bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhinacanthus nasutusImproves the Levels of Liver Carbohydrate, Protein, Glycogen, and Liver Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Visweswara Rao Pasupuleti , Madhavi K. , Dhananjaya Naidu M. , Gan Siew Hua
Published: September 2013

The present study was designed to investigate the total carbohydrate, total protein, and glycogen levels in the liver and to measure functional liver markers such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in streptozotocin-(STZ-) induced diabetic rats after treatment with methanolic extract ofRhinacanthus nasutus(R. nasutus). The methanolic extract ofR. nasutuswas orally administered at 200 mg/kg/day while glibenclamide was administered at 50 mg/kg/day. All animals were treated for 30 days before being sacrificed. The amounts of carbohydrate, glycogen, proteins, and liver markers (AST and ALT) were measured in the liver tissue of the experimental animals. The levels of carbohydrate, glycogen, and proteins were significantly reduced in the diabetic rats but were augmented considerably after 30 days ofR. nasutustreatment. The elevated AST and ALT levels in diabetic rats showed a significant decline after treatment withR. nasutusfor 30 days. These results show that the administration ofR. nasutusameliorates the altered levels of carbohydrate, glycogen, proteins, and AST and ALT observed in diabetic rats and indicate thatR. nasutusrestores overall metabolism and liver function in experimental diabetic rats. In conclusion, the outcomes of the present study support the traditional belief thatR. nasutuscould ameliorate the diabetic state.
Intrathecal Administration of Autologous CD34 Positive Cells in Patients with Past Cerebral Infarction: A Safety Study
Authors: Wang Liming , Ji Haijie , Li Ming , Zhou Jianjun , Bai Wen , Zhong Zhanqiang , Li Na , Zhu Delin , Zhang Zijia , Liu Yongjun , Wu Mingyuan
Published: September 2013

Regenerative strategies in treatment of stroke have great potential. The goal of the current study was to investigate safety of intrathecal administration of autologous CD34 positive cells in treatment of patients with poststroke. A total of eight male patients with a history of stroke were enrolled. The patients were treated subcutaneously with 5 μg/kg body weight rhG-CSF for 5 consecutive days, and then leukapheresis was performed to concentrate cells for CD34 positive immunoselection. All patients underwent intrathecal administration of CD34 positive cells via lumbar puncture. The primary outcome was safety evaluation for 12-month followup. In addition, behavioral function was evaluated with NIH stroke scale and Barthel index 1, 6, and 12 months after the last treatment, respectively. There were no major adverse events, and abnormal changes of blood tests during the whole treatment process included intrathecal administration and 12-month followup. The main message from the current study was that administration of G-CSF-mobilized autologous CD34 positive cells in patients with poststroke was safe. Future studies with larger population and control group are needed to confirm the safety and investigate the efficacy.
Dynamics Control of the Complex Systems via Nondifferentiability
Authors: Nejneru Carmen , Nicuţă Anca , Constantin Boris , Manea Liliana Rozemarie , Teodorescu Mirela , Agop Maricel
Published: September 2013

A new topic in the analyses of complex systems dynamics, considering that the movements of complex system entities take place on continuum but nondifferentiable curves, is proposed. In this way, some properties of complex systems (barotropic-type behaviour, self-similarity behaviour, chaoticity through turbulence and stochasticization, etc.) are controlled through nondifferentiability of motion curves. These behaviours can simulate the standard properties of the complex systems (emergence, self-organization, adaptability, etc.).
An Analysis of the NSW Midwives Data Collection over an 11-Year Period to Determine the Risks to the Mother and the Neonate of Induced Delivery for Non-Obstetric Indication at Term
Authors: Raviraj Padmini , Shamsa Aiat , Bai Jun , Gyaneshwar Rajanishwar
Published: September 2013

Objective. To determine the risks of induced term delivery to the mother and neonate at different gestational ages in the absence of obstetric indications. Study Design. All deliveries in New South Wales (NSW) between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed from the MDC. Uncomplicated pregnancies which were induced for non-obstetric reasons after 37 completed weeks were reviewed. This was a retrospective, historical cohort study, and both maternal and neonatal outcomes were analysed and compared between different gestational age groups. Results. An analysis of the data shows that induction of labour after 37 completed weeks exposes the fetus and mother to different levels of risk at different gestations. Conclusion. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, induction of labour is associated with the highest rate of neonatal complication at 37 weeks as compared with rates at later gestations. With each ensuing week, the neonatal outcome improves. At 40 weeks the likelihood of neonatal intensive care admission, low Apgar scores, and perinatal death rate is at its lowest, and then there is a slight but not significant rise after 41 weeks. The likelihood of caesarean section is the lowest when inductions are carried out at 39 weeks and is the highest at 41 weeks and over.
Dorsal Dislocation of the Intermediate Cuneiform with a Medial Cuneiform Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Akan Burak , Yildirim Tugrul
Published: September 2013

