bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microemulsion Liquid Chromatographic Method for Simultaneous Determination of Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Their Combined Dosage Forms
Authors: Hammouda Mohammed E. A. , Abu El-Enin Mohamed A. , El-Sherbiny Dina T. , El-Wasseef Dalia R. , El-Ashry Saadia M.
Published: October 2013

A rapid HPLC procedure using a microemulsion as an eluent was developed and validated for analytical quality control of antihyperlipidemic mixture containing simvastatin (SIM) and ezetimibe (EZT) in their pharmaceutical preparations. The separation was performed on a column packed with cyano bonded stationary phase adopting UV detection at 238 nm using a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The optimized microemulsion mobile phase consisted of 0.2 M sodium dodecyl sulphate, 1% octanol, 10% n-propanol, and 0.3% triethylamine in 0.02 M phosphoric acid at pH 5.0. The developed method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LOQ), lower limit of detection (LOD), precision, and accuracy. The proposed method is rapid (8.5 min), reproducible (RSD < 2.0%) and achieves satisfactory resolution between SIM and EZT (resolution factor = 2.57). The mean recoveries of the analytes in pharmaceutical preparations were in agreement with those obtained from a reference method, as revealed by statistical analysis of the obtained results using Student’st-test and the variance ratioF-test.
Dominant Height Model for Site Classification ofEucalyptus grandisIncorporating Climatic Variables
Authors: Scolforo José Roberto Soares , Maestri Romualdo , Ferraz Filho Antonio Carlos , de Mello José Márcio , de Oliveira Antônio Donizette , de Assis Adriana Leandra
Published: October 2013

This study tested the effects of inserting climatic variables inEucalyptus grandisas covariables of a dominant height model, which for site index classification is usually related to age alone. Dominant height values ranging from 1 to 12 years of age located in the Southeast region of Brazil were used, as well as data from 19 automatic meteorological stations from the area. The Chapman-Richards model was chosen to represent dominant height as a function of age. To include the environmental variables a modifier was included in the asymptote of the model. The asymptote was chosen since this parameter is responsible for the maximum value which the dominant height can reach. Of the four environmental variables most responsible for database variation, the two with the highest correlation to the mean annual increment in dominant height (mean monthly precipitation and temperature) were selected to compose the asymptote modifier. Model validation showed a gain in precision of 33% (reduction of the standard error of estimate) when climatic variables were inserted in the model. Possible applications of the method include the estimation of site capacity in regions lacking any planting history, as well as updating forest inventory data based on past climate regimes.
Combination ofERG9Repression and Enzyme Fusion Technology for Improved Production of Amorphadiene inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Baadhe Rama Raju , Mekala Naveen Kumar , Parcha Sreenivasa Rao , Prameela Devi Yalavarthy
Published: October 2013

The yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) MTCC 3157 was selected for combinatorial biosynthesis of plant sesquiterpene amorpha-4,11-diene. Our main objective was to overproduce amorpha 4-11-diene, which is a key precursor molecule of artemisinin (antimalarial drug) produced naturally in plantArtemisia annuathrough mevalonate pathway. Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is a common intermediate metabolite of a variety of compounds in the mevalonate pathway of yeast and leads to the production of ergosterols, dolichol and ubiquinone, and so forth. In our studies, FPP converted to amorphadiene (AD) by expressing heterologous amorphadiene synthase (ADS) in yeast. First,ERG9(squalane synthase) promoter of yeast was replaced with repressible methionine (MET3) promoter by using bipartite gene fusion method. Further to overcome the loss of the intermediate FPP through competitive pathways in yeast, fusion protein technology was adopted and farnesyldiphosphate synthase (FPPS) of yeast has been coupled with amorphadiene synthase (ADS) of plant origin (Artemisia annuaL.) where amorphadiene production was improved by 2-fold (11.2 mg/L) and 4-fold (25.02 mg/L) in yeast strains YCF-002 and YCF-005 compared with control strain YCF-AD (5.5 mg/L), respectively.
Existence of Periodic Solutions for Shunting Inhibitory Cellular Neural Networks with Neutral Delays
Authors: Chen Ninghua
Published: October 2013

