bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MACRO-MICRO ANALYSIS FOR ANTI-PENETRATING POSTBUCKLING OF FIBER REINFORCED, DEBONED LAMINATES WITH CONTACT EFFECTS
Authors: TANG MINGQIAO , XUE JIANGHONG , YUAN HONG , LIU RENHUAI
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a close-form solution for the anti-penetrating postbuckling problem of fiber reinforced, rectangular laminates. The laminate has a through-width debonded region buried at the center position and is simply supported at its four edges subjected to the in-plane compressive load. Based on the previous analysis of the contact kinematics from micro mechanics of composite material, the nonlinear contact effects at the interfaces of the debonded region are considered and characterized by a contact factor. Governing equations are established and are solved using the perturbation approach. Asymptotic solutions from perturbation analysis are presented. It is found that for fiber reinforced, debonded laminates the postbuckling deformation involves global deflection and local buckling with amplitude of the global one 104 times larger than the local one. The global deflection is induced by the postbuckling load and the local buckling is caused by the anti-penetrating contact effects. Due to the contact effects, the load carry capacity of the delaminated laminate is tremendously enhanced. Further examination indicates that both the buckling load and the contact performances are intrinsic properties of the laminates. Parametric analyses show that (i) the buckling load decreases with the increasing of the delamination length and the delamination depth and is very sensitive to the changing of the aspect ratio, (ii) the contact performances, including the location and size of the contact areas, rely only on the geometries of the debonded region and the material properties but are hardly affected by the aspect ratio. The analysis is in effect by comparing with the well established results.
ON ELASTIC STRESS WAVES IN AN IMPACTED PLATE
Authors: LIU ZHANFANG , SUN XIAOYONG , GUO YUAN
Published: June 2014

Elastic stress wave theory is developed and the stress waves in the impacted plate are examined in the paper. Generalized linear elasticity is adopted where the couple stress and curvature tensor are both deviatoric tensors and they meet a linear constitutive relation. It is found that there exist volumetric, rotational, and deviatoric waves in the generalized elastic solids. However, for macro-scale elastic solids only two wave modes, namely a volumetric wave and a deviatoric wave should be taken into account. Wave motion in plate impact tests is studied that a volumetric wave and a deviatoric wave are proposed. A set of exact solutions is attained for elastic stress waves in an impact plate. Excitation of stress waves at impact surface and reflection at free surface are formulated. Propagation of stress waves in the plate is analyzed in the waveforms. The predicted stress history in a ceramic plate under impact is agreed very well with the experiment measurement.
Tumor therapy by fast moving magnetic nanoparticle under low-frequency alternating magnetic field
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Qian Zhiyu , Yin Jianhua , Wang Xiao
Published: June 2014

Magnetic nanoparticle plays an important role in biomedical engineering, especially in tumor therapy. In this paper, a new technique has been developed by using the rapid moving magnetic nanoparticle under a low-frequency alternating magnetic field (LFAMF) to kill tumor cells. The LFAMF system which was used to drive magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was setup with the magnetic field frequency and power range at ∼ 10–100 Hz and ∼ 10–200 mT, respectively. During the experiment, the LFAMF was adjusted at different frequencies and power levels. The experimental results show that the liver tumor cells (HepG2) mixed with MNPs (10 μg/mL) became partial fragments when exposed in the LFAMF with different frequencies (∼ 10–100 Hz) and power (∼ 10–200 mT), and the higher the frequency or the power, the more the tumor cells were killed at the same magnetic nanoparticle concentration. Conclusion: Tumor cells were effectively damaged by MNPs under LFAMF, which suggests that they had great potential to be applied in tumor therapy.
Modeling the interfacial thermal resistance of diamond nanorod composites and related materials
Authors: Whiteside Tad , Priest Marie A. , Padgett Clifford W.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the effect on the interfacial thermal resistance between a composite system composed of a carbon nanotube or diamond nanorod and an octane matrix by the functionalization of those nanostructures with alkyl chains has been examined using molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of functionalization was studied by varying the percent functionalization from 0.00% to 2.00% using octyl as the functional group. As the percent functionalization increased, both systems showed a decrease in the interfacial thermal resistance. At 1.00% functionalization, as the alkyl chain length was increased from one to eight atoms, the interfacial thermal resistance of the carbon nanotube systems decreased to a minimum, while in the diamond nanorod system the interfacial thermal resistance remained constant.
Optimal portfolio formulas for some mean-reverting price models
Authors: Stojanovic Srdjan
Published: June 2014

Merton's optimal portfolio problem is solved, i.e., optimal portfolio formulas are derived for some new underlying price models of mean reversion type. The mean-reversion price models are proposed as an alternative to the well-known log-normal type and related models, possibly for a situation when an investor has a strong point of view about the future price-evolution.
A Cocktail Method for Promoting Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Gao Qing , Guo Maojuan , Jiang Xijuan , Hu Xiantong , Wang Yijing , Fan Yingchang
Published: June 2014

