bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutaric Acid-Mediated Apoptosis in Primary Striatal Neurons
Authors: Tian Fengyan , Fu Xi , Gao Jinzhi , Ying Yanqin , Hou Ling , Liang Yan , Ning Qin , Luo Xiaoping
Published: May 2014

Glutaric acid (GA) has been implicated in the mechanism of neurodegeneration in glutaric aciduria type I. In the present study, the potential cytotoxic effects of GA (0.1~50 mM for 24~96 h) were examined in cultured primary rat striatal neurons. Results showed increase in the number of cells labeled by annexin-V or with apoptotic features shown by Hoechst/PI staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and upregulation of the expression of mRNA as well as the active protein fragments caspase 3, suggesting involvement of the caspase 3-dependent apoptotic pathway in GA-induced striatal neuronal death. This effect was in part suppressed by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 but not theα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxalone-2,3-dione (CNQX). Thus, GA may trigger neuronal damage partially through apoptotic pathway and via activation of NMDA receptors in cultured primary striatal neurons.
Comprehensive Detection, Grading, and Growth Behavior Evaluation of Subthreshold and Low Intensity Photocoagulation Lesions by Optical Coherence Tomographic and Infrared Image Analysis
Authors: Koinzer Stefan , Caliebe Amke , Portz Lea , Saeger Mark , Miura Yoko , Schlott Kerstin , Brinkmann Ralf , Roider Johann
Published: May 2014

Purpose. To correlate the long-term clinical effect of photocoagulation lesions after 6 months, as measured by their retinal damage size, to exposure parameters. We used optical coherence tomographic (OCT)-based lesion classes in order to detect and assess clinically invisible and mild lesions.Methods. In this prospective study, 488 photocoagulation lesions were imaged in 20 patients. We varied irradiation diameters (100/300 µm), exposure-times (20–200 ms), and power. Intensities were classified in OCT images after one hour, and we evaluated OCT and infrared (IR) images over six months after exposure.Results. For six consecutive OCT-based lesion classes, the following parameters increased with the class: ophthalmoscopic, OCT and IR visibility rate, fundus and OCT diameter, and IR area, but not irradiation power. OCT diameters correlated with exposure-time, irradiation diameter, and OCT class. OCT classes discriminated the largest bandwidth of OCT diameters.Conclusion. OCT classes represent objective and valid endpoints of photocoagulation intensity even for “subthreshold” intensities. They are suitable to calculate the treated retinal area. As the area is critical for treatment efficacy, OCT classes are useful to define treatment intensity, calculate necessary lesion numbers, and universally categorize lesions in clinical studies.
An Optimization Algorithm for Multipath Parallel Allocation for Service Resource in the Simulation Task Workflow
Authors: Wang Zhiteng , Zhang Hongjun , Zhang Rui , Li Yong , Zhang Xuliang
Published: May 2014

Service oriented modeling and simulation are hot issues in the field of modeling and simulation, and there is need to call service resources when simulation task workflow is running. How to optimize the service resource allocation to ensure that the task is complete effectively is an important issue in this area. In military modeling and simulation field, it is important to improve the probability of success and timeliness in simulation task workflow. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimization algorithm for multipath service resource parallel allocation, in which multipath service resource parallel allocation model is built and multiple chains coding scheme quantum optimization algorithm is used for optimization and solution. The multiple chains coding scheme quantum optimization algorithm is to extend parallel search space to improve search efficiency. Through the simulation experiment, this paper investigates the effect for the probability of success in simulation task workflow from different optimization algorithm, service allocation strategy, and path number, and the simulation result shows that the optimization algorithm for multipath service resource parallel allocation is an effective method to improve the probability of success and timeliness in simulation task workflow.
Lipid Profile and Correlation to Cardiac Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Function in Type 1 Adolescent Diabetics from a Developing Country
Authors: Dabas Aashima , Yadav Sangeeta , Gupta V. K.
Published: May 2014

Objective. The adverse role of dyslipidemia in predicting cardiovascular outcomes has not been elucidated extensively among type 1 diabetics in the literature.Methods. We assessed dyslipidemia and its correlation to other cardiac risk factors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Total thirty type 1 adolescent diabetics were evaluated for their metabolic profile, including serum lipids and echocardiography was performed.Results. The average age of the cohort was 14.3 ± 3.09 yr with disease duration of 5.35 ± 2.94 yr. The mean HbA1C was 8.01%. The mean serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride were normal. Serum cholesterol was high in patients with longer disease duration (P=0.011,r=0.41), high systolic blood pressure (P=0.04,r=0.32), and elevated HbA1C > 8% (P=0.038,r=0.33). Higher lipid values were associated with poorer carotid artery distensibility (P>0.05) and higher carotid artery intimomedial thickness (cIMT) (P<0.05for cholesterol and LDL). Hyperglycemia adversely affected ejection fractions, though serum lipids did not show any significant effect on left ventricular parameters. Conclusions. Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia can serve as biomarkers for cardiovascular dysfunction in at-risk adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Carotid artery parameters are adjunctive tools which may be affected early in the course of macrovascular disease.
Energy and Environmental Efficiency of China’s Transportation Sector: A Multidirectional Analysis Approach
Authors: Bi Gongbing , Wang Pingchun , Yang Feng , Liang Liang
Published: May 2014

