bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renoprotective Effect of Egyptian Cape Gooseberry Fruit (Physalis peruvianaL.) against Acute Renal Injury in Rats
Authors: Ahmed Lamiaa Ali
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effect ofPhysalis peruvianaL. extract (PPE) on acute renal injury in rats. Adult male rats (n=36) were divided into six groups that were fed with basal diet throughout the experiment (33 days). The first group was normal group, the second and the third groups were administered orally with 100 and 150 mg PPE/kg body weight (BW) respectively, the fourth group was injected intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg BW cisplatin once on the 28th day to induced ARI, and the fifth and sixth groups were treated like the second and the third groups and were injected with cisplatin on the 28th day. Many bioactive compounds were found in PPE. PPE did not cause any changes in the second and third groups compared to normal control group. Administration of PPE prior to cisplatin injection caused significant reduction in relative kidney weight, serum creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, and significant increments in body weight, feed intake, total protein, albumin, and total globulin compared to cisplatin group. Pretreatment with PPE improved kidney histology and diminished the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and enhanced other antioxidant enzymes in kidney homogenate compared to cisplatin group.
Proximate, Antinutrients and Mineral Composition of Raw and Processed (Boiled and Roasted) Sphenostylis stenocarpa Seeds from Southern Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Ndidi Uche Samuel , Ndidi Charity Unekwuojo , Olagunju Abbas , Muhammad Aliyu , Billy Francis Graham , Okpe Oche
Published: March 2014

This research was aimed at evaluating the proximate composition, level of anti-nutrients, and the mineral composition of raw and processed Sphenostylis stenocarpa seeds and at examining the effect of processing on the parameters. From the proximate composition analysis, the ash content showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the processed and unprocessed (raw) samples. However, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the levels of moisture, crude lipid, nitrogen-free extract, gross energy, true protein, and crude fiber between the processed and unprocessed S. stenocarpa. Analyses of the antinutrient composition show that the processed S. stenocarpa registered significant reduction in levels of hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, oxalate, and tannins compared to the unprocessed. Evaluation of the mineral composition showed that the level of sodium, calcium, and potassium was high in both the processed and unprocessed sample (150–400 mg/100 g). However, the level of iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium was low in both processed and unprocessed samples (2–45 mg/100 g). The correlation analysis showed that tannins and oxalate affected the levels of ash and nitrogen-free extract of processed and unprocessed seeds. These results suggest that the consumption of S. stenocarpa will go a long way in reducing the level of malnutrition in northern Nigeria.
Experimental Study of an Adaptive Sequential Nonlinear LSE with Unknown Inputs for Structural Damage Tracking
Authors: Mu Tengfei , Zhou Li , Yang Jann N.
Published: March 2014

An improved adaptive sequential nonlinear LSE with unknown inputs (ASNLSE-UI) approach was proposed to real-time-track the structural damage when it occurs for structural safety and management after emergency event. Experimental studies are presented to verify the capability of the improved ASNLSE-UI approach. A series of tests using a small-scale 3-story base-isolated building have been performed. White noise and earthquake excitations, applied to the base of the model, have been used. To simulate structural damages during the test, an innovative device is designed and manufactured to reduce the stiffness of some stories. With the measured response data of different damage scenarios, the improved ASNLSE-UI approach is used to track the variation of structural physical parameters. Besides, the unknown inputs are simultaneously identified. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved ASNLSE-UI approach is capable of tracking the variation of stiffness parameters leading to the detection of structural damages.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyurethane Nanocomposites Using Vietnamese Montmorillonite Modified by Polyol Surfactants
Authors: Ha Thuc C. N. , Cao H. T. , Nguyen D. M. , Tran M. A. , Duclaux Laurent , Grillet A.-C. , Ha Thuc H.
Published: March 2014

This study focuses on the preparation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite using Vietnamese montmorillonite (MMT) as the reinforced phase. The MMT was previously modified by intercalating polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molecules between the clay layers. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results of organoclays revealed that galleries of MMT were increased to 18.2 Å and 27 Å after their intercalation with PEO and PVA, respectively. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites composed of 1, 3, 5, and 7%wt organoclays were synthesized. The result of XRD and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses implied that the PEO modified MMT was well dispersed, at 3%wt, in polyurethane matrix. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) has confirmed this result by showing the hydrogenous interaction between the urethane linkage and OH group on the surface of silicate layer. Thermogravimetric (TG) showed that the organoclay samples also presented improved thermal stabilities. In addition, the effects of the organoclays on mechanical performance and water absorption of the PU nanocomposite were also investigated.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Crayfish and Fish from Selected Czech Reservoirs
Authors: Kuklina Iryna , Kouba Antonín , Buřič Miloš , Horká Ivona , Ďuriš Zdeněk , Kozák Pavel
Published: March 2014