A growing body of evidence supports the argument that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells in an appropriate cellular environment, but the differentiation rate is low. A cocktail method was designed: we investigated the role of 5-azacytidine (5-aza), salvianolic acid B (SalB), and cardiomyocyte lysis medium (CLM) in inducing MSCs to acquire the phenotypical characteristics of cardiomyocytes. The fourth-passage MSCs were treated with 5-aza, SalB, CLM, 5-aza+salB, 5-aza+CLM, SalB+CLM, and 5-aza+SalB+CLM for 2 weeks. Immunofluorescence results showed that cTnT expression in the 5-aza+salB+CLM group was stronger than other groups. Real-time qPCR and Western blotting analyses showed that cTnT, alpha-cardiac actin, mef-2c, Cx43, and GSK-3beta expression increased while beta-catenin expression decreased. The salB+5-aza+CLM group had the most evident effects. SalB combined with 5-aza and CLM improved cardiomyocyte differentiation from MSCs. In the MSCs differentiation process, the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway had been inhibited.
N2O Emissions from an Apple Orchard in the Coastal Area of Bohai Bay, China
Authors: Xie Baohua , Yu Junbao , Zheng Xunhua , Qu Fanzhu , Xu Yu , Lin Haitao
Published: June 2014

Using static chambers and gas chromatography, nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from an apple orchard soil in the Bohai Bay region of China were measured from February 2010 to February 2011. In this study, two nitrogen (N) fertilizer treatments were designed—without (CK) or with (SN) synthetic N fertilizers (800 kg N ha−1). The annual cumulative N2O emissions from CK and SN were 34.6 ± 3.0 (mean ± standard error) and 44.3 ± 6.0 kg N2O–N ha−1, respectively. Such high emissions resulted from the intensive N fertilization in the experimental and previous years. The direct emission factor (EFd) of N2O induced by the applied synthetic N fertilizers was 1.2%. TheEFdis within the range of previous studies carried out in other croplands, which suggests that it is reasonable to estimate regional N2O emissions from apple orchards using theEFdobtained in other croplands. In addition, significant positive correlations existed between N2O fluxes and soil temperatures or soil dissolved organic carbon contents.
Her-2 Positive Gastric Cancer Presented with Thrombocytopenia and Skin Involvement: A Case Report
Authors: Arslan Deniz , Uysal Mukremin , Tatlı Ali Murat , Gunduz Seyda , Goksu Sema Sezgin , Başsorgun Cumhur İbrahim , Coskun Hasan Senol , Bozcuk Hakan , Savaş Burhan
Published: June 2014

Gastric cancer is the 5th most frequent cancer around the world and the 3rd most frequent reason of deaths due to cancer. Every year, about 1 million new cases are taking place, with varying geographical distribution. Gastric cancer is often metastatic to liver, lungs, and bones in hematogenous way, to peripheral lymph nodes in lymphogenous way, and to peripheral tissues in adjacency way, yet bone marrow (BM) and cutaneous metastasis are quite seldom. Pancytopenia is a more frequent finding identified in BM metastasis of solid organ cancers, and isolated thrombocytopenia is less often. The human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) is positive in gastric cancer at a rate of 7–34%. Here, we have presented our HER-2 positive gastric cancer incident which presented with BM and cutaneous metastasis, and has no 18F-fluoro-2-deoxi-D-glucose (FDG) involvement except bone metastases.
A Determination Method of Optimal Customization Degree of Logistics Service Supply Chain with Mass Customization Service
Authors: Liu Weihua , Wang Qian , Zhu Donglei , Liu Yang
Published: June 2014

Customization degree is a very important field of mass customization. Its improvement could enhance customer satisfaction and further increase customer demand while correspondingly it will increase service price and decrease customer satisfaction and demand. Therefore this paper discusses how to deal with such issues in logistics service supply chain (LSSC) with a logistics service integrator (LSI) and a customer. With the establishment of customer demand function for logistics services and profit functions of the LSI and the customer, three different decision modes are proposed (i.e., customization degree dominated by LSI, customization degree dominated by customer, and customization degree decided by concentrated supply chain); many interesting findings are achieved. Firstly, to achieve customization cooperation between LSI and customer, measures should be taken to make the unit increase cost of the customized logistics services lower than a certain value. Secondly, there are differences between the optimal customization degree dominated by LSI and that dominated by customer. And in both cases, the dominator could realize more profit than the follower. Thirdly, with the profit secondary distribution strategy, the modified decentralized decision mode could accomplish the maximum profit achieved in centralized decision mode and meanwhile get the optimal customization degree.
Design and Analysis of Tubular Permanent Magnet Linear Wave Generator
Authors: Si Jikai , Feng Haichao , Su Peng , Zhang Lufeng
Published: June 2014