With the rapid economic development, the transportation sector becomes one of the high‐energy‐consumption and high‐CO2‐emissions sectors in China. In order to ensure efficient use of energy and to reduce CO2 pollution, it is important to gain the best performance standards in China’s transportation sector. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been accepted as a popular tool of efficiency measurement. However, previous studies based on DEA are mainly restricted to the radial expansions of outputs or radial contractions of inputs. In this paper, we present a nonradial DEA model with multidirectional efficiency analysis (MEA) involving undesirable outputs for the measurement of regional energy and environmental efficiency of China’s transportation sector during the period 2006–2010. We not only evaluate the energy and environmental efficiency level and trend of China’s transportation sector but also investigate the efficiency patterns of 30 regions and three major areas of China. Additionally, we identify the energy saving potential and CO2 emissions reduction potential for each province and area in China in this study.
Study of Cylindrical Honeycomb Solar Collector
Authors: Mozumder Atish , Singh Anjani K. , Sharma Pragati
Published: May 2014

We present the results of our investigation on cylindrical honeycomb solar collector. The honeycomb has been fabricated with transparent cellulose triacetate polymer sheets. Insulation characteristics of the honeycomb were studied by varying the separation between the honeycomb and the absorber plate. The optimal value of the separation was found to be 3.3 mm for which the heat transfer coefficient is 3.06 W m−2 K−1. This supports result of previous similar experiments. Further we test the honeycomb through a field experiment conducted in Delhi (28.6°N, 77°E) and found that when the incident angle of the solar radiation is within 20° then the performance of the system with the honeycomb is better than the one without the honeycomb.
Effects of Diet on Brain Plasticity in Animal and Human Studies: Mind the Gap
Authors: Murphy Tytus , Dias Gisele Pereira , Thuret Sandrine
Published: May 2014

Dietary interventions have emerged as effective environmental inducers of brain plasticity. Among these dietary interventions, we here highlight the impact of caloric restriction (CR: a consistent reduction of total daily food intake), intermittent fasting (IF, every-other-day feeding), and diet supplementation with polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on markers of brain plasticity in animal studies. Moreover, we also discuss epidemiological and intervention studies reporting the effects of CR, IF and dietary polyphenols and PUFAs on learning, memory, and mood. In particular, we evaluate the gap in mechanistic understanding between recent findings from animal studies and those human studies reporting that these dietary factors can benefit cognition, mood, and anxiety, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease—with focus on the enhancement of structural and functional plasticity markers in the hippocampus, such as increased expression of neurotrophic factors, synaptic function and adult neurogenesis. Lastly, we discuss some of the obstacles to harnessing the promising effects of diet on brain plasticity in animal studies into effective recommendations and interventions to promote healthy brain function in humans. Together, these data reinforce the important translational concept that diet, a modifiable lifestyle factor, holds the ability to modulate brain health and function.
Energy Harvester Based on the Synchronization Phenomenon of a Circular Cylinder
Authors: Wang Junlei , Ran Jingyu , Zhang Zhien
Published: May 2014

A concept of generating power from a circular cylinder undergoing vortex‐induced vibration (VIV) was investigated. Two lead zirconate titanate (PZT) beams which had high power density were installed on the cylinder. A theoretical model has been presented to describe the electromechanical coupling of the open‐circuit voltage output and the vibration amplitudes based on a second‐order nonlinear Van der pol equation and Gauss law. A numerical computation was applied to measure the capacity of the power generating system. The lift and drag coefficient and the vortex shedding frequency were obtained to verify how the nondimensional parameter reduced velocity Ur affects the fluid field. Meanwhile, a single‐degree of freedom system has been added to describe the VIV, presynchronization, and synchronization together with postsynchronization regimes of oscillating frequencies. And the amplitudes of the vibration have been obtained. Finally, the vibrational amplitudes and the voltage output could go up to a high level in the synchronization region. The maximum value of the voltage output and the corresponding reduced velocity Ur were 8.42 V and 5.6, respectively.
Study on Application of T‐S Fuzzy Observer in Speed Switching Control of AUVs Driven by States
Authors: Zhang Xun , Hu Xinglin , Zhao Yang , Tang Zhaodong
Published: May 2014