Dorsal dislocation of the intermediate cuneiform and isolated medial cuneiform fractures are rare injuries. In this report, we present a patient who sustained a dislocation of the intermediate cuneiform and describe predisposing factors and the treatment procedure.
Idiopathic Thrombosis of the Inferior Vena Cava and Bilateral Femoral Veins in an Otherwise Healthy Male Soldier
Authors: Gordon Sarah , Kerns Tamie , Londeree William , Ching Brian
Published: September 2013

Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava is less common than deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, particularly in the absence of an obvious congenital caval abnormality or hypercoagulable state. We present a case of IVC thrombosis in an otherwise healthy and active 28-year-old male soldier secondary to dehydration and venous webbing. IVC thrombosis is an uncommon and underrecognized condition; in this case, the patient’s caval thrombosis was initially mistaken for acute back strain. Prompt recognition is necessary to minimize long-term sequelae.
LMI-Based Stability Criterion of Impulsive T-S Fuzzy Dynamic Equations via Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Rao Ruofeng , Pu Zhilin
Published: September 2013

By formulating a contraction mapping and the matrix exponential function, the authors apply linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique to investigate and obtain the LMI-based stability criterion of a class of time-delay Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy differential equations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to obtain the LMI-based stability criterion derived by a fixed point theory. It is worth mentioning that LMI methods have high efficiency and other advantages in largescale engineering calculations. And the feasibility of LMI-based stability criterion can efficiently be computed and confirmed by computer Matlab LMI toolbox. At the end of this paper, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Analytical Solutions of Spherical Cavity Expansion Near a Slope due to Pile Installation
Authors: Li Jingpei , Zhang Yaguo , Chen Haibing , Liang Fayun
Published: September 2013

Based on the hypothesis that the penetration of a single pile can be simulated by a series of spherical cavity expansions, this paper presents an analytical solution of cavity expansion near the sloping ground. Compared with the cavity expansion in the half-space, the sloping free boundary has been taken into account as well as the horizontal free boundary. The sloping and horizontal free surfaces are considered by the introduction of a virtual image technique, the harmonic function, and the Boussinesq solution. The results show that the sloping free boundary and the variation of the inclination angle have pronounced influences on the distribution of the stress and displacement induced by the spherical cavity expansion. The present solution provides a simplified and realistic theoretical method to predict the soil behaviors around the spherical cavity near the sloping ground. The approach can also be used for the determination of the inclination angle of the slope according to the maximum permissible displacement.
Utilization of Modern Contraceptives among HIV Positive Reproductive Age Women in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Berhane Yemane , Berhe Haftu , Abera Gerezgiher Buruh , Berhe Hailemariam
Published: September 2013

Background. HIV infected women in sub-Saharan Africa
are at substantial risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
In developing countries including Ethiopia counseling and provision of modern
contraceptives of choice to HIV infected women including those on antiretroviral
therapy (ART) is an important strategy to prevent unintended pregnancies and
sexually transmitted infections. Little is known about the existing practices and
utilization of modern contraceptives among HIV positive reproductive age
women attending ART units. Objective. The aim of this study
was to assess utilization of modern contraceptives and associated factors
among HIV positive reproductive age women attending ART units in zonal
hospitals of Tigray region, North Ethiopia. Method. Institution
based cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 364 HIV positive
reproductive age women in all zonal hospitals of Tigray region using systematic
sampling technique. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to obtain
information from the respondents. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate
methods were used to analyze utilization of modern contraceptives and the
factors associated with it. Result. Three hundred sixty-four
subjects participated with a response rate of 99.2%. The mean age of the respondents was 31.9±6.5 (SD) years. About 46% of participants utilized modern
contraceptives, 59.9% out of them used dual method. However, a
significant proportion of the respondents (46%) reported that they
wished to have a desire for children. Being secondary education and
higher (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.17–6.95) and currently on
HAART (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.49–7.01) they were more
likely to utilize modern contraceptive. But those women who were
≥25 years old, house wives, single, divorced, or widowed were
less likely to utilize modern contraceptive. Conclusion.
Results of this study revealed that the number of respondents who were ever heard of modern contraceptives was high.
However, modern contraceptive
utilization was still low. Additional efforts are needed to promote modern
contraceptive utilization in general and dual method use in particular among
HIV positive reproductive age women.
Direct Generation of Electric Currents from Flowing Neutral Ionic Solutions
Authors: Wang Boyang
Published: September 2013

We have discovered a new method of generating electric currents, directly from high pressure‐induced flow of neutral ionic solutions. The mechanism is that the cations and anions have different flow velocities, if their atomic masses are dramatically different, due to different accelerations generated from the high applied pressure. The generated electric current is very sensitive to the strengths of the applied pressure, and it might be potentially used for detection of atomic masses and pressures.
Prevalence of Depression among University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Sarokhani Diana , Delpisheh Ali , Veisani Yousef , Sarokhani Mohamad Taher , Manesh Rohollah Esmaeli , Sayehmiri Kourosh
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Depression is one of the four major diseases in the world and is the most common cause of disability from diseases. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression among Iranian university students using meta-analysis method.Materials and Methods. Keyword depression was searched in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, MAGIran, Medlib, and SID. Data was analyzed using meta-analysis (random-effects model). Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using theI2index. Data was analyzed using STATA software Ver.10.Results. In 35 studies conducted in Iran from 1995 to 2012 with sample size of 9743, prevalence of depression in the university students was estimated to be 33% (95% CI: 32–34). The prevalence of depression among boys was estimated to be 28% (95% CI: 26–30), among girls 23% (95% CI: 22–24), single students 39% (95% CI: 37–41), and married students 20% (95% CI: 17–24). Metaregression model showed that the trend of depression among Iranian students was flat.Conclusions. On the whole, depression is common in university students with no preponderance between males and females and in single students is higher than married ones.
Contribution of Process Annealing on the Development of Microstructure and Texture of Cu-30Zn Brass
Authors: Hagos S. , Verma A. K. , Mukhopadhyay Prantik , Singh A. K.
Published: September 2013