Due to the lack of mature design program for the tubular permanent magnet linear wave generator (TPMLWG) and poor sinusoidal characteristics of the air gap flux density for the traditional surface-mounted TPMLWG, a design method and a new secondary structure of TPMLWG are proposed. An equivalent mathematical model of TPMLWG is established to adopt the transformation relationship between the linear velocity of permanent magnet rotary generator and the operating speed of TPMLWG, to determine the structure parameters of the TPMLWG. The new secondary structure of the TPMLWG contains surface-mounted permanent magnets and the interior permanent magnets, which form a series-parallel hybrid magnetic circuit, and their reasonable structure parameters are designed to get the optimum pole-arc coefficient. The electromagnetic field and temperature field of TPMLWG are analyzed using finite element method. It can be included that the sinusoidal characteristics of air gap flux density of the new secondary structure TPMLWG are improved, the cogging force as well as mechanical vibration is reduced in the process of operation, and the stable temperature rise of generator meets the design requirements when adopting the new secondary structure of the TPMLWG.
Faculty Development Effectiveness: Insights from a Program Evaluation
Authors: Wadhwa Anupma , Das Lopamudra , Ratnapalan Savithiri
Published: June 2014

Background. Faculty development programs are often time and resource intensive. In order to accommodate time constrained clinicians a limited time commitment faculty development program was developed and was shown to be effective in improving participant’s scholarly productivity. Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess participants’ perceptions of why the faculty development program was effective in promoting scholarship in education. Methods. In-depth semistructured interviews of course participants were conducted a year after completing a faculty development program. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were coded independently by the investigators for dominant themes. The investigators held coding meetings to further refine the themes and discrepancies were handled by referring to the transcripts and reaching consensus. Results. The participants’ satisfaction with the course as described in the interviews correlated with the early satisfaction surveys. Reasons offered for this impact fell into four broad categories: course content, course format, social networking during the course, and the course facilitation coaching strategies to achieve goals. Conclusions. Course focusing on the process, experiential learning, and situating the course facilitator in the role of a functional mentor or coach to complete projects can be effective in facilitating behaviour change after faculty development programs.
Morphometric Evaluation of Preeclamptic Placenta Using Light Microscopic Images
Authors: Mukherjee Rashmi
Published: June 2014

Deficient trophoblast invasion and anomalies in placental development generally lead to preeclampsia (PE) but the inter-relationship between placental function and morphology in PE still remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric features of placental villi and capillaries in preeclamptic and normal placentae. The study included light microscopic images of placental tissue sections of 40 preeclamptic and 35 normotensive pregnant women. Preprocessing and segmentation of these images were performed to characterize the villi and capillaries. Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis (FLDA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to identify the most significant placental (morphometric) features from microscopic images. A total of 10 morphometric features were extracted, of which the villous parameters were significantly altered in PE. FLDA identified 5 highly significant morphometric features (>90% overall discrimination accuracy). Two large subclusters were clearly visible in HCA based dendrogram. PCA returned three most significant principal components cumulatively explaining 98.4% of the total variance based on these 5 significant features. Hence, quantitative microscopic evaluation revealed that placental morphometry plays an important role in characterizing PE, where the villous is the major component that is affected.
Integration Analysis of MicroRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Cultured in Modeled Microgravity
Authors: Girardi C. , De Pittà C. , Casara S. , Calura E. , Romualdi C. , Celotti L. , Mognato M.
Published: June 2014

We analyzed miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) incubated in microgravity condition, simulated by a ground-based rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor. Our results show that 42 miRNAs were differentially expressed in MMG-incubated PBLs compared with 1 g incubated ones. Among these, miR-9-5p, miR-9-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-150-3p, and miR-378-3p were the most dysregulated. To improve the detection of functional miRNA-mRNA pairs, we performed gene expression profiles on the same samples assayed for miRNA profiling and we integrated miRNA and mRNA expression data. The functional classification of miRNA-correlated genes evidenced significant enrichment in the biological processes of immune/inflammatory response, signal transduction, regulation of response to stress, regulation of programmed cell death, and regulation of cell proliferation. We identified the correlation of miR-9-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-150-3p, and miR-378-3p expression with that of genes involved in immune/inflammatory response (e.g., IFNG and IL17F), apoptosis (e.g., PDCD4 and PTEN), and cell proliferation (e.g., NKX3-1 and GADD45A). Experimental assays of cell viability and apoptosis induction validated the results obtained by bioinformatics analyses demonstrating that in human PBLs the exposure to reduced gravitational force increases the frequency of apoptosis and decreases cell proliferation.
Neuroantibody Biomarkers: Links and Challenges in Environmental Neurodegeneration and Autoimmunity
Authors: El-Fawal Hassan A. N.
Published: June 2014