Considering the inherent strongly nonlinear and coupling performance of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the speed switching control method for AUV driven by states is presented. By using T‐S fuzzy observer to estimate the states of AUV, the speed control strategies in lever plane, vertical plane, and speed kept are established, respectively. Then the adaptive switching law is introduced to switch the speed control strategies designed in real time. In the simulation, acoustic Doppler current profile/side scan sonar (ADCP/SSS) observation case is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the efficiency of AUV was improved, the trajectory tracking error was reduced, and the steady‐state ability was enhanced.
Shared Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Xie Anmu , Gao Jing , Xu Lin , Meng Dongmei
Published: May 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) have markedly different clinical and pathological features, but these two diseases are the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Previous studies have showed that there are common mechanisms in AD and PD. Several genetic studies have revealed mutations in genes associated with the risk of AD and PD. Circumstantial evidences have shown that dysregulation of brain iron homeostasis leads to abnormal iron accumulation and results in AD as well as PD.α-Synuclein and tau take part in the mechanisms of these diseases by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Some studies indicated that the loss of LC noradrenergic neurons may occur early in the progression of AD and PD. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of the Cys-loop superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels; some evidence showed that nicotinic receptors may be associated with AD and PD. These experimental and clinical studies may provide a scientific foundation for common shared mechanisms in AD and PD.
Output Feedback Adaptive Stabilization of Uncertain Nonholonomic Systems
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Zicheng , Wu Yuqiang , Li Qingbo
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the problem of output feedback adaptive stabilization control design for a class of nonholonomic chained systems with uncertainties, involving virtual control coefficients, unknown nonlinear parameters, and unknown time delays. The objective is to design a robust nonlinear output-feedback switching controller, which can guarantee the stabilization of the closed loop systems. An observer and an estimator are employed for states and parameters estimates, respectively. A constructive controller design procedure is proposed by applying input-state scaling transformation, parameter separation technique, and backstepping recursive approach. Simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Antimicrobial and Controlled Release Studies of a Novel Nystatin Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite
Authors: Hussein-Al-Ali Samer Hasan , El Zowalaty Mohamed E. , Kura Aminu Umar , Geilich Benjamin , Fakurazi Sharida , Webster Thomas J. , Hussein Mohd Zobir
Published: May 2014

Nystatin is a tetraene diene polyene antibiotic showing a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. In the present study, we prepared a nystatin nanocomposite (Nyst-CS-MNP) by loading nystatin (Nyst) on chitosan (CS) coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results showed that the MNPs and nanocomposite are pure magnetite. The FTIR analysis confirmed the binding of CS on the surface of the MNPs and also the loading of Nyst in the nanocomposite. The Nyst drug loading was estimated using UV-Vis instrumentation and showing a 14.9% loading in the nanocomposite. The TEM size image of the MNPs, CS-MNP, and Nyst-CS-MNP was 13, 11, and 8 nm, respectively. The release profile of the Nyst drug from the nanocomposite followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The antimicrobial activity of the as-synthesized Nyst and Nyst-CS-MNP nanocomposite was evaluated using an agar diffusion method and showed enhanced antifungal activity againstCandida albicans. In this manner, this study introduces a novel nanocomposite that can decrease fungus activity on-demand for numerous medical applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle‐Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Larrude Dunieskys G. , Maia da Costa Marcelo E. H. , Freire Fernando L.
Published: May 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown by spray pyrolysis have been decorated with silver nanoparticles prepared via the silver mirror reaction. Good dispersion of silver nanostructures was obtained on the surface of MWCNTs, resulting in an efficient and simple wet chemistry method for increasing the reactivity of the carbon nanotubes surfaces. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the orientations of the crystallography planes of the anchored silver nanoparticles and revealed their size distribution. Raman spectroscopy results confirm that the composite material preserves the integrity of the MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were also employed for sample characterization.
A Novel Two-Stage Spectrum-Based Approach for Dimensionality Reduction: A Case Study on the Recognition of Handwritten Numerals
Authors: Shayegan Mohammad Amin , Aghabozorgi Saeed , Raj Ram Gopal
Published: May 2014

Dimensionality reduction (feature selection) is an important step in pattern recognition systems. Although there are different conventional approaches for feature selection, such as Principal Component Analysis, Random Projection, and Linear Discriminant Analysis, selecting optimal, effective, and robust features is usually a difficult task. In this paper, a new two-stage approach for dimensionality reduction is proposed. This method is based on one-dimensional and two-dimensional spectrum diagrams of standard deviation and minimum to maximum distributions for initial feature vector elements. The proposed algorithm is validated in an OCR application, by using two big standard benchmark handwritten OCR datasets, MNIST and Hoda. In the beginning, a 133-element feature vector was selected from the most used features, proposed in the literature. Finally, the size of initial feature vector was reduced from 100% to 59.40% (79 elements) for the MNIST dataset, and to 43.61% (58 elements) for the Hoda dataset, in order. Meanwhile, the accuracies of OCR systems are enhanced 2.95% for the MNIST dataset, and 4.71% for the Hoda dataset. The achieved results show an improvement in the precision of the system in comparison to the rival approaches, Principal Component Analysis and Random Projection. The proposed technique can also be useful for generating decision rules in a pattern recognition system using rule-based classifiers.
Method of Lower and Upper Solutions for Elliptic Systems with Nonlinear Boundary Condition and Its Applications
Authors: Ma Ruyun , Chen Ruipeng , Lu Yanqiong
Published: May 2014

