activity.
Antioxidant Capacity and the Correlation with Major Phenolic Compounds, Anthocyanin, and Tocopherol Content in Various Extracts from the Wild EdibleBoletus edulisMushroom
Authors: Vamanu Emanuel , Nita Sultana
Published: December 2012

Boletus edulisis a wild edible mushroom habitually consumed by rural populations. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts was obtained in cold and hot water from dried fruit bodies. The antioxidant activity of freeze-dried extracts fromB. eduliswere investigated using free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power, metal chelating effect, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and the identification of antioxidant compounds. The levels of different compounds with antioxidant properties were higher in alcoholic extracts compared with aqueous extracts. Rosmarinic acid was the major phenolic compound, it being identified in a concentration between7±0.23and56±0.15 mg/100 g extract. A positive correlation between the content of total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tocopherols, and the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Romanian wild mushroomB. edulisrepresents a natural source of functional compounds.
Plasticized Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) Based Composites Containing Cellulose in Micro- and Nanosize
Authors: Halász Katalin , Csóka Levente
Published: December 2012

The aim of this work was to study the characteristics of thermal processed poly(lactic acid) composites. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG400), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and ultrasound-treated microcrystalline cellulose (USMCC) were used in 1, 3, and 5 weight percents to modify the attributes of PLA matrix. The composite films were produced by twin screw extrusion followed by film extrusion. The manufactured PLA-based films were characterized by tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and degradation test.
Health Technology Assessment Fireside: Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Dental Treatment in Canada
Authors: Brondani Mario A.
Published: December 2012

Objectives. This paper discusses the controversies surrounding the antibiotic prophylaxis preceding dental interventions within the following research question: how effective is dental antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing comorbidity and complications in those at risk? Methods. A synthesis of the available literature regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry was conducted under the lenses of Kazanjian’s framework for health technology assessment with a focus on economic concerns, population impact, social context, population at risk, and the effectiveness of the evidence to support its use. Results. The papers reviewed show that we have been using antibiotic prophylaxis without a clear and full understanding of its benefits. Although the first guideline for antibiotic prophylaxis was introduced in 1990, it has been revised on several occasions, from 1991 to 2011. Evidence-based clinical guidelines are yet to be seen. Conclusions. Any perceived potential benefit from administering antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures must be weighed against the known risks of lethal toxicity, allergy, and development, selection, and transmission of microbial resistance. The implications of guideline changes and lack of evidence for the full use of antibiotic prophylaxis for the teaching of dentistry have to be further discussed.
Densities and Refractive Indices of Potassium Salt Solutions in Binary Mixture of Different Compositions
Authors: Deosarkar S. D. , Pandhare V. V. , Kattekar P. S.
Published: December 2012

Densities and refractive indices of solutions of different concentrations of potassium salts, namely, KCl, KBr, and KI in 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% (v/v) ethanol-water mixture were measured at 303.15 K. Specific refractions () and molar refractions () have been estimated from measured refractive indices and densities of solutions and interpreted in terms of interactions in salt solutions. Refractive indices increased with an increase in percentage of ethanol as well as with concentrations of potassium salts for given composition of binary solvent mixture.