The majority of neurodegenerative (ND) and autoimmune diseases (AID) remain idiopathic. The contribution of environmental chemicals to the development of these disorders has become of great interest in recent years. A convergence of mechanism between of ND and AID development has also emerged. In the case of ND, including neurotoxicity, the focus of this review, work over the last two decade in the realm of biomarker development, indicates that the immune response provides a venue whereby humoral immunity, in the form of autoantibodies to nervous system specific proteins, or neuroantibodies (NAb), may provide, once validated, a sensitive high throughput surrogate biomarker of effect with the potential of predicting outcome in absence of overt neurotoxicity/neurodegeneration. In addition, NAb may prove to be a contributor to the progression of the nervous system pathology, as well as biomarker of stage and therapeutic efficacy. There is a compelling need for biomarkers of effect in light of the introduction of new chemicals, such as nanoengineered material, where potential neurotoxicity remains to be defined. Furthermore, the convergence of mechanisms associated with ND and AID draws attention to the neglected arena of angiogenesis in defining the link between environment, ND, and AID.
Simultaneous Changes of Spatial Memory and Spine Density after Intrahippocampal Administration of Fibrillar Aβ1–42to the Rat Brain
Authors: Borbély Emőke , Horváth János , Furdan Szabina , Bozsó Zsolt , Penke Botond , Fülöp Lívia
Published: June 2014

Several animal models of Alzheimer’s disease have been used in laboratory experiments. Intrahippocampal injection of fibrillar amyloid-beta (fAβ) peptide represents one of the most frequently used models, mimicking Aβdeposits in the brain. In our experiment synthetic fAβ1–42peptide was administered to rat hippocampus. The effect of the Aβpeptide on spatial memory and dendritic spine density was studied. The fAβ1–42-treated rats showed decreased spatial learning ability measured in Morris water maze (MWM). Simultaneously, fAβ1–42caused a significant reduction of the dendritic spine density in the rat hippocampus CA1 region. The decrease of learning ability and the loss of spine density were in good correlation. Our results prove that both methods (MWM and dendritic spine density measurement) are suitable for studying Aβ-triggered neurodegeneration processes.
Prenatal Ultrasound Screening for External Ear Abnormality in the Fetuses
Authors: Wei Jun , Ran Suzhen , Yang Zhengchun , Lin Yun , Tang Jing , Ran Haitao
Published: June 2014

Objectives.To investigate the best time of examination and section chosen of routine prenatal ultrasound screening for external ear abnormalities and evaluate the feasibility of examining the fetal external ear with ultrasonography.Methods. From July 2010 until August 2011, 42118 pregnant women with single fetus during 16–40 weeks of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Fetal auricles and external auditory canal in the second trimester of pregnancy were evaluated by routine color Doppler ultrasound screening and systematic screening. Ultrasound images of fetal external ears were obtained on transverse-incline view at cervical vertebra level and mandible level and on parasagittal view and coronal view at external ear level.Results. Five fetuses had anomalous ears including bilateral malformed auricles with malformed external auditory canal, unilateral deformed external ear, and unilateral microtia. The detection rate of both auricles was negatively correlated with gestational age. Of the 5843 fetuses undergoing a routine ultrasound screening, 5797 (99.21%) had bilateral auricles. Of the 4955 fetuses following systematic screening, all fetuses (100%) had bilateral auricles. The best time for fetal auricles observation with ultrasonography is 20–24 weeks of pregnancy.Conclusions. Detection of external ear abnormalities may assist in the diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities.
On Symplectic Analysis for the Plane Elasticity Problem of Quasicrystals with Point Group 12 mm
Authors: Wang Hua , Chen Jianrui , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: June 2014

The symplectic approach, the separation of variables based on Hamiltonian systems, for the plane elasticity problem of quasicrystals with point group 12 mm is developed. By introducing appropriate transformations, the basic equations of the problem are converted to two independent Hamiltonian dual equations, and the associated Hamiltonian operator matrices are obtained. The study of the operator matrices shows the feasibility of the method. Without any assumptions, the general solution is presented for the problem with mixed boundary conditions.
Age-Dependent Increase of Absence Seizures and Intrinsic Frequency Dynamics of Sleep Spindles in Rats
Authors: Sitnikova Evgenia , Hramov Alexander E. , Grubov Vadim , Koronovsky Alexey A.
Published: June 2014

The risk of neurological diseases increases with age. In WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy, the incidence of epileptic spike-wave discharges is known to be elevated with age. Considering close relationship between epileptic spike-wave discharges and physiologic sleep spindles, it was assumed that age-dependent increase of epileptic activity may affect time-frequency characteristics of sleep spindles. In order to examine this hypothesis, electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in WAG/Rij rats successively at the ages 5, 7, and 9 months. Spike-wave discharges and sleep spindles were detected in frontal EEG channel. Sleep spindles were identified automatically using wavelet-based algorithm. Instantaneous (localized in time) frequency of sleep spindles was determined using continuous wavelet transform of EEG signal, and intraspindle frequency dynamics were further examined. It was found that in 5-months-old rats epileptic activity has not fully developed (preclinical stage) and sleep spindles demonstrated an increase of instantaneous frequency from beginning to the end. At the age of 7 and 9 months, when animals developed matured and longer epileptic discharges (symptomatic stage), their sleep spindles did not display changes of intrinsic frequency. The present data suggest that age-dependent increase of epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats affects intrinsic dynamics of sleep spindle frequency.
Nongenetic Determinants of Age at Menarche: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yermachenko Anna , Dvornyk Volodymyr
Published: June 2014