We develop the method of lower and upper solutions for a class of elliptic systems with nonlinear boundary conditions. As its application, an elliptic system modeling a population divided into juvenile and adult age groups is studied, and we find sufficient conditions in terms of the principal eigenvalue of the corresponding linearized system, to guarantee the existence of coexistence states of the above juvenile-adult model.
Radiosensitization Effect of Nedaplatin on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells in Different Status of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Authors: Yin Li , Wu Jing , Wu Jianfeng , Ye Jinjun , Jiang Xuesong , Chen Meng , Wang Dejun , Wang Xue , Zong Dan , Gu Jiajia , Zhang Junying , Wu Jianzhong , Xu Lin , He Xia , Guo Wenjie
Published: May 2014

This study aims to evaluate the radiosensitization effect of nedaplatin on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines with different Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status. Human NPC cell lines CNE-2 (EBV-negative) and C666 (EBV-positive) were treated with 0–100 μg/mL nedaplatin, and inhibitory effects on cell viability and IC50were calculated by MTS assay. We assessed changes in radiosensitivity of cells by MTS and colony formation assays, and detected the apoptosis index and changes in cell cycle by flow cytometry. MTS assay showed that nedaplatin caused significant cytotoxicity in CNE-2 and C666 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. After 24 h, nedaplatin inhibited growth of CNE-2 and C666 cells with IC50values of 34.32 and 63.69 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with radiation alone, nedaplatin enhanced the radiation effect on both cell lines. Nedaplatin markedly increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Nedaplatin radiosensitized human NPC cells CNE-2 and C666, with a significantly greater effect on the former. The mechanisms of radiosensitization include induction of apoptosis and enhancement of cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase.
Demographic Characteristics, Nicotine Dependence, and Motivation to Quit as Possible Determinants of Smoking Behaviors and Acceptability of Shocking Warnings in Italy
Authors: Mannocci Alice , Colamesta Vittoria , Conti Vittoria , Cattaruzza Maria Sofia , Paone Gregorino , Cafolla Maria , Saulle Rosella , Bulzomì Vincenzo , Antici Daniele , Cuccurullo Pasquale , Boccia Antonio , La Torre Giuseppe , Terzano Claudio
Published: May 2014

Introduction. This paper presents the final results of a cross-sectional study started in 2010. It compares the perceived efficacy of different types of tobacco health warning (texts versus shocking pictures) to quit or reduce tobacco use.Methods. The study conducted between 2010 and 2012 in Italy enrolled adults smokers. Administering a questionnaire demographic data, smokers behaviors were collected. Showing text and graphic warnings (the corpse of a smoker, diseased lungs, etc.) the most perceived efficacy to reduce tobacco consumption or to encourage was quit.Results. 666 subjects were interviewed; 6% of responders referred that they stopped smoking at least one month due to the textual warnings. The 81% of the smokers perceived that the warnings with shocking pictures are more effective in reducing/quitting tobacco consumption than text-only warnings. The younger group (<45 years), who are more motivated to quit (Mondor’s score ≥ 12), and females showed a higher effectiveness of shocking warnings to reduce tobacco consumption of, 76%, 78%, and 43%, respectively withP<0.05.Conclusions. This study suggests that pictorial warnings on cigarette packages are more likely to be noticed and rated as effective by Italian smokers. Female and younger smokers appear to be more involved by shock images. The jarring warnings also appear to be supporting those who want to quit smoking. This type of supportive information in Italy may become increasingly important for helping smokers to change their behavior.
Comparative Analysis of the Omics Technologies Used to Study Antimonial, Amphotericin B, and Pentamidine Resistance inLeishmania
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Rajput Bhawana
Published: May 2014

Leishmaniasis is a serious threat in developing countries due to its endemic nature and debilitating symptoms. Extensive research and investigations have been carried out to learn about the mechanism of drug resistance inLeishmaniabut results obtained in the laboratory are not in agreement with those obtained from the field. Also the lack of knowledge about the mode of action for a number of drugs makes the study of drug resistance more complex. A major concern in recent times has been regarding the role of parasitic virulence in drug resistance forLeishmania. Researchers have employed various techniques to unravel the facts about resistance and virulence inLeishmania. With advent of advanced and more specific means of detection, further hints about probable mechanisms of conferring resistance are expected. This review aims to provide a consolidated picture along with a comparative account of the work done so far to study the mechanism of antimony, amphotericin B, and pentamidine resistance using various techniques.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorγRegulates the Expression of Lipid Phosphate Phosphohydrolase 1 in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Huang Yazi , Zhao Beilei , Liu Yahan , Wang Nanping
Published: May 2014

Lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase 1 (LPP1), a membrane ectophosphohydrolase regulating the availability of bioactive lipid phosphates, plays important roles in cellular signaling and physiological processes such as angiogenesis and endothelial migration. However, the regulated expression of LPP1 remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to examine a role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ) in the transcriptional control ofLPP1gene expression. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that activation of PPARγincreased the mRNA level of LPP1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that PPARγbinds to the putative PPAR-responsive elements (PPREs) within the 5′-flanking region of the humanLPP1gene. Genomic fragment containing 1.7-kilobase of the promoter region was cloned by using PCR. The luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that overexpression of PPARγand rosiglitazone, a specific ligand for PPARγ, could significantly upregulate the reporter activity. However, site-directed mutagenesis of the PPRE motif abolished the induction. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PPARγtranscriptionally activated the expression ofLPP1gene in ECs, suggesting a potential role of PPARγin the metabolism of phospholipids.
Circulating Th17, Th22, and Th1 Cells Are Elevated in the Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Downregulated by IVIg Treatments
Authors: Li Shujuan , Jin Tao , Zhang Hong-Liang , Yu Hong , Meng Fanhua , Concha Quezada Hernan , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2014

The Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is considered a T helper 1 (Th1) cells-mediated acute inflammatory peripheral neuropathy. However, some changes in GBS could not be explained completely by Th1 cells pathogenic role. Recently, Th17 cells have been identified and can mediate tissue inflammation and autoimmune response. Therefore, a study on the role of Th17 and Th22 cells and their cytokines in GBS is necessary for exploring the pathogenesis of GBS. Here, we detected the frequency of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells by using 4-color flow cytometry and we detected the plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-22 by ELISA in GBS patients, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients at the acute phase of relapse, viral encephalitis or meningitis patients and healthy controls. Our data showed that the frequency of circulating Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells was significantly increased in GBS patients. The plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in GBS and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at the acute phase of relapse were also markedly elevated. Enhanced circulating Th22 cells were correlated with GBS severity. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy downregulated Th17, and Th22 cells and the plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in GBS patients. Th17 and Th22 cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of GBS, and intravenous immunoglobulin mediates therapeutic effects by downregulating these cells and their cytokines.
Experience of 1166 Thyroidectomy without Use of Prophylactic Antibiotic
Authors: Lu Qiang , Xie Shu-Qin , Chen Si-Yuan , Chen Li-Ju , Qin Qian
Published: May 2014

Background. Although the procedure requires a small surgical incision and a short duration, incision infection rate is very low in thyroidectomy; however, doctors still have misgivings about infection events.Aim. We retrospectively analyzed the prevention of incision infection without perioperative use of antibacterial medications following thyroidectomy.Materials and Methods. 1166 patients of thyroidectomy were not administered perioperative antibiotics. Unilateral total lobectomy or partial thyroidectomy was performed in 68.0% patients with single-side nodular goiter or thyroid adenoma. Bilateral partial thyroidectomy was performed in 25.5% patients with nodular goiter or Graves’ disease. The mean time of operation was 80.6 ± 4.87 (range: 25–390) min.Results.Resuturing was performed in two patients of secondary hemorrhage from residual thyroid following bilateral partial thyroidectomy. Temporally recurrent nerve paralysis was reported following right-side total lobectomy and left-side subtotal lobectomy in a nodular goiter patient. One case had suppurative infection in neck incision 5 days after bilateral partial thyroidectomy.Conclusions. Thyroidectomy, which is a clean incision, involves a small incision, short duration, and minor hemorrhage. If the operation is performed under strict conditions of sterility and hemostasis, antibacterial medications may not be required to prevent incision infection, which reduces cost and discourages the excessive use of antibiotics.
An Insight into Internal Resorption
Authors: Thomas Priya , Krishna Pillai Rekha , Pushparajan Ramakrishnan Bindhu , Palani Jayanthi
Published: May 2014

Internal resorption, a rare phenomenon, has been a quandary from the standpoints of both its diagnosis and treatment. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered by chance on routine radiographic examinations or by a classic clinical sign, “pink spot” in the crown. This paper emphasizes the etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in internal root resorption. Prognosis is good for smaller lesions; however, for those with extensive resorption associated with perforation the tooth structure is greatly weakened and the prognosis remains poor.
Optimization of Enzymatic Saccharification of Alkali Pretreated Parthenium sp. Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Pandiyan K. , Tiwari Rameshwar , Singh Surender , Nain Pawan K. S. , Rana Sarika , Arora Anju , Singh Shashi B. , Nain Lata
Published: May 2014