The present study describes the development of microstructural and textural trends with and without process annealing of the Cu-30Zn brass. Process-annealing refines the grain size and randomizes the crystallographic texture. The best benefits of grain refinement and randomization of texture have been obtained in process-annealing after early stage of deformation. The crucial advantages of (random + Bs) texture strengths in formability of final cold rolled gauges and annealed sheets have also been highlighted.
Dog Bite Injuries: Primary and Secondary Emergency Department Presentations—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pfortmueller Carmen A. , Efeoglou Anastasios , Furrer Hansjakob , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: September 2013

Dog bites in humans are a complex problem, embracing both public health and animal welfare. The primary aim of this study is to examine primary and secondary presentations related to dog bite injuries in adults. Methods. We retrospectively assessed all adult patients admitted with a dog bite injury to the Emergency Department of Bern University Hospital.
Results. A total of 431 patients were eligible for the study. Forty‐nine (11.4%) of all patients were admitted with secondary presentations. Bites to the hands were most common (177, 41.1%). All patients (47, 100%) with secondary presentations were admitted because of signs of infection. The median time since the dog bite was 3.8 days (SD 3.9, range 1–21). Thirty‐one patients had already been treated with antibiotic; coamoxicillin was the most common primary antibiotic
therapy (27/47 patients, 57.4%). Patients with injuries to the hand were at increased risk of secondary presentations (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.21–3.55, P < 0.006). Conclusion. Dog bite injuries to the hands are a major problem. They often lead to infectious complications. Immediate antibiotic therapy should carefully be evaluated for each patient.
Sulforaphane Enhances the Ability of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell against Oxidative Stress, and Its Effect on Gene Expression Profile Evaluated by Microarray Analysis
Authors: Ye Liang , Yu Ting , Li Yanqun , Chen Bingni , Zhang Jinshun , Wen Zhongyang , Zhang Bo , Zhou Xiaohong , Li Xiaoqing , Li Feng , Cao Wei , Huang Zhong
Published: September 2013

To gain further insights into the molecular basis of Sulforaphane (SF) mediated retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) 19 cell against oxidative stress, we investigated the effects of SF on the regulation of gene expression on a global scale and tested whether SF can endow RPE cells with the ability to resist apoptosis. The data revealed that after exposure to H2O2, RPE 19 cell viability was increased in the cells pretreated with SF compared to the cell not treated with SF. Microarray analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of 69 genes in RPE 19 cells after 6 hours of SF treatment. Based on the functional relevance, eight of the SF-responsive genes, that belong to antioxidant redox system, and inflammatory responsive factors were validated. The up-regulating translation of thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) and the nuclear translocation of Nuclear factor-like2 (Nrf2) were demonstrated by immunoblot analysis in SF treated RPE cells. Our data indicate that SF increases the ability of RPE 19 cell against oxidative stress through up-regulating antioxidative enzymes and down-regulating inflammatory mediators and chemokines. The results suggest that the antioxidant, SF, may be a valuable supplement for preventing and retarding the development of Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Molecular Characterization of Ferulate 5‐Hydroxylase Gene from Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)
Authors: Kim Jonggeun , Choi Bosung , Park Young-Hwan , Cho Byoung-Kwan , Lim Hyoun-Sub , Natarajan Savithiry , Park Sang-Un , Bae Hanhong
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study is to clone and characterize the expression pattern of a F5H gene encoding ferulate 5‐hydroxylase in the phenylpropanoid pathway from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.). Kenaf is a fast‐growing dicotyledonous plant valued for its biomass. F5H, a cytochrome P450‐dependent monooxygenase (CYP84), is a key enzyme for syringyl lignin biosynthesis. The full length of the F5H ortholog was cloned and characterized. The full‐length F5H ortholog consists of a 1,557‐bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 518 amino acids (GenBank Accession number JX524278). The deduced amino acid sequence showed that kenaf F5H had the highest similarity (78%) with that of Populus trichocarpa. Transcriptional analysis of F5H ortholog was conducted using quantitative real‐time PCR during the developmental stages of various tissues and in response to various abiotic stresses. The highest transcript level of the F5H ortholog was observed in immature flower tissues and in early stage (6 week‐old) of stem tissues, with a certain level of expression in all tissues tested. The highest transcript level of F5H ortholog was observed at the late time points after treatments with NaCl (48 h), wounding (24 h), cold (24 h), abscisic acid (24 h), and methyl jasmonate (24 h).
Myosins Are Differentially Expressed under Oxidative Stress in Chronic Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Brains
Authors: Calábria Luciana Karen , Vieira da Costa Alice , da Silva Oliveira Renato José , Ramos Deconte Simone , Nascimento Rafael , de Carvalho Washington João , de Oliveira Vanessa Neves , Arcaro Filho Carlos Alberto , Rezende Alves de Oliveira Luciana , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Espindola Foued Salmen
Published: September 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which may lead to brain tissue damage due to oxidative stress and also contributes to neuronal death and changes in synaptic transmission. This study evaluated the effect of oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants supplementation on myosins expression levels in the brains of chronic diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, and myosins-IIB and -Va expressions at transcriptional and translational levels were examined after 90 days induction. The chronic effect of the diabetes led to the upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), but there was no statistically significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These alterations were accompanied by high myosin-IIB and low myosin-Va expressions. Although the antioxidant supplementation did not interfere on MDA levels, the oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia was reduced by increasing SOD and restoring CAT and GPx activities. Interestingly, after supplementation, diabetic rats recovered only myosin-Va protein levels, without interfering on myosins mRNA levels expressed in diabetic rat brains. Our results suggest that antioxidant supplementation reduces oxidative stress and also regulates the myosins protein expression, which should be beneficial to individuals with diabetes/chronic hyperglycemia.
Impact of Helmet Use in Traumatic Brain Injuries Associated with Recreational Vehicles
Authors: Ganti Latha , Bodhit Aakash N. , Daneshvar Yasamin , Patel Pratik Shashikant , Pulvino Christa , Hatchitt Kelsey , Hoelle Robyn M. , Peters Keith R. , Kuchibhotla Sudeep , Lottenberg Lawrence , Gabrielli Andrea , Mazzuoccolo Anna , Elie-Turenne Marie-Carmelle , Falgiani Tricia , Maerz Porter W. , Kharod Shivam M. , Conroy Lauren M. , Khalid Hussain M. , Tyndall J. Adrian
Published: September 2013