To evaluate the accumulation of aluminium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc in crayfish and fish organ tissues, specimens from three drinking water reservoirs (Boskovice, Landštejn, and Nová Říše) and one contaminated site (Darkovské moře) in the Czech Republic were examined. Crayfish hepatopancreas was confirmed to be the primary accumulating site for the majority of metals (Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd > Cr), while Hg and Cr were concentrated in abdominal muscle, and Al and Pb were concentrated in gill. Metals found in Nová Říše specimens included Cu > Zn > Ni and those found in Boskovice included Zn > Hg > Cr. Cd concentrations were observed only in Landštejn specimens, while contaminated Darkovské moře specimens showed the highest levels of accumulation (Cu > Al > Zn > Pb). The majority of evaluated metals were found in higher concentrations in crayfish: Cu > Al > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb, with Hg being the only metal accumulating higher in fish. Due to accumulation similarities of Al in crayfish and fish gill, differences of Hg in muscle, and features noted for the remaining metals in examined tissues, biomonitoring should incorporate both crayfish and fish to produce more relevant water quality surveys.
Small G Proteins Dexras1 and RHES and Their Role in Pathophysiological Processes
Authors: Thapliyal Ashish , Verma Rashmi , Kumar Navin
Published: March 2014

Dexras1 and RHES, monomeric G proteins, are members of small GTPase family that are involved in modulation of pathophysiological processes. Dexras1 and RHES levels are modulated by hormones and Dexras1 expression undergoes circadian fluctuations. Both these GTPases are capable of modulating calcium ion channels which in turn can potentially modulate neurosecretion/hormonal release. These two GTPases have been reported to prevent the aberrant cell growth and induce apoptosis in cell lines. Present review focuses on role of these two monomeric GTPases and summarizes their role in pathophysiological processes.
Intracellular ROS Scavenging Activity and Downregulation of Inflammatory Mediators in RAW264.7 Macrophage by Fresh Leaf Extracts of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum
Authors: Sittisart Patcharawan , Chitsomboon Benjamart
Published: March 2014

Beneficial antioxidant phytochemicals are found in many medicinal plants. Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (PP), a well‐known Vietnamese traditional medicinal plant in Thailand, has long been used in folk medicine for curing inflammatory diseases, often with limited support of scientific research. Therefore, this study aimed to determine antioxidant and modulation of inflammatory mediators of ethanol and water extracts of PP (EEP and WEP, resp.). WEP had significantly higher phenolic and flavonoid levels and DPPH radical scavenging activity than EEP. However, EEP exhibited greater reducing power than WEP. A greater decrease of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide‐induced oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophage cells was also observed with EEP. Modulation of inflammatory mediators of EEP and WEP was evaluated on LPS plus IFN‐γ‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. EEP more potently suppressed LPS plus IFN‐γ‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production than WEP. Both EEP and WEP also suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX‐2 protein levels. Collectively, these results suggest that PP possesses strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Estimation of Parameters in Mean‐Reverting Stochastic Systems
Authors: Tian Tianhai , Zhou Yanli , Wu Yonghong , Ge Xiangyu
Published: March 2014

Stochastic differential equation (SDE) is a very important mathematical tool to describe complex systems in which noise plays an important role. SDE models have been widely used to study the dynamic properties of various nonlinear systems in biology, engineering, finance, and economics, as well as physical sciences. Since a SDE can generate unlimited numbers of trajectories, it is difficult to estimate model parameters based on experimental observations which may represent only one trajectory of the stochastic model. Although substantial research efforts have been made to develop effective methods, it is still a challenge to infer unknown parameters in SDE models from observations that may have large variations. Using an interest rate model as a test problem, in this work we use the Bayesian inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to estimate unknown parameters in SDE models.
Structural Behavior of Precast Lightweight Foam Concrete Sandwich Panel with Double Shear Truss Connectors under Flexural Load
Authors: Mohamad Noridah , Khalil A. I. , Abdul Samad A. A. , Goh W. I.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the structural behaviour of precast lightweight foam concrete sandwich panel (PFLP) under flexure, studied experimentally and theoretically. Four (4) full scale specimens with a double shear steel connector of 6 mm diameter and steel reinforcement of 9 mm diameter were cast and tested. The panel’s structural behavior was studied in the context of its ultimate flexure load, crack pattern, load-deflection profile, and efficiency of shear connectors. Results showed that the ultimate flexure load obtained from the experiment is influenced by the panel’s compressive strength and thickness. The crack pattern recorded in each panel showed the emergence of initial cracks at the midspan which later spread toward the left and right zones of the slab. The theoretical ultimate load for fully composite and noncomposite panels was obtained from the classical equations. All panel specimens were found to behave in a partially composite manner. Panels PLFP-3 and PLFP-4 with higher compressive strength and total thickness managed to obtain a higher degree of compositeness which is 30 and 32.6 percent, respectively.
A Simple Power Management Scheme with Enhanced Stability for a Solar PV/Wind/Fuel Cell/Grid Fed Hybrid Power Supply Designed for Industrial Loads
Authors: Saravanan S. , Thangavel S.
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a new power conditioner topology with an intelligent power management controller that integrates multiple renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and fuel cell energy with battery and AC grid supply as backup to make the best use of their operating characteristics with better reliability than that could be obtained by single renewable energy source based power supply. The proposed embedded controller is programmed to perform MPPT for solar PV panel and WTG, SOC estimation and battery, maintaining a constant voltage at PCC and power flow control by regulating the reference currents of the controller in an instantaneous basis. The instantaneous variation in reference currents of the controller enhances the controller response as it accommodates the effect of continuously varying solar insolation and wind speed in the power management. It also prioritizes the sources for consumption to achieve maximum usage of green energy than grid energy. The simulation results of the proposed power management system with real-time solar radiation and wind velocity data collected from solar centre, KEC, and experimental results for a sporadically varying load demand are presented in this paper and the results are encouraging from reliability and stability perspectives.
Comparison of Functional Outcomes of Tibial Plateau Fractures Treated with Nonlocking and Locking Plate Fixations: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tahririan Mohammad Ali , Mousavitadi Seyyed Hamid , Derakhshan Mohsen
Published: March 2014