Parthenium sp. is a noxious weed which threatens the environment and biodiversity due to its rapid invasion. This lignocellulosic weed was investigated for its potential in biofuel production by subjecting it to mild alkali pretreatment followed by enzymatic saccharification which resulted in significant amount of fermentable sugar yield (76.6%). Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis variables such as temperature, pH, enzyme, and substrate loading was carried out using central composite design (CCD) in response to surface methodology (RSM) to achieve the maximum saccharification yield. Data obtained from RSM was validated using ANOVA. After the optimization process, a model was proposed with predicted value of 80.08% saccharification yield under optimum conditions which was confirmed by the experimental value of 85.80%. This illustrated a good agreement between predicted and experimental response (saccharification yield). The saccharification yield was enhanced by enzyme loading and reduced by temperature and substrate loading. This study reveals that under optimized condition, sugar yield was significantly increased which was higher than earlier reports and promises the use of Parthenium sp. biomass as a feedstock for bioethanol production.
Band Structure Engineering in 2D Photonic Crystal Waveguide with Rhombic Cross-Section Elements
Authors: Gharaati Abdolrasoul , Zahraei Sayed Hasan
Published: May 2014

Two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PhC) waveguides with square lattice composed of dielectric rhombic cross-section elements in air background, by using plane wave expansion (PWE) method, are investigated. In order to study the change of photonic band gap (PBG) by changing of elongation of elements, the band structure of the used structure is plotted. We observe that the size of the PBG changes by variation of elongation of elements, but there is no any change in the magnitude of defect modes. However, the used structure does not have any TE defect modes but it has TM defect mode for any angle of elongation. So, the used structure can be used as optical polarizer.
Vitamin D-Binding Protein Levels in Plasma and Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Meng Huanxin , Xu Li , Zhang Li , Shi Dong , Feng Xianghui , Lu Ruifang , Chen Zhibin
Published: May 2014

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is the main transport protein of vitamin D and plays an important role in the immune system and host defenses. The purpose of this study was to measure DBP levels in plasma and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), in comparison to healthy controls, with the goal of elucidating the relationship between DBP and GAgP. Fifty-nine GAgP patients and 58 healthy controls were recruited for the study; clinical parameters of probing depths (PD), bleeding index, and attachment loss (AL) were recorded. DBP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. From the results, GAgP patients had higher plasma DBP concentrations (P<0.001) but lower GCF DBP concentrations (P<0.001) than healthy controls. In GAgP group, after controlling the potential confounders of age, gender, smoking status, and BMI index, GCF DBP concentrations correlated negatively with PD (P<0.001) and AL (P=0.009). Within the limits of the study, we concluded that decreased GCF DBP level and increased plasma DBP level are associated with periodontitis.
A Secure and Efficient Audit Mechanism for Dynamic Shared Data in Cloud Storage
Authors: Kwon Ohmin , Koo Dongyoung , Shin Yongjoo , Yoon Hyunsoo
Published: May 2014

With popularization of cloud services, multiple users easily share and update their data through cloud storage. For data integrity and consistency in the cloud storage, the audit mechanisms were proposed. However, existing approaches have some security vulnerabilities and require a lot of computational overheads. This paper proposes a secure and efficient audit mechanism for dynamic shared data in cloud storage. The proposed scheme prevents a malicious cloud service provider from deceiving an auditor. Moreover, it devises a new index table management method and reduces the auditing cost by employing less complex operations. We prove the resistance against some attacks and show less computation cost and shorter time for auditing when compared with conventional approaches. The results present that the proposed scheme is secure and efficient for cloud storage services managing dynamic shared data.
Suitability, Efficacy, and Safety of Vernakalant for New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Rudiger Alain , Breitenstein Alexander , Arrigo Mattia , Salzberg Sacha P. , Bettex Dominique
Published: May 2014

Objectives. This study investigates the suitability, safety, and efficacy of vernakalant in critically ill patients with new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery.Methods. Patients were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Included patients were treated with 3 mg/kg of vernakalant over 10 min and, if unsuccessful, a second dose of 2 mg/kg. Blood pressure was measured continuously for 2 hours after treatment.Results. Of the 191 patients screened, 159 (83%) were excluded, most importantly due to hemodynamic instability (59%). Vernakalant was administered to 32 (17% of the screened) patients. Within 6 hours, 17 (53%) patients converted to sinus rhythm. Blood pressure did not decrease significantly 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the vernakalant infusion. However, 11 patients (34%) experienced a transient decrease in mean arterial blood pressure <60 mmHg. Other adverse events included nausea (n=1) and bradycardia (n=2).Conclusions. Applying the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria provided by the manufacturer, only a minority of postoperative ICU patients with new onset AF qualified for vernakalant. Half of the treated patients converted to sinus rhythm. The drug was well tolerated, but close heart rate and blood pressure monitoring remains recommended.
Risks of Decreased Renal Function and Increased Albuminuria for Glycemic Status and Metabolic Syndrome Components: Taichung Community Health Study
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Li Chia-Ing , Liu Chiu-Shong , Lin Wen-Yuan , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Lai Ming-May , Lee Yih-Dar , Chen Ching-Chu , Yang Chuan-Wei , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: May 2014