This paper considers the existence of periodic solutions for shunting inhibitory cellular neural networks (SICNNs) with neutral delays. By applying the theory of abstract continuation theorem ofk-set contractive operator and some analysis technique, a new result on the existence of periodic solutions is obtained.
Message Passing Algorithm for Solving QBF Using More Reasoning
Authors: Weihua Su , Minghao Yin , Jianan Wang , Junping Zhou
Published: October 2013

We present a novel solver for solving Quantified Boolean Formulae problem (QBF). In order to improve the performance, we introduce some reasoning rules into the message passing algorithm for solving QBF. When preprocessing the formulae, the solver incorporates the equality reduction and the hyperbinary resolution. Further, the solver employs the message passing method to obtain more information when selecting branches. By using the unit propagation, conflict driven learning, and satisfiability directed implication and learning, the solver handles the branches. The experimental results also show that the solver can solve QBF problem efficiently.
Advancement Perforator Cheek Flap for Aesthetic One‐Stage Reconstruction of Postoncological Extended Split‐Thickness Defects of the Nasal Sidewall
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Milia Arianna , Carmisciano Marco , D’Arpa Salvatore , Cordova Adriana , Moschella Francesco
Published: October 2013

Aesthetic reconstruction of soft tissue nasal sidewall loss has an important influence on the appearance of the nose. The unique character of this subunit and the complex relationships with a number of different facial or nasal subunits make the excision of large tumors difficult to manage. Numerous techniques are described in the literature, but a primary reconstruction with a final good result is not often possible. The authors develop an advancement cheek flap for an aesthetic one‐stage reconstruction of postoncological extended nasal sidewall defects. Between January 2009 and July 2012, 16 patients (mean age, 63.3 yr) underwent excision of skin tumors of nasal sidewall and immediate reconstruction with an advancement cheek flap nourished by perforators from the transverse facial branch of the superficial temporal artery. The tumors were excised with 0.4–0.6 cm lateral margins and defects size ranged from 2.6 × 2.6 cm to 3.5 × 5 cm. Oncological radicality was obtained in all cases. The aesthetic results were excellent in all patients. No scar revision was needed. The authors’ advancement cheek flap can be considered the first choice for reconstruction of split‐thickness defect of nasal sidewall larger than 2.5 cm because it reestablishes in one stage the nasal contour detail.
Composition and Antidiarrheal Activity ofBidens odorataCav.
Authors: Zavala-Mendoza Daniel , Alarcon-Aguilar Francisco J. , Pérez-Gutierrez Salud , Escobar-Villanueva M. Carmen , Zavala-Sánchez Miguel A.
Published: October 2013

The antidiarrheal effects of chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts ofBidens odorataCav. were investigated at doses of 200 mg/kg on castor-oil-induced diarrhea. The chloroform extract ofB. odorata(CBO) reduced diarrhea by 72.72%. The effect of CBO was evaluated on mice with diarrhea induced by castor oil, MgSO4, arachidonic acid, or prostaglandin E2. CBO inhibited the contraction induced by carbachol chloride on ileum (100 µg/mL) and intestinal transit (200 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The active fraction of CBO (F4) at doses of 100 mg/kg inhibited the diarrhea induced by castor oil (90.1%) or arachidonic acid (72.9%) but did not inhibit the diarrhea induced by PGE2. The active fraction of F4 (FR5) only was tested on diarrhea induced with castor oil and inhibited this diarrhea by 92.1%. The compositions of F4 and FR5 were determined by GC-MS, and oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids were found. F4 and a mixture of the four fatty acids inhibited diarrhea at doses of 100 mg/kg (90.1% and 70.6%, resp.). The results of this study show thatB. odoratahas antidiarrheal effects, as is claimed by folk medicine, and could possibly be used for the production of a phytomedicine.
Development and Evaluation of Evidence-Informed Clinical Nursing Protocols for Remote Assessment, Triage and Support of Cancer Treatment-Induced Symptoms
Authors: Stacey Dawn , Macartney Gail , Carley Meg , Harrison Margaret B. , Triage and Remote Support Group (COSTaRS) The Pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom
Published: October 2013