Background. The acceleration of pubertal development is an important medical and social problem, as it may result in increased morbidity and mortality in later life. This systematic review summarizes relevant data about nongenetic factors, which contribute to age at menarche (AAM), and suggests those which may be the most important.Methods. The available literature from 1980 till July 2013 was searched using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Finally, 154 papers were selected for the analysis.Results. Environmental factors, which may affect AAM, vary in populations of different ethnicity. The prenatal, infancy, and early childhood periods are the most susceptible to these factors. Body weight, high animal protein intake, family stressors (e.g., single parenting), and physical activity seem to influence AAM in most populations.Conclusions. The data about influence of nongenetic factors on AAM are still inconsistent. The factors affecting prenatal and early childhood growth seem to have a larger effect on further sexual maturation. Further studies are needed in order to validate the association between other environmental determinants and AAM in different ethnical groups.
MicroRNA Era: The Importance for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: Bezerra João Evangelista , Latronico Ana Claudia
Published: June 2014

MicroRNAs play an essential role in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. They are evolutionary conserved, small, noncoding, 19–22-nucleotide RNAs, whose abnormalities, such as up- or downregulated expression, have been associated with several neoplasms, including adrenocortical tumors. Expression levels of distinct microRNAs can distinguish benign from malignant adrenal tumors. This current review provides recent data on the miRNAs profile in benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors diagnosed in adult and pediatric patients.
Development of a Highly Biocompatible Antituberculosis Nanodelivery Formulation Based on Para-Aminosalicylic Acid—Zinc Layered Hydroxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Saifullah Bullo , Arulselvan Palanisamy , El Zowalaty Mohamed Ezzat , Fakurazi Sharida , Webster Thomas J. , Geilich Benjamin , Hussein Mohd Zobir
Published: June 2014

Tuberculosis is a lethal epidemic, difficult to control disease, claiming thousands of lives every year. We have developed a nanodelivery formulation based on para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and zinc layered hydroxide using zinc nitrate salt as a precursor. The developed formulation has a fourfold higher efficacy of PAS against mycobacterium tuberculosis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) found to be at 1.40 μg/mL compared to the free drug PAS with a MIC of 5.0 μg/mL. The newly developed formulation was also found active against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, andCandida albicans. The formulation was also found to be biocompatible with human normal lung cells MRC-5 and mouse fibroblast cells-3T3. Thein vitrorelease of PAS from the formulation was found to be sustained in a human body simulated phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution at pH values of 7.4 and 4.8. Most importantly the nanocomposite prepared using zinc nitrate salt was advantageous in terms of yield and free from toxic zinc oxide contamination and had higher biocompatibility compared to one prepared using a zinc oxide precursor. In summary, these promisingin vitroresults are highly encouraging for the continued investigation of para-aminosalicylic acid and zinc layered hydroxide nanocompositesin vivoand eventual preclinical studies.
Quasielastic Light Scattering and Structure of Nanodroplets Mixed with Polycaprolactone
Authors: Sharifi Soheil
Published: June 2014

The interaction of polycaprolactone (PCL) with droplets of a microemulsion is studied with quasielastic light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering At constant droplet size we vary the PCL concentration and there is clear evidence for an increasing attractive interaction of the droplets from structural investigations with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The collective diffusion coefficient (Dc) of the droplets is monitored with quasielastic light scattering (QELS). We mainly focus on the variation of the dynamic behavior as a function of the PCL concentration and length scale (M.W. = 5000 and 10000) in microemulsion. With increasing PCL concentration and length scale the dynamics of the system slow down. A hard sphere model with depletion potential can fit well the SAXS experiment of microemulsion mixed with PCL. The results show with increase of PCL on microemulsion the size of droplets is constant at 83Å but the size ratio of polymer to droplets is changing.
Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training Needs of Italian Residents on Genetic Tests for Hereditary Breast and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Panic Nikola , Leoncini Emanuele , Di Giannantonio Paolo , Simone Benedetto , Silenzi Andrea , Ferriero Anna Maria , Falvo Roberto , Silvestrini Giulia , Cadeddu Chiara , Marzuillo Carolina , De Vito Corrado , Ricciardi Walter , Villari Paolo , Boccia Stefania
Published: June 2014

Objectives.The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and attitudes of medical residents working in Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy, on genetic tests for breast and colorectal cancer.Methods.We distributed self-administered questionnaire to the residents. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the determinants of knowledge and attitudes towards the tests.Results.Of 754 residents, 364 filled in questionnaire. Around 70% and 20% answered correctly >80% of questions on breast and colorectal cancer tests, respectively. Knowledge on tests for breast cancer was higher among residents who attended course on cancer genetic testing during graduate training (odds ratio (OR): 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.82) and inversely associated with male gender (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35–0.87). As for colorectal cancer, residents were more knowledgeable if they attended courses on cancer genetic testing (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.07–4.03) or postgraduate training courses in epidemiology and evidence-based medicine (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03–3.69). More than 70% asked for the additional training on the genetic tests for cancer during the specialization school.Conclusion.The knowledge of Italian residents on genetic tests for colorectal cancer appears to be insufficient. There is a need for additional training in this field.
Characterization and In Vitro Sustained Release of Silibinin from pH Responsive Carbon Nanotube‐Based Drug Delivery System
Authors: Tan Julia M. , Karthivashan Govindarajan , Arulselvan Palanisamy , Fakurazi Sharida , Hussein Mohd Zobir
Published: June 2014