Objective. To study the impact of helmet use on outcomes after recreational vehicle accidents.Methods. This is an observational cohort of adult and pediatric patients who sustained a TBI while riding a recreational vehicle. Recreational vehicles included bicycles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), as well as a category for other vehicles such as skateboards and scooters.Results. Lack of helmet use was significantly associated with having a more severe traumatic brain injury and being admitted to the hospital. Similarly, 25% of those who did wearing a helmet were admitted to the ICU versus 36% of those who did not (P=0.0489). The hospital length of stay was significantly greater for patients who did not use helmets.Conclusion. Lack of helmet use is significantly correlated with abnormal neuroimaging and admission to the hospital and ICU; these data support a call for action to implement more widespread injury prevention and helmet safety education and advocacy.
Reduced Precision Redundancy for Satellite Telecommand Receiver Module on FPGA
Authors: Sadruddin Salman , Aziz Arshad
Published: September 2013

A novel and highly efficient design of a software defined radiation tolerant baseband module for a LEO satellite telecommand receiver using FPGA is presented. FPGAs in space are subject to single event upsets (SEUs) due to high radiation environment. Traditionally, triple modular redundancy (TMR) is used for mitigating Single Event Upsets (SEUs). The drawback of using TMR is that it consumes a lot of hardware resources and requires more power. Reduced precision redundancy (RPR) can be a viable alternative of TMR in digital systems for arithmetic operations. This paper uses the combination of RPR and TMR for mitigating SEUs. The designed module consumes less resources on FPGA and has bit error rate (BER) identical to theoretical results, apart from degradation due to implementation losses. An improved Costas loop and timing recovery algorithm are implemented for achieving carrier recovery and bit synchronization. The hybrid approach mitigates SEUs while consuming 26% less resources than a customary TMR protected receiver.
Flavocytochrome b2‐Based Enzymatic Method of L‐Lactate Assay in Food Products
Authors: Smutok Oleh , Karkovska Maria , Smutok Halyna , Gonchar Mykhailo
Published: September 2013

L‐lactate, a key metabolite of the anaerobic glycolytic pathway, plays an important role as a biomarker in medicine, in the nutritional sector and food quality control. For these reasons, there is a need for very specific, sensitive, and simple analytical methods for the accurate L‐lactate measuring. A new highly selective enzymatic method for L‐lactate determination based on the use of flavocytochrome b2 (EC 1.1.2.3; FC b2) isolated from the recombinant strain of the yeast Hansenula polymorpha has been developed. A proposed enzymatic method exploits an enzymatic oxidation of
L‐lactate to pyruvate coupled with nitrotetrazolium blue (NTZB) reduction to a colored product, formazan. The maximal absorption peak of the colored product is near λ = 525 nm and the linear range is observed in the interval 0.005–0.14 mM of L‐lactate. The main advantages of the proposed method when compared to the LDH‐based routine approaches are a higher sensitivity (2.0 μM of L‐lactate), simple procedure of analysis, usage of inexpensive, nontoxic reagents, and small amount of the enzyme. Enzymatic oxidation of L‐lactate catalyzed by flavocytochrome b2 and coupled with formazan production from nitrotetrazolium blue was shown to be used for L‐lactate assay in food samples. A high correlation between results of the proposed method and reference ones proves the possibility to use flavocytochrome b2‐catalysed reaction for enzymatic measurement of L‐lactate in biotechnology and food chemistry.
Improved Algorithm for Gradient Vector Flow Based Active Contour Model Using Global and Local Information
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Chen Bingyu , Sun Mingui , Jia Wenyan , Yuan Zhiyong
Published: September 2013