The study objective was to develop and evaluate a template for evidence-informed symptom protocols for use by nurses over the telephone for the assessment, triage, and management of patients experiencing cancer treatment-related symptoms. Guided by the CAN-IMPLEMENT© methodology, symptom protocols were developed by, conducting a systematic review of the literature to identify clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews, appraising their quality, reaching consensus on the protocol template, and evaluating the two symptom protocols for acceptability and usability. After excluding one guideline due to poor overall quality, the symptom protocols were developed using 12 clinical practice guidelines (8 for diarrhea and 4 for fever). AGREE Instrument (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) rigour domain subscale ratings ranged from 8% to 86% (median 60.1 diarrhea; 40.5 fever). Included guidelines were used to inform the protocols along with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System questionnaire to assess symptom severity. Acceptability and usability testing of the symptom populated template with 12 practicing oncology nurses revealed high readability (n=12), just the right amount of information (n=10), appropriate terms (n=10), fit with clinical work flow (n=8), and being self-evident for how to complete (n=5). Five nurses made suggestions and 11 rated patient self-management strategies the highest for usefulness. This new template for symptom protocols can be populated with symptom-specific evidence that nurses can use when assessing, triaging, documenting, and guiding patients to manage their-cancer treatment-related symptoms.
Nonstationary Fronts in the Singularly Perturbed Power-Society Model
Authors: Dmitriev M. G. , Pavlov A. A. , Petrov A. P.
Published: October 2013

The theory of contrasting structures in singularly perturbed boundary problems for nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations is applied to the research of formation of steady state distributions of power within the nonlinear “power-society” model. The interpretations of the solutions to the equation are presented in terms of applied model. The possibility theorem for the problem of getting the solution having some preassigned properties by means of parametric control is proved.
Tissue Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Expression in the Prediction of Renal Function for Several Years after Kidney Biopsy
Authors: Simic Ogrizovic Sanja , Bojic Suzana , Basta-Jovanovic Gordana , Radojevic Sanja , Pavlovic Jelena , Kotur Stevuljevic Jelena , Dopsaj Violeta , Naumovic Radomir
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Retrospective study was designed to examine the importance of tissue kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression in predicting kidney function in sixty patients (27 males) aged 34.15 ± 12.23 years with different kidney diseases over three years after kidney biopsy.Materials and Methods. Tissue KIM-1 expression was determined immunohistochemically and KIM-1 staining was scored semiquantitatively, as well as tubulointerstitialis (TIN), inflammation, atrophy, and fibrosis. Kidney function (MDRD formula) and proteinuria/day were evaluated at the time of biopsy (GFR0) and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months later.Results. Significantly positive correlations between tissue KIM-1 expression and age (r=0.313), TIN inflammation (r=0.456), fibrosis (r=0.317), and proteinuria at 6 months (r=0.394) as well as negative correlations with GFR0 (r=−0.572), GFR6 (r=−0.442), GFR24 (r=−0.398), and GFR36 (r=−0.412) were found. Meanwhile, TIN inflammation was the best predictor of all measured kidney functions during three years, while tissue KIM-1 expression (P=0.016) was a predictor only at 6 months after biopsy.Conclusion. Tissue KIM-1 expression significantly predicts kidney function solely at 6 months after biopsy, when the effects of immune and nonimmune treatments are the strongest.
Comparison Analysis of Coal Biodesulfurization and Coal’s Pyrite Bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Hong Fen-Fen , He Huan , Liu Jin-Yan , Tao Xiu-Xiang , Zheng Lei , Zhao Yi-Dong
Published: October 2013