Fixation of tibial plateau fractures with plate has been widely used. This prospective study was planned to compare locking plate fixation of tibial plateau fracture with nonlocking methods in terms of their functional outcomes. The subjects of the study were selected from consecutive patients suffering from tibial plateau fractures referred to Kashani Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, between 2012 and 2013 and were candidate for surgery. The final included patients were assigned to two groups, those who were treated with locking plate (n=20) and those who were treated with nonlocking plates (N=21). The mean duration of follow-up was 13.4 months (ranging between 10 and 17 months). The mean of knee scores was significantly higher in locking plate group than in nonlocking plate group at the follow-up time (80.20±10.21 versus 72.52±14.75, P=0.039). Also, the mean VAS pain severity score was significantly lower in locking plate group compared with nonlocking plate group (4.45±2.50 versus 6.00±2.59, P=0.046). This study confirmed superiority of the locking plate method over nonlocking plate method with regard to knee score as well as VAS pain score.
Danggui‐Shaoyao‐San Improves Learning and Memory in Female SAMP8 via Modulation of Estradiol
Authors: Huang Yan , Hu Zeng-yao , Yuan Hui , Shu Lei , Liu Gang , Qiao Shan-yi , Sun Lei , Zhou Wen-xia , Zhang Yong-xiang
Published: March 2014

Previous studies showed that Danggui‐Shaoyao‐San (DSS), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, could alleviate cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. However, the mechanisms remain unclear; we have now examined the effect of DSS on SAMP8 and elucidated the possible mechanism. Animals were treated with DSS for 2 months, and step‐down test and Morris water maze (MWM) test were used to evaluated cognitive abilities. The estradiol (E2), NO, and glycine in blood plasma or in hippocampus were detected to explore the possible mechanisms. The latency of SAMP8 in step‐down test was shorter than that of age‐matched SAMR1, and DSS increased the latency especially in female animals. In MWM test, we got similar results; SAMP8 spent more time to find the platform, and DSS decreased the time before finding the platform, with little effect on swim velocity, during the training sessions. During test session, DSS increased the time spent in target quadrant especially in female SAMP8. In female SAMP8, plasma E2, NO, and glycine were elevated in plasma or hippocampus tissue. In conclusion, DSS could ameliorate deterioration of cognition in SAMP8, especially in female animals. Increasing E2, NO, and glycine might contribute to the cognitive improvement effect of DSS in female SAMP8.
Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Restorative Proctocolectomy in Paediatric Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Pellino Gianluca , Sciaudone Guido , Miele Erasmo , Candilio Giuseppe , De Fatico Gilda Serena , Riegler Gabriele , Staiano Annamaria , Canonico Silvestro , Selvaggi Francesco
Published: March 2014

Background.Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has some peculiarities in paediatric ulcerative colitis (UC).Aims. The primary aim was to compare the bowel function of patients undergoing IPAA between those operated on in childhood and adulthood. The secondary aim was to compare the quality of life (QoL) and outcomes for children between medical and surgical therapies.Method. Children undergoing IPAA were compared with adult patients undergoing IPAA between 2007 and 2012. Function was assessed 1 year after ileostomy closure. Function and QoL of medically managed paediatric patients were compared with their surgical counterparts.Results. Twelve paediatric IPAA patients were compared with 24 adult ones. Acute presentation was common in the former, usually after failed biological treatment. Recurrent pouchitis was more frequent in children. Younger patients exhibited a trend toward better discrimination and continence. QoL was excellent in both groups. Twelve medically treated children were enrolled for secondary aim. Functioning was similar in IPAA- and medically managed children, but the former had a better QoL, confirmed by parents’ perception.Conclusions. Similar function is achieved by IPAA in childhood or adulthood. IPAA may offer a better QoL compared to prolonged medical management. The beneficial effects of IPAA experienced by children were similarly observed by their parents.
Relaxed Iterative Algorithms for Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems with Constraints of Variational Inequalities and Variational Inclusions
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Chen Chi-Ming , Wen Ching-Feng , Pang Chin-Tzong
Published: March 2014