Background. The objective of this study was to assess the association of glycemic status and decreased renal function as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria in an adult Taiwanese metropolitan population.Methods. We did a cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of 2,350 Taiwanese adults aged 40 years and over living in a metropolitan city in Taiwan from 2004 to 2005. Glycemic status was classified as normal glycemia, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Renal function was assessed with eGFR using modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation for Chinese. Albuminuria was determined by the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. Decreased renal function was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2and albuminuria as the albumin-creatinine ratio >30 mg g−1creatinine.Results. 593 (25.23%) had hyperglycemia and 287 (12.21%) had T2D. As glycemia level increased, the prevalence of albuminuria and decreased eGFR increased. After adjustment, T2D was associated with an OR of 2.93 (95% CI: 2.11–4.07) for albuminuria, and an OR of 2.05 (95% CI: 1.18–3.58) for decreased eGFR.Conclusions. In a representative sample from a metropolitan city in Taiwan, T2D was associated with albuminuria and decreased eGFR.
Formulation and Evaluation of Multilayered Tablets of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Metformin Hydrochloride
Authors: Chowdary Y. Ankamma , Raparla Ramakrishna , Madhuri Muramshetty
Published: May 2014

In the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus a continuous therapy is required which is a more complex one. As in these patients there may be a defect in both insulin secretion and insulin action exists. Hence, the treatment depends on the pathophysiology and the disease state. In the present study, multilayered tablets of pioglitazone hydrochloride 15 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg were prepared in an attempt for combination therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone HCl was formulated as immediate release layer to show immediate action by direct compression method using combination of superdisintegrants, namely, crospovidone and avicel PH 102. Crospovidone at 20% concentration showed good drug release profile at 2 hrs. Metformin HCl was formulated as controlled release layer to prolong the drug action by incorporating hydrophilic polymers such as HPMC K4M by direct compression method and guar gum by wet granulation method in order to sustain the drug release from the tablets and maintain its integrity so as to provide a suitable formulation. The multilayered tablets were prepared after carrying out the optimization of immediate release layer and were evaluated for various precompression and postcompression parameters. Formulation F13 showed 99.97% of pioglitazone release at 2 hrs in 0.1 N HCl and metformin showed 98.81% drug release at 10 hrs of dissolution in 6.8 pH phosphate buffer. The developed formulation is equivalent to innovator product in view of in vitro drug release profile. The results of all these evaluation tests are within the standards. The procedure followed for the formulation of these tablets was found to be reproducible and all the formulations were stable after accelerated stability studies. Hence, multilayered tablets of pioglitazone HCl and metformin HCl can be a better alternative way to conventional dosage forms.
Power of Proteomics in Linking Oxidative Stress and Female Infertility
Authors: Gupta Sajal , Ghulmiyyah Jana , Sharma Rakesh , Halabi Jacques , Agarwal Ashok
Published: May 2014

Endometriosis, PCOS, and unexplained infertility are currently the most common diseases rendering large numbers of women infertile worldwide. Oxidative stress, due to its deleterious effects on proteins and nucleic acids, is postulated to be the one of the important mechanistic pathways in differential expression of proteins and in these diseases. The emerging field of proteomics has allowed identification of proteins involved in cell cycle, as antioxidants, extracellular matrix (ECM), cytoskeleton, and their linkage to oxidative stress in female infertility related diseases. The aim of this paper is to assess the association of oxidative stress and protein expression in the reproductive microenvironments such as endometrial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and follicular fluid, as well as reproductive tissues and serum. The review also highlights the literature that proposes the use of the fertility related proteins as potential biomarkers for noninvasive and early diagnosis of the aforementioned diseases rather than utilizing the more invasive methods used currently. The review will highlight the power of proteomic profiles identified in infertility related disease conditions and their linkage with underlying oxidative stress. The power of proteomics will be reviewed with regard to eliciting molecular mechanisms for early detection and management of these infertility related conditions.
Investigation of Elastic Energy on Single Crystal GaN Nanobeams with Different Span
Authors: Hung Shang-Chao , Yang Cheng-Fu , Hsu Yi-Cheng
Published: May 2014

This research presents a novel technique which can more efficiently fabricate different spans of nanobeams on the same substrate. It requires less time to prepare specimen and further shortens the process of aligning, clamping, and testing. Also, we probe into the elastic deformation properties of clamped freestanding GaN nanobeams with different spans. In the bending process, displacement,D, corresponding to load,Pis strongly dependent on the span of nanobeam at the same penetration depth and a distinct linearity is observed. Young’s moduliEof the GaN in this study are calculated as 171.3 GPa ±5.4% and 264.2 GPa ±4.7% by strain energy methods, respectively, for the longer and shorter spans of nanobeams, serving as a simple supporting beam of elastic material under small deformation. The result shows that, even under small deformation, the rigidity enhancement helps the shorter nanobeam store more elastic energy.
Bariatric Endocrinology: Principles of Medical Practice
Authors: Gonzalez-Campoy J. Michael , Richardson Bruce , Richardson Conor , Gonzalez-Cameron David , Ebrahim Ayesha , Strobel Pamela , Martinez Tiphani , Blaha Beth , Ransom Maria , Quinonez-Weislow Jessica , Pierson Andrea , Gonzalez Ahumada Miguel
Published: May 2014