The objective of the present study was to develop and characterize an in vitro sustained release formulation of silibinin (SB) using commercially available carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWCNTs) and to investigate cytotoxicity action of the synthesized nanohybrid (SB‐MWCNTs). The resulting nanohybrid was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry (UV‐Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA analysis confirmed the adsorption of SB molecules to the COOH‐MWCNTs. The release of SB from the COOH‐MWCNTs nanocarrier was found to be sustained and pH‐dependent. The maximum percentage release of SB from the nanocarrier reached approximately 96.6% and 43.1% within 1000 minutes when exposed to pH 7.4 and pH 4.8 solutions, respectively. It was observed that the release of kinetic behaviour of SB from the MWCNTs nanocarrier conformed well to pseudo‐second order kinetic model. The obtained MTT result showed that the SB‐MWCNTs exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity to human cancer cell lines in comparison with free SB at lower concentrations. These results suggest that SB‐MWCNTs nanohybrid may be a promising nanodrug delivery system with sustained release property for the treatment of cancers.
Helicobacter pyloriIs Not Eradicated after Triple Therapy: A Nested PCR Based Study
Authors: Patel Saurabh Kumar , Mishra Girish Narayan , Pratap Chandra Bhan , Jain Ashok Kumar , Nath Gopal
Published: June 2014

Detection ofHelicobacter pyloriafter triple therapy is usually carried out by either rapid urease test (RUT), urea breath test (UBT), histology, bacterial isolation, and single round PCR or serological tests. In this study, antral biopsy specimens from 25 patients were tested forH. pyloriby RUT, culture, histology, and nested PCR in their antral biopsy specimens before and after treatment. Three genes, namely, heat shock protein (hsp60), phosphoglucosamine mutase (ureC), and flagellar export ATP synthase (fliI) ofH. pyloriwere targeted. Of the 25 antral biopsy specimens, the RUT, culture, histology, and nested PCR positivity dropped from 81.8% to 12%, 31% to 0%, 100 to 84%, and 100% to 92%, respectively, before and after therapy. Further,hsp60specific amplicons from 23 out of 25 patients gave identical restriction pattern, while 6fliIand 1ureCspecific amplicon produced different restriction pattern. Furthermore, variations infliIgene sequences inH. pyloriafter treatment were also confirmed by sequencing and comparedin silico. Nested PCR based detection ofH. pyloriis more sensitive method to detectH. pyloriafter therapy than culture, RUT, and histology. Further, this study suggests thatH. pyloriis not eradicated completely after triple therapy.
Caudal Elbow Luxation in a Dog Managed by Temporary Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation
Authors: Hamilton K. , Langley-Hobbs S. , Warren-Smith C. , Parsons K.
Published: June 2014

This case report details a caudal unilateral traumatic elbow luxation in a 4-year-old male neutered Labrador following a road traffic trauma. This is a highly unusual injury in the dog. The pathogenesis and successful treatment by closed reduction followed by stabilisation with a temporary transarticular external skeletal fixator are discussed. The dog was assessed at 4 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Findings at 6 months after treatment demonstrated a normal gait with no pain or crepitation. A mild amount of soft tissue thickening around the elbow was noted. The range of motion of the elbow was limited to 45 degrees of flexion and 150 degrees of extension. This is the first case of a traumatic caudal luxation of the elbow in a dog described in the English veterinary literature and the first report of successful management of an elbow luxation in a dog by closed reduction and temporary transarticular fixation.
Influence of the A3669G Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Polymorphism on the Metabolic Profile of Pediatric Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Moreira Ricardo P. P. , Gomes Larissa G. , Madureira Guiomar , Mendonca Berenice B. , Bachega Tânia A. S. S.
Published: June 2014

Background. Pediatric CAH patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and it remains unknown if genetic predisposition is a contributing factor. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) polymorphisms are associated with an adverse metabolic profile. Our aim was to analyze the association between theNR3C1polymorphisms and the metabolic profile of pediatric CAH patients.Methods. Forty-one patients (26SW/15SV) received glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy to achieve normal androgen levels. Obesity was defined byBMI≥95th percentile.NR3C1alleles were genotyped, and association analyses with phenotype were done with Chi-square,t-test, and multivariate and regression analysis.Results. Obesity was observed in 31.7% of patients and was not correlated with GC doses and treatment duration. Z-score BMI was positively correlated with blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL-c levels, and HOMA-IR.NR3C1polymorphisms,BclI and A3669G, were found in 23.1% and 9.7% of alleles, respectively. A3669G carriers presented higher LDL-c levels compared to wild-type subjects.BclI-carriers and noncarriers did not differ.Conclusion. Our results suggest that A3669G-polymorphism could be involved with a susceptibility to adverse lipid profile in pediatric CAH patients. This study provides new insight into the GR screening during CAH treatment, which could help to identify the subgroup of at-risk patients who would most benefit from preventive therapeutic action.
A Hop Count Based Heuristic Routing Protocol for Mobile Delay Tolerant Networks
Authors: You Lei , Li Jianbo , Wei Changjiang , Dai Chenqu , Xu Jixing , Hu Lejuan
Published: June 2014