We introduce and analyze a relaxed extragradient-like viscosity iterative algorithm for finding a solution of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem with constraints of several problems: a finite family of variational inequalities for inverse strongly monotone mappings, a finite family of variational inclusions for maximal monotone and inverse strongly monotone mappings, and a fixed point problem of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings in a real Hilbert space. Under some suitable conditions, we derive the strong convergence of the sequence generated by the proposed algorithm to a common solution of these problems which also solves a variational inequality problem.
Tension-Free Vaginal Tape, Transobturator Tape, and Own Modification of Transobturator Tape in the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zyczkowski Marcin , Nowakowski Krzysztof , Kuczmik Waclaw , Urbanek Tomasz , Kaletka Zbiegniew , Bryniarski Piotr , Muskala Bartosz , Paradysz Andrzej
Published: March 2014

Introduction. This study is a comparative evaluation of the TVT, TOT, and our own modification of TOT (mTOT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence from a single center experience.Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 527 patients with SUI diagnosed on the basis of urodynamic studies. They were divided into three groups—TVT:n=142, (TOT):n=129, and mTOT:n=256. All of the patients underwent evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results were statistically analysed and compared.Results. Objective and subjective effectiveness after the surgery were not significantly different in the study groups and ranged from 90.1% to 96.4%. Mean surgery time was 32.3, 28.2, and 26.4 in the TVT, TOT, and mTOT, respectively. Mean hospitalization time was 2.51 days. Mean catheter maintenance time was significantly higher in the TVT than in other groups. In the TVT group total incidence of complications was 13.4%, and it was significantly higher than that in TOT and mTOT (9.3% and 8.6%, resp.).Conclusions. TVT, TOT, and mTOT are highly effective and safe methods in the treatment of SUI. There are no differences in the efficacy between the methods with a little higher percentage of complications in the TVT group.
The Design of a Quantitative Western Blot Experiment
Authors: Taylor Sean C. , Posch Anton
Published: March 2014

Western blotting is a technique that has been in practice for more than three decades that began as a means of detecting a protein target in a complex sample. Although there have been significant advances in both the imaging and reagent technologies to improve sensitivity, dynamic range of detection, and the applicability of multiplexed target detection, the basic technique has remained essentially unchanged. In the past, western blotting was used simply to detect a specific target protein in a complex mixture, but now journal editors and reviewers are requesting the quantitative interpretation of western blot data in terms of fold changes in protein expression between samples. The calculations are based on the differential densitometry of the associated chemiluminescent and/or fluorescent signals from the blots and this now requires a fundamental shift in the experimental methodology, acquisition, and interpretation of the data. We have recently published an updated approach to produce quantitative densitometric data from western blots (Taylor et al., 2013) and here we summarize the complete western blot workflow with a focus on sample preparation and data analysis for quantitative western blotting.
On Critical Circle Homeomorphisms with Infinite Number of Break Points
Authors: Dzhalilov Akhtam , Md Noorani Mohd Salmi , Akhatkulov Sokhobiddin
Published: March 2014

We prove that a critical circle homeomorphism with infinite number of break points without periodic orbits is conjugated to the linear rotation by a quasisymmetric map if and only if its rotation number is of bounded type. And we also prove that any two adjacent atoms of dynamical partition of a unit circle are comparable.
Modulating the p66shc Signaling Pathway with Protocatechuic Acid Protects the Intestine from Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Alleviates Secondary Liver Damage
Authors: Ma Lingfei , Wang Guangzhi , Chen Zhao , Li Zhenlu , Yao Jihong , Zhao Haidong , Wang Shu , Ma Zhenhai , Chang Hong , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: March 2014

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious clinical pathophysiological process that may result in acute local intestine and remote liver injury. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), which has been widely studied as a polyphenolic compound, induces expression of antioxidative genes that combat oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of PCA pretreatment for protecting intestinal I/R-induced local intestine and remote liver injury in mice. Intestinal I/R was established by superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 90 min. After the reperfusion period, PCA pretreatment markedly alleviated intestine and liver injury induced by intestinal I/R as indicated by histological alterations, decreases in serological damage parameters and nuclear factor-kappa B and phospho-foxo3a protein expression levels, and increases in glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, manganese superoxide dismutase protein expression, and Bcl-xL protein expression in the intestine and liver. These parameters were accompanied by PCA-induced adaptor protein p66shc suppression. These results suggest that PCA has a significant protective effect in the intestine and liver following injury induced by intestinal I/R. The protective effect of PCA may be attributed to the suppression of p66shc and the regulation of p66shc-related antioxidative and antiapoptotic factors.
Oscillation Criteria of Even Order Delay Dynamic Equations with Nonlinearities Given by Riemann-Stieltjes Integrals
Authors: Liu Haidong , Ma Cuiqin
Published: March 2014