Active contour models are used to extract object boundary from digital image, but there is poor convergence for the targets with deep concavities. We proposed an improved approach based on existing gradient vector flow methods. Main contributions of this paper are a new algorithm to determine the false part of active contour with higher accuracy from the global force of gradient vector flow and a new algorithm to update the external force field together with the local information of magnetostatic force. Our method has a semidynamic external force field, which is adjusted only when the false active contour exists. Thus, active contours have more chances to approximate the complex boundary, while the computational cost is limited effectively. The new algorithm is tested on irregular shapes and then on real images such as MRI and ultrasound medical data. Experimental results illustrate the efficiency of our method, and the computational complexity is also analyzed.
Microbial Community Analysis of a Methane-Producing Biocathode in a Bioelectrochemical System
Authors: Van Eerten-Jansen Mieke C. A. A. , Veldhoen Anna B. , Plugge Caroline M. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Buisman Cees J. N. , Ter Heijne Annemiek
Published: September 2013

A methane-producing biocathode that converts CO2into methane was studied electrochemically and microbiologically. The biocathode produced methane at a maximum rate of 5.1 L CH4/m2projected cathode per day (1.6 A/m2) at −0.7 V versus NHE cathode potential and 3.0 L CH4/m2projected cathode per day (0.9 A/m2) at −0.6 V versus NHE cathode potential. The microbial community at the biocathode was dominated by three phylotypes of Archaea and six phylotypes of bacteria. The Archaeal phylotypes were most closely related toMethanobacterium palustreandMethanobacterium aarhusense. Besides methanogenic Archaea, bacteria seemed to be associated with methane production, producing hydrogen as an intermediate. Biomass density varied greatly with part of the carbon electrode covered with a dense biofilm, while only clusters of cells were found on other parts. Based on our results, we discuss how inoculum enrichment and changing operational conditions may help to increase biomass density and to select for microorganisms that produce methane.
Does Radar Technology Support the Diagnosis of Pneumothorax? PneumoScan—A Diagnostic Point-of-Care Tool
Authors: Lindner T. , Conze M. , Albers C. E. , Leidel B. A. , Levy P. , Kleber C. , De Moya M. , Exadaktylos A. , Stoupis C.
Published: September 2013

Background. A nonrecognized pneumothorax (PTX) may become a life-threatening tension PTX. A reliable point-of-care diagnostic tool could help in reduce this risk. For this purpose, we investigated the feasibility of the use of the PneumoScan, an innovative device based on micropower impulse radar (MIR).Patients and Methods. addition to a standard diagnostic protocol including clinical examination, chest X-ray (CXR), and computed tomography (CT), 24 consecutive patients with chest trauma underwent PneumoScan testing in the shock trauma room to exclude a PTX.Results. The application of the PneumoScan was simple, quick, and reliable without functional disorder. Clinical examination and CXR each revealed one and PneumoScan three out of altogether four PTXs (sensitivity 75%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 95%). The undetected PTX did not require intervention.Conclusion. The PneumoScan as a point-of-care device offers additional diagnostic value in patient management following chest trauma. Further studies with more patients have to be performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the device.
O-Glycosylation of NnTreg Lymphocytes Recognized by theAmaranthus leucocarpusLectin
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez María C. , Lascurain Ricardo , Méndez-Reguera Aniela , Estrada-Parra Sergio , Estrada-García Iris , Gorocica Patricia , Martínez-Cairo Salvador , Zenteno Edgar , Chávez Raúl
Published: September 2013

O-glycosidically-linked glycans have been involved in development, maturation, homing, and immune regulation in T cells. Previous reports indicate thatAmaranthus leucocarpuslectin(ALL), specific for glycans containing galactose-N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine, recognizes human naïve CD27+CD25+CD4+T cells. Our aim was to evaluate the phenotype of CD4+T cells recognized byALLin peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from healthy volunteers. CD4+T cells were isolated by negative selection using magnetic beads-labeled monoclonal antibodies; the expression of T regulatory cell phenotypic markers was assessed onALL-recognized cells. In addition, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-βintracellular production inALL+cells was also evaluated. The analyses of phenotypic markers and intracellular cytokines were performed through flow cytometry.ALL-recognized CD4+T cells were mainly CD45RA+, CCR7+cells. Although52±10% CD25+Foxp3+cells were positive toALL, only34±4% ofALL+cells corresponded to CD25+Foxp3−cells. Intracellular cytokines in freshly obtainedALL+CD4+T cells exhibited 8% of IL-4, 15% of IL-10, 2% of IFN-γ, and 15% of TGF-β, whereasALL−CD4+T cells depicted 1% of IL-4, 2% of IL-10,<1% of IFN-γ, and 6% of TGF-β. Our results show that galactose-N-acetylgalactosamine and N-galactosamine-bearing CD4+T cells expressed phenotypic markers of NnTreg cells.
Nonlinear Analysis of Electrically Actuated Carbon Nanotube Resonator Using a Novel Discretization Technique
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M. , Najar Fehmi , Hattab Oussama
Published: September 2013