Routing in delay tolerant networks (DTNs) is a challenge since it must handle network partitioning, long delays, and dynamic topology. Meanwhile, routing protocols of the traditional mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) cannot work well due to the failure of its assumption that most network connections are available. In this paper, we propose a hop count based heuristic routing protocol by utilizing the information carried by the peripatetic packets in the network. A heuristic function is defined to help in making the routing decision. We formally define a custom operation for square matrices so as to transform the heuristic value calculation into matrix manipulation. Finally, the performance of our proposed algorithm is evaluated by the simulation results, which show the advantage of such self-adaptive routing protocol in the diverse circumstance of DTNs.
Laser Irradiation Alters the Expression Profile of Genes Involved in the Extracellular MatrixIn Vitro
Authors: Ayuk Sandra M. , Houreld Nicolette N. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: June 2014

The extracellular matrix (ECM) forms the basis of every phase in wound healing. Healing may be impaired if some of these components are destroyed. Photobiostimulation has demonstrated a stimulatory response in biological processes. This study aimed to evaluate various genes involved in the ECM, in response to laser irradiation. Isolated human skin fibroblasts were used in three different cell models, namely, normal, normal wounded, and diabetic wounded. Cells were irradiated with 5 J/cm2using a continuous wave diode laser emitting at a wavelength of 660 nm and incubated for 48 h. Nonirradiated (0 J/cm2) normal and diabetic wounded cells served as the control. Real-time reverse transcription (RT) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine the expression of 84 genes in a PCR array. There was a significant upregulation of 29 genes in the normal cells, 32 genes in the normal wounded cells, and 18 genes in the diabetic wounded cells as well as a downregulation of 19 genes (normal), 6 genes (normal wounded), and 31 genes (diabetic wounded). Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) stimulates gene expression in various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular proteins at 660 nm in wounded fibroblastsin vitro.
A CPW-Fed Dual-Band-Notched Antenna with Sharp Skirt Selectivity for UWB Applications
Authors: Dong Dacheng , Chen Shaojian , Liao Zhouying , Liu Gui
Published: June 2014

A coplanar waveguide- (CPW-) fed dual-band-notched antenna with sharp skirt selectivity for ultrawideband (UWB) applications is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a radiant patch with a C-shaped slot and a C-shaped stub on the back surface of the substrate. By using the C-shaped slot and the C-shaped stub, dual-band-notched characteristics can be generated. In this way, a more practical and effective approach to design an UWB antenna with sharp notched-band-edge selectivity is developed. The measurement results show dual notched bands of 4.96–5.42 GHz and 5.71–5.91 GHz, which can reject the interference between IEEE 802.11a bands (5.15–5.35 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz) and UWB systems. The fabricated antenna shows good omnidirectional radiation patterns with acceptable gain and group delay.
Optimization of Processing Parameters for Extraction of Amylase Enzyme from Dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Amid Mehrnoush , Abdul Manap Mohd Yazid , Zohdi Norkhanani
Published: June 2014

The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of extraction conditions on the enzymatic properties of thermoacidic amylase enzyme derived from dragon peel. The studied extraction variables were the buffer-to-sample (B/S) ratio (1 : 2 to 1 : 6, w/w), temperature (−18°C to 25°), mixing time (60 to 180 seconds), and the pH of the buffer (2.0 to 8.0). The results indicate that the enzyme extraction conditions exhibited the least significant (P<0.05) effect on temperature stability. Conversely, the extraction conditions had the most significant (P<0.05) effect on the specific activity and pH stability. The results also reveal that the main effect of the B/S ratio, followed by its interaction with the pH of the buffer, was significant (P<0.05) among most of the response variables studied. The optimum extraction condition caused the amylase to achieve high enzyme activity (648.4 U), specific activity (14.2 U/mg), temperature stability (88.4%), pH stability (85.2%), surfactant agent stability (87.2%), and storage stability (90.3%).
Max-Min Fair Link Quality in WSN Based on SINR
Authors: Gogu Ada , Nace Dritan , Chatterjea Supriyo , Dilo Arta
Published: June 2014