We study the oscillatory properties of the following even order delay dynamic equations with nonlinearities given by Riemann-Stieltjes integrals:(p(t)xΔn-1(t)α-1xΔn-1(t))Δ+f(t,x(δ(t))) + ∫aσ(b)k(t,s)x(g(t,s))θ(s)sgn(x(g(t,s)))Δξ(s)=0,wheret∈[t0,∞)𝕋:=[t0,∞)∩𝕋,𝕋a time scale which is unbounded above,n⩾2is even,f(t,u)⩾q(t)uα,α>0is a constant, andθ:[a,b]𝕋1→ℝis a strictly increasing right-dense continuous function;p,q:[t0,∞)𝕋→ℝ,k:[t0,∞)𝕋×[a,b]𝕋1→ℝ,δ:[t0,∞)𝕋→[t0,∞)𝕋, andg:[t0,∞)𝕋×[a,b]𝕋1→[t0,∞)𝕋are right-dense continuous functions;ξ:[a,b]𝕋1→ℝis strictly increasing. Our results extend and supplement some known results in the literature.
Poly(vinyl alcohol): Physical Approaches to Designing Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Nkhwa Shathani , Lauriaga Kristo Fernando , Kemal Evren , Deb Sanjukta
Published: March 2014

Poly(vinyl alcohol) is a non-toxic, biosynthetic polymer and biocompatible polymer that has the ability to form hydrogels either via chemical or physical crosslinking. Whilst chemical crosslinking provides greater control on the properties of the resultant hydrogel, physically crosslinked hydrogels or blends with other biocompatible polymers are more suited for biomedical applications. In this paper we report a systematic study on the effect of varying concentrations of PVA, physical methods of crosslinking, and PVA-gelatin and PVA-PVP blends on the physical and mechanical properties of the hydrogels.
Synchronization of the Coupled Distributed Parameter System with Time Delay via Proportional-Spatial Derivative Control
Authors: Yuan Kun , Alofi Abdulaziz , Cao Jinde , Al-Mazrooei Abdullah , Elaiw Ahmed
Published: March 2014

By combining parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) theory with Lyapunov technique, the synchronization is studied for a class of coupled distributed parameter systems (DPS) described by PDEs. First, based on Kronecker product and Lyapunov functional, some easy-to-test sufficient condition is given to ensure the synchronization of coupled DPS with time delay. Secondly, in the case that the whole coupled system cannot synchronize by itself, the proportional-spatial derivative (P-sD) state feedback controller is designed and applied to force the network to synchronize. The sufficient condition on the existence of synchronization controller is given in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control design methodology is demonstrated in numerical simulations.
The WRKY Transcription Factor Genes inLotus japonicus
Authors: Song Hui , Wang Pengfei , Nan Zhibiao , Wang Xingjun
Published: March 2014

WRKY transcription factor genes play critical roles in plant growth and development, as well as stress responses. WRKY genes have been examined in various higher plants, but they have not been characterized inLotus japonicus. The recent release of theL. japonicuswhole genome sequence provides an opportunity for a genome wide analysis of WRKY genes in this species. In this study, we identified 61 WRKY genes in theL. japonicusgenome. Based on the WRKY protein structure,L. japonicusWRKY (LjWRKY) genes can be classified into three groups (I–III). Investigations of gene copy number and gene clusters indicate that only one gene duplication event occurred on chromosome 4 and no clustered genes were detected on chromosomes 3 or 6. Researchers previously believed that group II and III WRKY domains were derived from the C-terminal WRKY domain of group I. Our results suggest that some WRKY genes in group II originated from the N-terminal domain of group I WRKY genes. Additional evidence to support this hypothesis was obtained byMedicago truncatulaWRKY (MtWRKY) protein motif analysis. We found that LjWRKY and MtWRKY group III genes are under purifying selection, suggesting that WRKY genes will become increasingly structured and functionally conserved.
Stochastic Constriction Cockroach Swarm Optimization for Multidimensional Space Function Problems
Authors: Obagbuwa I. C. , Adewumi A. O. , Adebiyi A. A.
Published: March 2014

The effect of stochastic constriction on cockroach swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm performance was examined in this paper. A stochastic constriction cockroach swarm optimization (SCCSO) algorithm is proposed. A stochastic constriction factor is introduced into CSO algorithm for swarm stability enhancement; control cockroach movement from one position to another while searching for solution to avoid explosion; enhanced local and global searching capabilities. SCCSO performance was tested through simulation studies and its performance on multidimensional functions is compared with that of original CSO, modified cockroach swarm optimization (MCSO), and one of the well‐known global optimization techniques in the literature known as line search restart techniques (LSRS). Standard benchmarks that have been widely used for global optimization problems are considered for evaluating the proposed algorithm. The selected benchmarks were solved up to 3000 dimensions by the proposed algorithm.
Modeling Transmission Dynamics ofStreptococcus suiswith Stage Structure and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Shen Chaojian , Li Mingtao , Zhang Wei , Yi Ying , Wang Youming , Hou Qiang , Huang Baoxu , Lu Chengping
Published: March 2014