Static as well as dynamic analyses have been performed on clamped-clamped carbon nanotube (CNT) resonator. The nonlinear CNT model is investigated with a novel discretization technique: a differential quadrature method (DQM) to discretize the spatial variables and a finite difference method (FDM) for limit-cycle solutions. Parametric study is performed by varying the electric load, as well as the initial curvature (due to fabrication). It is found that the pull-in voltage decreases nonlinearly with initial curvature and linearly with residual stresses. The eigenvalue problem is also solved to obtain the bending natural frequencies of the system as function of the DC voltage as well as the initial curvature of the CNT. Frequency-response curves near some selected resonant frequencies are plotted to better understand the nanotubes' dynamic behavior. Different linear and nonlinear phenomena are depicted such as dynamic pull-in, hardening, and softening behavior and veering of the odd modes. We have found that even when exciting the CNT near its first natural frequency, the vibration mode located at the veering process significantly alters the CNT's motion and hence may decrease its overall quality factor.
Some Inverse Relations Determined by Catalan Matrices
Authors: Yang Sheng-liang
Published: September 2013

We use the A-sequence and Z-sequence of Riordan array to characterize the inverse relation associated with the Riordan array. We apply this result to prove some combinatorial identities involving Catalan matrices and binomial coefficients. Some matrix identities obtained by Shapiro and Radoux are all special cases of our identity. In addition, a unified form of Catalan matrices is introduced.
Elicitor‐Induced Defense Responses in Solanum lycopersicum against Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Mandal Sudhamoy , Kar Itishree , Mukherjee Arup K. , Acharya Priyambada
Published: September 2013

We investigated on important parameters of induced resistance in hydroponic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) against Ralstonia solanacearum using the elicitors chitosan (CHT), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA). The increase in total phenolic content of roots by the elicitors was significantly higher than control. Most pronounced increase in lignin synthesis was triggered by SA followed by CHT. At 24 h post‐elicitation (hpe), the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase was 4.5 times higher than control elicited by CHT. The peroxidase activity was about 86 nkat/mg protein at 24 hpe in case of SA and 78 nkat/mg protein in case of CHT. The activity of polyphenol oxidase increased several folds by the elicitors. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity increased to the maximum at 48 hpe under the influence of CHT. The results indicate that the elicitors SA and CHT induced effective defense responses in tomato plants against R. solanacearum. This was evident from reduced vascular browning and wilting symptoms of tomato plants treated with SA and CHT and challenged subsequently with R. solanacearum. This reduced disease incidence in tomato by SA and CHT may be a result of cell wall strengthening through deposition of lignin and the coincident induction of defense enzymes.
Plasticity in the Human Visual Cortex: An Ophthalmology-Based Perspective
Authors: Rosa Andreia Martins , Silva Maria Fátima , Ferreira Sónia , Murta Joaquim , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: September 2013

Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to reorganize the function and structure of its connections in response to changes in the environment. Adult human visual cortex shows several manifestations of plasticity, such as perceptual learning and adaptation, working under the top-down influence of attention. Plasticity results from the interplay of several mechanisms, including the GABAergic system, epigenetic factors, mitochondrial activity, and structural remodeling of synaptic connectivity. There is also a downside of plasticity, that is, maladaptive plasticity, in which there are behavioral losses resulting from plasticity changes in the human brain. Understanding plasticity mechanisms could have major implications in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases, such as retinal disorders, cataract and refractive surgery, amblyopia, and in the evaluation of surgical materials and techniques. Furthermore, eliciting plasticity could open new perspectives in the development of strategies that trigger plasticity for better medical and surgical outcomes.
Heat Generation by Polypyrrole Coated Glass Fabric
Authors: Abbasi A. M. Rehan , Militky J. , Gregr J.
Published: September 2013

Vapor deposition technique was employed to coat polypyrrole (PPy) on glass substrate using FeCl3 as oxidant and p-toluenesulfonic acid (−OTs) as doping agent. The Joule heating effect of PPy coated E-glass fabric was studied by supplying various DC electric fields. The coated fabric exhibited reasonable electrical stability, possessed medium electrical conductivity and was effective in heat generation. An increase in temperature of conductive fabric subjected to constant voltage was observed whereas decrease in power consumption was recorded. Thickness of PPy coating on glass fibers was analyzed by Laser confocal microscope and scanning electron microscope.
Infectivity versus Seeding in Neurodegenerative Diseases Sharing a Prion-Like Mechanism
Authors: Fernández-Borges Natalia , Eraña Hasier , Elezgarai Saioa R. , Harrathi Chafik , Gayosso Mayela , Castilla Joaquín
Published: September 2013