This paper addresses first the problem of max-min fair (MMF) link transmissions in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and in a second stage studies the joint link scheduling and transmission power assignment problem. Given a set of concurrently transmitting links, the MMF link transmission problem looks for transmission powers of nodes such that the signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) values of active links satisfy max-min fairness property. By guaranteeing a “fair” transmission medium (in terms of SINR), other network requirements may be directly affected, such as the schedule length, the throughput (number of concurrent links in a time slot), and energy savings. Hence, the whole problem seeks to find a feasible schedule and a power assignment scheme such that the schedule length is minimized and the concurrent transmissions have a fair quality in terms of SINR. The focus of this study falls on the transmission power control strategy, which ensures that every node that is transmitting in the network chooses a transmission power that will minimally affect the other concurrent transmissions and, even more, achieves MMF SINR values of concurrent link transmissions. We show that this strategy may have an impact on reducing the network time schedule.
Global Stability of a Discrete Mutualism Model
Authors: Yang Kun , Xie Xiangdong , Chen Fengde
Published: June 2014

A discrete mutualism model is studied in this paper. By using the linear approximation method, the local stability of the interior equilibrium of the system is investigated. By using the iterative method and the comparison principle of difference equations, sufficient conditions which ensure the global asymptotical stability of the interior equilibrium of the system are obtained. The conditions which ensure the local stability of the positive equilibrium is enough to ensure the global attractivity are proved.
An Assessment of Alternative Low Level Calculation Methods for the Initial Selection of Conformers of Diastereomeric Esters
Authors: Metsala Andrus , Tamp Sven , Danilas Kady , Lille Ülo , Villo Ly , Vija Sirje , Pehk Tõnis , Parve Omar
Published: June 2014

Critical assessment of performance of alternative molecular modeling methods depending on a specific object and goal of the investigation is a question of continuous interest. This prompted us to demonstrate the origin of the guidelines we have used for a rational choice and use of a proper low level calculation method (LLM) for an initial geometry optimization of generated conformers, with the aim of selecting a set for further optimization. What was performed herein was a comparison of LLMs: MM3, MM+, UFF, Dreiding, AM1, PM3, and PM6 on the optimization of conformers’ geometry of α-methoxyphenylacetic acid (MPA) 2-butyl esters as a set of typical diastereomeric esters of a chiral derivatizing agent. This set of esters calculated represents only compounds of this certain type in the current work. The LLM conformer energies were correlated with benchmark energies found by using higher level reference method B3LYP/6-311++G** on the geometries gained previously by optimization with LLMs. In an alternative treatment, the energy range to be covered and corresponding number of LLM optimized conformers obligatory for submitting to further optimization using a high level optimization cascade were considered on the basis of determination of the cut-off conformer (COFC).
Aronia melanocarpa ElliotReduces the Activity of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme—In VitroandEx VivoStudies
Authors: Sikora Joanna , Broncel Marlena , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta
Published: June 2014

Purpose. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of two-month supplementation with chokeberry preparation on the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). During thein vitrostage of the study, we determined the concentration of chokeberry extract, which inhibited the activity of ACE by 50% (IC50).Methods. The participants (n=70) were divided into three groups: I—patients with MS who received chokeberry extract supplements, II—healthy controls, and III—patients with MS treated with ACE inhibitors.Results. After one and two months of the experiment, a decrease in ACE activity corresponded to 25% and 30%, respectively. We documented significant positive correlations between the ACE activity and the systolic (r=0.459,P=0.048) and diastolic blood pressure, (r=0.603,P=0.005) and CRP. The IC50of chokeberry extract and captopril amounted to155.4±12.1 μg/mL and0.52±0.18 μg/mL, respectively.Conclusions. Ourin vitrostudy revealed that chokeberry extract is a relatively weak ACE inhibitor. However, the results of clinical observations suggest that the favorable hypotensive action of chokeberry polyphenols may be an outcome of both ACE inhibition and other pleotropic effects, for example, antioxidative effect.
Evaluation of Corneal Deformation Analyzed with Scheimpflug Based Device in Healthy Eyes and Diseased Ones
Authors: Lanza Michele , Cennamo Michela , Iaccarino Stefania , Irregolare Carlo , Rechichi Miguel , Bifani Mario , Gironi Carnevale Ugo Antonello
Published: June 2014

This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between corneal biomechanical and morphological data in healthy eyes, eyes that underwent myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), keratoconus affected eyes, and keratoconus affected eyes that underwent corneal collagen crosslinking (CCC). Complete clinical eye examination of all eyes was followed by tomographic (Pentacam, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and biomechanical (Corvis ST, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) evaluation. Differences among Corvis ST (CST) parameters in the different groups have been performed. Linear regression between central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and anterior corneal curvature measured with Sim’K (KM), versus corneal deformation parameters measured with Corvis ST in the different groups, has been run using SPSS software version 18.0. We evaluated 64 healthy eyes of 64 patients with a mean refractive error of-0.65±1.68 D (measured as spherical equivalent), 17 eyes of 17 patients that underwent myopic PRK for a mean refractive defect of-4.91±2.05 D (measured as spherical equivalent), 16 eyes of 16 patients affected by keratconus (stage 2-3 of Amsler Classification), and 13 eyes of 13 patients affected by keratoconus that underwent CCC. Our data suggest that corneal curvature would have a greater influence on corneal deformation than CCT; in fact KM values are more strongly associated with more CST parameters both about corneal change in shape and both about the corneal ability to come back at original shape.