Streptococcosis is one of the major infectious and contagious bacterial diseases for swine farm in southern China. The influence of various control measures on the outbreaks and transmission ofS. suisis not currently known. In this study, in order to explore effective control and prevention measures we studied a deterministic dynamic model with stage structure forS. suis. The basic reproduction numberℛ0is identified and global dynamics are completely determined byℛ0. It shows that ifℛ0<1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally stable and the disease dies out, whereas ifℛ0>1, there is a unique endemic equilibrium which is globally stable and thus the disease persists in the population. The model simulations well agree with new clinical cases and the basic reproduction number of this model is about 1.1333. Some sensitivity analyses ofℛ0in terms of the model parameters are given. Our study demonstrates that combination of vaccination and disinfection of the environment are the useful control strategy forS. suis.
Elitist Genetic Algorithm Based Energy Balanced Routing Strategy to Prolong Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Singh Vinay Kumar , Sharma Vidushi
Published: March 2014

Wireless sensor networks have gained worldwide attention in recent years due to the advances made in wireless communication. Unequal energy dissipation causes the nodes to fail. The factors causing the unequal energy dissipation are, firstly, the distance between the nodes and base station and, secondly, the distance between the nodes themselves. Using traditional methods, it is difficult to obtain the high precision of solution as the problem is NP hard. The routing in wireless networks is a combinatorial optimization problem; hence, genetic algorithms can provide optimized solution to energy efficient shortest path. The proposed algorithm has its inherent advantage that it keeps the elite solutions in the next generation so as to quickly converge towards the global optima also during path selection; it takes into account the energy balance of the network, so that the life time of the network can be prolonged. The results show that the algorithm is efficient for finding the optimal energy constrained route as they can converge faster than other traditional methods used for combinatorial optimization problems.
Powers of Complex Persymmetric Antitridiagonal Matrices with Constant Antidiagonals
Authors: Wang Haibo
Published: March 2014

We derive a general expression for the pth power (p∈N) of any complex persymmetric antitridiagonal Hankel (constant antidiagonals) matrices. Numerical examples are presented, which show that our results generalize the results in the related literature (Rimas 2008, Wu 2010, and Rimas 2009).
The Fracture Characteristic of Three Collinear Cracks under True Triaxial Compression
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Zhu Zheming , Wang Bo
Published: March 2014

The mechanical behavior of multicracks under compression has become a very important project in the field of fracture mechanics and rock mechanics. In this paper, experimental and numerical studies on the fracture property of three collinear cracks under compression were implemented. The specimens were a square concrete plate, and the cracks were made by a very thin film. The tests were conducted by using true triaxial loading device. In the numerical study, the Abaqus code was employed. The effect of crack orientation and the confining stress on cracked specimen compressive strength were investigated. The results show that the critical stresses of cracked specimens change with crack inclination angles, and, as the angle is 45°, the critical stress is the lowest; the critical stresses increase with the confining stresses.
A New Flexibility Based Damage Index for Damage Detection of Truss Structures
Authors: Montazer M. , Seyedpoor S. M.
Published: March 2014

A new damage index, called strain change based on flexibility index (SCBFI), is introduced to locate damaged elements of truss systems. The principle of SCBFI is based on considering strain changes in structural elements, between undamaged and damaged states. The strain of an element is evaluated using the columnar coefficients of the flexibility matrix estimated via modal analysis information. Two illustrative test examples are considered to assess the performance of the proposed method. Numerical results indicate that the method can provide a reliable tool to accurately identify the multiple-structural damage for truss structures.
Brain Metastasis in Bone and Soft Tissue Cancers: A Review of Incidence, Interventions, and Outcomes
Authors: Shweikeh Faris , Bukavina Laura , Saeed Kashif , Sarkis Reem , Suneja Aarushi , Sweiss Fadi , Drazin Doniel
Published: March 2014

Bone and soft tissue malignancies account for a small portion of brain metastases. In this review, we characterize their incidence, treatments, and prognosis. Most of the data in the literature is based on case reports and small case series. Less than 5% of brain metastases are from bone and soft tissue sarcomas, occurring most commonly in Ewing’s sarcoma, malignant fibrous tumors, and osteosarcoma. Mean interval from initial cancer diagnosis to brain metastasis is in the range of 20–30 months, with most being detected before 24 months (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chordoma, angiosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma), some at 24–36 months (malignant fibrous tumors, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and alveolar soft part sarcoma), and a few after 36 months (chondrosarcoma and liposarcoma). Overall mean survival ranges between 7 and 16 months, with the majority surviving < 12 months (Ewing’s sarcoma, liposarcoma, malignant fibrous tumors, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, angiosarcoma and chordomas). Management is heterogeneous involving surgery, radiosurgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While a survival advantage may exist for those given aggressive treatment involving surgical resection, such patients tended to have a favorable preoperative performance status and minimal systemic disease.
Senescent Remodeling of the Innate and Adaptive Immune System in the Elderly Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Taverna Gianluigi , Seveso Mauro , Giusti Guido , Hurle Rodolfo , Graziotti Pierpaolo , Štifter Sanja , Chiriva-Internati Maurizio , Grizzi Fabio
Published: March 2014