Prions are considered the best example to prove that the biological information can be transferred protein to protein through a conformational change. The term “prion-like” is used to describe molecular mechanisms that share similarities with the mammalian prion protein self-perpetuating aggregation and spreading characteristics. Since prions are presumably composed only of protein and are infectious, the more similar the mechanisms that occur in the different neurodegenerative diseases, the more these processes will resemble an infection.In vitroandin vivoexperiments carried out during the last decade in different neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's diseases (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have shown a convergence toward a unique mechanism of misfolded protein propagation. In spite of the term “infection” that could be used to explain the mechanism governing the diversity of the pathological processes, other concepts as “seeding” or “de novoinduction” are being used to describe thein vivopropagation and transmissibility of misfolded proteins. The current studies are demanding an extended definition of “disease-causing agents” to include those already accepted as well as other misfolded proteins. In this new scenario, “seeding” would be a type of mechanism by which an infectious agent can be transmitted but should not be used to define a whole “infection” process.
Oxidative Protein-Folding Systems in Plant Cells
Authors: Onda Yayoi
Published: September 2013

Plants are unique among eukaryotes in having evolved organelles: the protein storage vacuole, protein body, and chloroplast. Disulfide transfer pathways that function in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and chloroplasts of plants play critical roles in the development of protein storage organelles and the biogenesis of chloroplasts, respectively. Disulfide bond formation requires the cooperative function of disulfide-generating enzymes (e.g., ER oxidoreductase 1), which generate disulfide bonds de novo, and disulfide carrier proteins (e.g., protein disulfide isomerase), which transfer disulfides to substrates by means of thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Selective molecular communication between disulfide-generating enzymes and disulfide carrier proteins, which reflects the molecular and structural diversity of disulfide carrier proteins, is key to the efficient transfer of disulfides to specific sets of substrates. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the various disulfide transfer pathways involved in oxidative protein folding in the ER, chloroplasts, and mitochondria of plants.
Profile Inferences on Restricted Additive Partially Linear EV Models
Authors: Wang Xiuli
Published: September 2013

We consider the testing problem for the parameter and restricted estimator for the nonparametric component in the additive partially linear errors-in-variables (EV) models under additional restricted condition. We propose a profile Lagrange multiplier test statistic based on modified profile least-squares method and two-stage restricted estimator for the nonparametric component. We derive two important results. One is that, without requiring the undersmoothing of the nonparametric components, the proposed test statistic is proved asymptotically to be a standard chi-square distribution under the null hypothesis and a noncentral chi-square distribution under the alternative hypothesis. These results are the same as the results derived by Wei and Wang (2012) for their adjusted test statistic. But our method does not need an adjustment and is easier to implement especially for the unknown covariance of measurement error. The other is that asymptotic distribution of proposed two-stage restricted estimator of the nonparametric component is asymptotically normal and has an oracle property in the sense that, though the other component is unknown, the estimator performs well as if it was known. Some simulation studies are carried out to illustrate relevant performances with a finite sample. The asymptotic distribution of the restricted corrected-profile least-squares estimator, which has not been considered by Wei and Wang (2012), is also investigated.
Biomechanical Response and Behavior of Users under Emergency Buffer Crash
Authors: Miralbes R. , Cuartero J. , Castejon L.
Published: September 2013

This paper aims to study the biomechanical effects on elevator users and the injuries sustained should an elevator crash happen. The analysis will focus on buffer impact, signaling that the earlier mentioned buffer is usually located at the bottom of the pit. In order to carry out this analysis, a numerical technique based on finite element method will be used, while elevator users will be simulated by means of automotive dummies. Two crash factors will be studied, namely, location of dummy and fall velocity. The analysis criteria will be damages sustained by the dummy, based on biomechanical index such as HIC, CSI, forces, and accelerations.
Numerical Modeling of the Flow in a Vaneless Diffuser of Centrifugal Compressor Stage
Authors: Kalinkevych Mykola , Shcherbakov Oleg
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the results of numerical investigation of the flow in a vaneless diffuser of centrifugal compressor stage. Simulations were performed using both a commercial CFD package ANSYS CFX and the own-designed computer program. Steady conditions involving SST turbulence model were used for the calculations using CFX. To consider the interaction between impeller and diffuser, not just a diffuser but the whole stage was calculated. The own-designed methodology is based on solving of conservation equations with assumptions that flow in a diffuser is steady state and axisymmetric. The flow area is divided into the flow core and boundary layers. Results of calculation were compared with experimental data.
Generalized Fuzzy Bonferroni Harmonic Mean Operators and Their Applications in Group Decision Making
Authors: Park Jin Han , Park Eun Jin
Published: September 2013