Obesity, is a chronic, biological, preventable, and treatable disease. The accumulation of fat mass causes physical changes (adiposity), metabolic and hormonal changes due to adipose tissue dysfunction (adiposopathy), and psychological changes. Bariatric endocrinology was conceived from the need to address the neuro-endocrinological derangements that are associated with adiposopathy, and from the need to broaden the scope of the management of its complications. In addition to the well-established metabolic complications of overweight and obesity, adiposopathy leads to hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, hypoadiponectinemia, dysregulation of gut peptides including GLP-1 and ghrelin, the development of an inflammatory milieu, and the strong risk of vascular disease. Therapy for adiposopathy hinges on effectively lowering the ratio of orexigenic to anorexigenic signals reaching the the hypothalamus and other relevant brain regions, favoring a lower caloric intake. Adiposopathy, overweight and obesity should be treated indefinitely with the specific aims to reduce fat mass for the adiposity complications, and to normalize adipose tissue function for the adiposopathic complications. This paper defines the principles of medical practice in bariatric endocrinology—the treatment of overweight and obesity as means to treat adiposopathy and its accompanying metabolic and hormonal derangements.
Adaptive Bacteria Colony Picking in Unstructured Environments Using Intensity Histogram and Unascertained LS-SVM Classifier
Authors: Zhang Kun , Fei Minrui , Li Xin , Zhou Huiyu
Published: May 2014

Features analysis is an important task which can significantly affect the performance of automatic bacteria colony picking. Unstructured environments also affect the automatic colony screening. This paper presents a novel approach for adaptive colony segmentation in unstructured environments by treating the detected peaks of intensity histograms as a morphological feature of images. In order to avoid disturbing peaks, an entropy based mean shift filter is introduced to smooth images as a preprocessing step. The relevance and importance of these features can be determined in an improved support vector machine classifier using unascertained least square estimation. Experimental results show that the proposed unascertained least square support vector machine (ULSSVM) has better recognition accuracy than the other state-of-the-art techniques, and its training process takes less time than most of the traditional approaches presented in this paper.
Guidance Law Design for Terminal Area Energy Management of Reusable Launch Vehicle by Energy‐to‐Range Ratio
Authors: Jiang Wen , Yang Zhaohua
Published: May 2014

A new guidance scheme that utilizes a trajectory planning algorithm by energy‐to‐range ratio has been developed under the circumstance of surplus energy for the terminal area energy management phase of a reusable launch vehicle. The trajectory planning scheme estimates the reference flight profile by piecing together several flight phases that are defined by a set of geometric parameters. Guidance commands are readily available once the best reference trajectory is determined. The trajectory planning algorithm based on energy‐to‐range ratio is able to quickly generate new reference profiles for testing cases with large variations in initial vehicle condition and energy. The designed flight track has only one turn heading, which simplifies the trajectory planning algorithm. The effectiveness of the trajectory planning algorithm is demonstrated by simulations, which shows that the guided vehicle is able to successfully dissipate energy and reach the desired approach and landing glideslope target with small tracking errors.
Naturally Occurring Compounds Elicit HIV-1 Replication in Chronically Infected Promonocytic Cells
Authors: Barquero Andrea Alejandra , Dávola María Eugenia , Riva Diego Ariel , Mersich Susana Esther , Alché Laura Edith
Published: May 2014

Since antiretroviral therapy suppresses but does not eradicate HIV-1 infection, methods to purge viral reservoirs are required. Many strategies involve the reactivation of chronically HIV infected cells to induce the expression of integrated viral genome. In this study, five bioactive compounds, the plant derivatives 1-cinnamoyl-3,11-dihydroxymeliacarpin (CDM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), and curcumin (Cur) and the synthetic stigmasterol analogs (22S,23S)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (compound1) and (22S,23S)-3β-bromo-5α,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one (compound2), were evaluated for their ability to elicit HIV replication in promonocytic (U1) and lymphocytic (H9+) HIV-1 chronically infected cells. The results revealed that natural compounds CDM, NDGA, and Cur were able to increase HIV-1 p24 antigen, determined by ELISA, only in latently infected promonocytic cells. CDM would reactivate HIV from latency by modulating the release of IL-6 and TNF-α, since the amount of both cytokines measured through ELISA significantly increased in U1 treated cells. Besides, NDGA increased ROS production, which might be related to the increase on p24 level observed in NDGA treated U1. These findings suggest that CDM, NDGA, and Cur might be candidates for further studies on latency-reversing therapeutics to eliminate latently HIV-1 reservoirs.