Despite years of intensive investigation that has been made in understanding prostate cancer, it remains a major cause of death in men worldwide. Prostate cancer emerges from multiple alterations that induce changes in expression patterns of genes and proteins that function in networks controlling critical cellular events. Based on the exponential aging of the population and the increasing life expectancy in industrialized Western countries, prostate cancer in the elderly men is becoming a disease of increasing significance. Aging is a progressive degenerative process strictly integrated with inflammation. Several theories have been proposed that attempt to define the role of chronic inflammation in aging including redox stress, mitochondrial damage, immunosenescence, and epigenetic modifications. Here, we review the innate and adaptive immune systems and their senescent remodeling in elderly men with prostate cancer.
Angiotensin Type-1 Receptor Blockade May Not Protect Kidney against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Rastghalam Roya , Nematbakhsh Mehdi , Bahadorani Mehrnoosh , Eshraghi-Jazi Fatemeh , Talebi Ardeshir , Moeini Maryam , Ashrafi Farzaneh , Shirdavani Soheila
Published: March 2014

Background. Cisplatin (CDDP) is an anticancer drug, which is accompanied with major side effects including nephrotoxicity. We tested two doses of losartan (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) against nephrotoxicity in a rat model treated with daily administration of CDDP (2.5 mg/kg/day). Methods. Five groups of rats were examined. Groups 1 and 2 received losartan 10 and 20 mg/kg/day, i.p, for a period of 10 days. Group 3 received saline for 10 days, but from day 3 the animals received CDDP (2.5 mg/kg/day, i.p) for the next seven days. Groups 4 and 5 received treatment regimen the same as groups 1 and 2, but from day 3 they also received CDDP for the next seven days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained and the kidneys were removed to undergo pathological investigation and to obtain supernatant from homogenized tissue. Results. CDDP induced nephrotoxicity, but the serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were not attenuated by losartan. The pathological findings confirmed that losartan did not have nephroprotective effect in this experimental model. Conclusion. According to the findings, losartan could not improve renal function impaired by toxicity induced by continuous doses of CDDP, and also it worsened the renal failure.
Electroacupuncture Reduces Hyperalgesia after Injections of Acidic Saline in Rats
Authors: Maciel Leonardo Yung dos Santos , da Cruz Kamilla Mayara Lucas , de Araujo Ariane Martins , Silva Zak Moreira de Andrade , Badauê-Passos Daniel , Santana-Filho Valter Joviniano , DeSantana Josimari Melo
Published: March 2014

Background. Injections of acidic saline into the gastrocnemius muscle in rats produce a bilateral long‐lasting hyperalgesia similar to fibromyalgia in humans. No previous study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on this acidic saline model. This study aimed to identify the effects of EA in the hyperalgesia produced by repeated intramuscular injections of acidic saline. Methods. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each group): control, acupuncture, EA 15 Hz, and 100 Hz. Left gastrocnemius muscle was injected with 100 μL of pH 4.0 sterile saline twice five days apart. EA, acupuncture, or control therapy was daily administered (20 min) for 5 consecutive days under anesthesia. Needles were placed in the St36 and Sp6 acupoints. The assessment of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, and motor performance was performed before injections and before and after the treatment performed on each day. The paw withdrawal threshold was tested using the nonparametric Kruskal‐Wallis test and differences within the group Wilcoxon Matched Pairs. The latency and motor performance were tested for ANOVA parametric test for independent measures, and for differences in the group, we used t‐test for paired samples. Post hoc Tukey test was used for multiple corrections. P values ​​less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Indicate that there was a significant reduction of mechanical withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency 24 hours following the second injection. Moreover, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly reversed by EA 15, 100 Hz, and acupuncture. Conclusions. The results suggest that EA high and low frequency as well as acupuncture are effective in reducing hyperalgesia in chronic muscle pain model.
Inverse Optimal Control with Speed Gradient for a Power Electric System Using a Neural Reduced Model
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Lastire Enrique A. , Arana-Daniel Nancy , Lopez-Franco Carlos
Published: March 2014

This paper presented an inverse optimal neural controller with speed gradient (SG) for discrete‐time unknown nonlinear systems in the presence of external disturbances and parameter uncertainties, for a power electric system with different types of faults in the transmission
lines including load variations. It is based on a discrete‐time recurrent high order neural network (RHONN) trained with an extended Kalman
filter (EKF) based algorithm. It is well known that electric power grids are considered as complex systems due to their interconections
and number of state variables; then, in this paper, a reduced neural model for synchronous machine is proposed for the stabilization of nine
bus system in the presence of a fault in three different cases in the lines of transmission.
Local and Systemic Pathogenesis and Consequences of Regimen-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Chemoradiation
Authors: Russi Elvio G. , Raber-Durlacher Judith E. , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: March 2014