The Bonferroni mean (BM) operator is an important aggregation technique which reflects the correlations of aggregated arguments. Based on the BM and harmonic mean operators, H. Sun and M. Sun (2012) developed the fuzzy Bonferroni harmonic mean (FBHM) and fuzzy ordered Bonferroni harmonic mean (FOBHM) operators. In this paper, we study desirable properties of these operators and extend them, by considering the correlations of any three aggregated arguments instead of any two, to develop generalized fuzzy weighted Bonferroni harmonic mean (GFWBHM) operator and generalized fuzzy ordered weighted Bonferroni harmonic mean (GFOWBHM) operator. In particular, all these operators can be reduced to aggregate interval or real numbers. Then based on the GFWBHM and GFOWBHM operators, we present an approach to multiple attribute group decision making and illustrate it with a practical example.
Is Surgery in the Elderly for Oesophageal Cancer Justifiable? Results from a Single Centre
Authors: Mirza A. , Pritchard S. , Welch I.
Published: September 2013

Aims. Advanced age is an identified risk factor for patients undergoing oncological surgical resection. The surgery for oesophageal cancer is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to study the operative management of elderly patients (≥70 years) at a single institute. Methods. The data was collected from 206 patients who have undergone operative resection of oesophageal cancer. The demographic, operative, histological, and postoperative follow-up of all patients were analysed. Results. A total of 46 patients of ≥70 years who had surgical resection for oesophageal cancer were identified. Patients ≥70 years had poor overall survival (). Also elderly patients with nodal involvement had poor survival (). Age at the time of surgery had no impact on the incidence of postoperative complication and inpatient mortality. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses showed age, nodal stage, and positive resection margins as independent prognostic factors for patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer. Conclusions. Advanced age is associated with poor outcome following oesophageal resection. However, the optimisation of both preoperative and postoperative care can significantly improve outcomes. The decision of operative management should be individualised. Age should be considered as one of the factors in surgical resection of oesophageal cancer in the elderly patients.
A Review of Offshore Wave Energy Extraction System
Authors: Chen Zhongxian , Yu Haitao , Hu Minqiang , Meng Gaojun , Wen Cheng
Published: September 2013

Offshore wave energy can be easily predicted and is proved to be much better than other forms of ocean energy such as shoreline wave, near-shore wave, and tides. Research on offshore wave energy extraction has been carried out in many countries to meet the growing demand for clean energy and reduce the impact on natural environment. This paper reviews the development of offshore wave energy extraction systems in the recent decade. Several aspects are introduced, including a global wave energy resource assessment, offshore wave energy extraction technologies, and the interaction between wave and floating buoy as well as linear generators. Although various offshore wave energy extraction systems have been proposed and even tested, it is difficult to decide which is the best one. In fact, design of floating buoy and linear generators plays an important role in the operational efficiency of offshore wave energy extraction system. This review provides some useful guidelines for future studies in this field.
Insulin and the Lung: Connecting Asthma and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Singh Suchita , Prakash Y. S. , Linneberg Allan , Agrawal Anurag
Published: September 2013

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and asthma are all rapidly increasing globally. Substantial emerging evidence suggests that these three conditions are epidemiologically and mechanistically linked. Since the link between obesity and asthma appears to extend beyond mechanical pulmonary disadvantage, molecular understanding is necessary. Insulin resistance is a strong, independent risk factor for asthma development, but it is unknown whether a direct effect of insulin on the lung is involved. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the effect of insulin on cellular components of the lung and highlights the molecular consequences of insulin-related metabolic signaling cascades that could adversely affect lung structure and function. Examples include airway smooth muscle proliferation and contractility and regulatory signaling networks that are associated with asthma. These aspects of insulin signaling provide mechanistic insight into the clinical evidence for the links between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and airway diseases, setting the stage for novel therapeutic avenues targeting these conditions.
Association of Transferable Quinolone Resistance DeterminantqnrB19with Extended-Spectrumβ-Lactamases inSalmonellaGive andSalmonellaHeidelberg in Venezuela
Authors: González Fanny , Araque María
Published: September 2013

Four nontyphoidalSalmonellastrains with resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and nonclassical quinolone resistance phenotype were studied. TwoS.Give were isolated from pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis, and twoS.Heidelberg were recovered from raw chicken meat. Phenotypic characterization included antimicrobial susceptibility testing and detection of extended-spectrumβ-lactamases (ESBLs) by the double-disc synergy method. The detection of quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) ofgyrA, gyrB, andgyrCgenes,blaESBLsgenes, and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants was carried out by molecular methods. Plasmid analysis included Southern blot and restriction patterns. Transferability of resistance genes was examined by transformation.blaTEM-1 + blaSHV-12genes were detected inS.Give SG9611 andblaTEM-1 + blaCTX-M-2in the other three strains:S.Give SG9811,S.Heidelberg SH7511, and SH7911. Regardless of origin and serovars, theqnrB19gene was detected in the 4 strains studied. All determinants of resistance were localized in plasmids and successfully transferred by transformation. This study highlights the circulation ofqnrB19associated withblaTEM-1,blaSHV-12, andblaCTX-M-2inS.Give andS.Heidelberg in Venezuela. The recognition of factors associated with increasing resistance and the study of the molecular mechanisms involved can lead to a more focused use of antimicrobial agents.