Treatment-related toxicities are common among patients with head and neck cancer, leading to poor clinical outcomes, reduced quality of life, and increased use of healthcare resources. Over the last decade, much has been learned about the pathogenesis of cancer regimen-related toxicities. Historically, toxicities were separated into those associated with tissue injury and those with behavioural or systemic changes. However, it is now clear that tissue-specific damage such as mucositis, dermatitis, or fibrosis is no longer the sole consequence of direct clonogenic cell death, and a relationship between toxicities that results in their presentation as symptom clusters has been documented and attributed to a common underlying pathobiology. In addition, the finding that patients commonly develop toxicities representing tissue injury outside radiation fields and side effects such as fatigue or cognitive dysfunction suggests the generation of systemic as well as local mediators. As a consequence, it might be appropriate to consider toxicity syndromes, rather than the traditional approach, in which each side effect was considered as an autonomous entity. In this paper, we propose a biologically based explanation which forms the basis for the diverse constellation of toxicities seen in response to current regimens used to treat cancers of the head and neck.
Multicompare Tests of the Performance of Different Metaheuristics in EEG Dipole Source Localization
Authors: Escalona-Vargas Diana Irazú , Lopez-Arevalo Ivan , Gutiérrez David
Published: March 2014

We study the use of nonparametric multicompare statistical tests on the performance of simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and differential evolution (DE), when used for electroencephalographic (EEG) source localization. Such task can be posed as an optimization problem for which the referred metaheuristic methods are well suited. Hence, we evaluate the localization’s performance in terms of metaheuristics’ operational parameters and for a fixed number of evaluations of the objective function. In this way, we are able to link the efficiency of the metaheuristics with a common measure of computational cost. Our results did not show significant differences in the metaheuristics’ performance for the case of single source localization. In case of localizing two correlated sources, we found that PSO (ring and tree topologies) and DE performed the worst, then they should not be considered in large-scale EEG source localization problems. Overall, the multicompare tests allowed to demonstrate the little effect that the selection of a particular metaheuristic and the variations in their operational parameters have in this optimization problem.
Survey of Network-Based Approaches to Research of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Sarajlić Anida , Pržulj Nataša
Published: March 2014

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading health problem worldwide. Investigating causes and mechanisms of CVDs calls for an integrative approach that would take into account its complex etiology. Biological networks generated from available data on biomolecular interactions are an excellent platform for understanding interconnectedness of all processes within a living cell, including processes that underlie diseases. Consequently, topology of biological networks has successfully been used for identifying genes, pathways, and modules that govern molecular actions underlying various complex diseases. Here, we review approaches that explore and use relationships between topological properties of biological networks and mechanisms underlying CVDs.
Detection and Antibiotic Treatment ofMycoplasma argininiContamination in a Mouse Epithelial Cell Line Restore Normal Cell Physiology
Authors: Boslett Brianna , Nag Subhra , Resnick Andrew
Published: March 2014

Mycoplasma contamination of cultured cell lines is difficult to detect by routine observation. Infected cells can display normal morphology and the slow growth rate of mycoplasma can delay detection for extended periods of time, compromising experimental results. Positive identification of mycoplasma typically requires cells to be either fixed and stained for DNA or processed with PCR. We present a method to detect mycoplasma using live-cell optical microscopy typically used for routine observation of cell cultures. Images of untreated mycoplasma-infected epithelial cells alongside images of infected cells treated with Plasmocin, a commercially available antibiotic targeted to mycoplasma, are shown. We found that optical imaging is an effective screening tool for detection of mycoplasma contamination. Importantly, we found that cells regained normal function after the contamination was cleared. In conclusion, we present a technique to diagnose probable mycoplasma infections in live cultures without fixation, resulting in faster response times and decreased loss of cell material.
Unusual Gingival Enlargement: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Dixit Ashutosh , Dixit Seema , Kumar Pravin
Published: March 2014

This is an atypical case report of a 20-year-old male patient who suffered from unusual unilateral, gingival enlargement together with rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss. The enlarged gingiva completely covered his left posterior teeth in both arches. The patient was diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis and aggressive periodontitis based on the clinical, histological, and radiographic findings. The gingival enlargement was treated by conventional gingivectomy under local anaesthesia. The postoperative result was uneventful.
The Effects of Total Quality Management Practices on Performance and the Reasons of and the Barriers to TQM Practices in Turkey
Authors: Sadikoglu Esin , Olcay Hilal
Published: March 2014

Previous studies reported mixed and ambiguous results of the relationship between TQM practices and performances. This study investigated impacts of TQM practices on various performance measures as well as the reasons and the barriers of the TQM practices of firms in Turkey. We used a cross-sectional survey methodology in this study, and the unit of the sample was at the plant level. The sample was selected from the member firms to Turkish Quality Association and the firms located in the Kocaeli-Gebze Organized Industrial Zone. We obtained 242 usable questionnaires, with a satisfactory response rate of 48.4 percent. We conducted exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. This study has shown that different TQM practices significantly affect different performance outcomes. Results revealed that primary obstacles that the firms in Turkey face were lack of employee involvement, awareness and commitment of the employees, inappropriate firm structure, and lack of the resources. It is recommended that firms should continue implement TQM with all variables to improve performance. Firms should improve employees’ involvement/commitment/awareness to TQM, enhance firm structure, and provide resources to overcome the barriers that prevent effective implementation of TQM practices.