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) was applied in coal biodesulfurization and coal’s pyrite bioleaching. The result showed that A. ferrooxidans had significantly promoted the biodesulfurization of coal and bioleaching of coal’s pyrite. After 16 days of processing, the total sulfur removal rate of coal was 50.6%, and among them the removal of pyritic sulfur was up to 69.9%. On the contrary, after 12 days of processing, the coal’s pyrite bioleaching rate was 72.0%. SEM micrographs showed that the major pyrite forms in coal were massive and veinlets. It seems that the bacteria took priority to remove the massive pyrite. The sulfur relative contents analysis from XANES showed that the elemental sulfur (28.32%) and jarosite (18.99%) were accumulated in the biotreated residual coal. However, XRD and XANES spectra of residual pyrite indicated that the sulfur components were mainly composed of pyrite (49.34%) and elemental sulfur (50.72%) but no other sulfur contents were detected. Based on the present results, we speculated that the pyrite forms in coal might affect sulfur biooxidation process.
On the Stability of Heat Equation
Authors: Hegyi Balázs , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: October 2013

We prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the heat equation, , in a class of twice continuously differentiable functions under certain conditions.
Dissipativity Analysis and Synthesis for a Class of Nonlinear Stochastic Impulsive Systems
Authors: Chen Guici , Zhou Jianzhong , Zhang Yongchuan
Published: October 2013

The dissipativity analysis and control problems for a class of nonlinear stochastic impulsive systems (NSISs) are studied. The systems are subject to the nonlinear disturbance, stochastic disturbance, and impulsive effects, which often exist in a wide variety of industrial processes and the sources of instability. Our aim is to analyse the dissipativity and to design the state-feedback controller and impulsive controller based on the dissipativity such that the nonlinear stochastic impulsive systems are stochastic stable and strictly(Q,S,R)-dissipative. The sufficient conditions are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI), and a numerical example with simulation is given to show the correctness of the derived results and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Autocorrelation Analysis in Time and Frequency Domains for Passive Structural Diagnostics
Authors: Goto Satoru , Takahashi Yoshinori , Tohyama Mikio
Published: October 2013

In this paper, modal frequency estimation by using autocorrelation functions in both the time and frequency domains for structural diagnostics is discussed. With popular structural health monitoring methods for periodic inspections such as with the “hammering test,” hearing is very useful for distinguishing differences between structural conditions. Hearing detects pitch and tone, and it is known that the auditory process is related to wave periodicity calculated from autocorrelation functions. Consequently, on the basis of the hammering test, modal frequencies can be estimated by autocorrelation, the same as hearing. In this paper, modal frequencies were estimated by using autocorrelation for constant structural health monitoring under a nonstationary noise condition. First, fundamental modal frequencies were estimated by using the autocorrelation of the time domain which was inspired by pitch detection of hearing. Second, higher modal frequency compositions were also analyzed by using autocorrelation in the frequency domain as with tones discrimination. From the results by conducting scale-model experiments under unknown nonstationary noise conditions, periods of fundamental modal frequency were derived by using periods histogram of autocorrelation functions. In addition, higher modal frequency estimation under nonstationary noises was also discussed.
Extended UVB Exposures Alter Tumorigenesis and Treatment Efficacy in a Murine Model of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Burns Erin M. , Tober Kathleen L. , Riggenbach Judith A. , Kusewitt Donna F. , Young Gregory S. , Oberyszyn Tatiana M.
Published: October 2013

Epidemiological studies support a link between cumulative sun exposure and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. However, the presumed effects of extended ultraviolet light B (UVB) exposure on tumorigenesis in the sexes have not been formally investigated. We examined differences in ultimate tumorigenesis at 25 weeks in mice exposed to UVB for either 10 or 25 weeks. Additionally, we investigated the effect of continued UVB exposure on the efficacy of topical treatment with anti-inflammatory (diclofenac) or antioxidant (C E Ferulic or vitamin E) compounds on modulating tumorigenesis. Vehicle-treated mice in the 25-week UVB exposure model exhibited an increased tumor burden and a higher percentage of malignant tumors compared to mice in the 10-week exposure model, which correlated with increases in total and mutant p53-positive epidermal cells. Only topical diclofenac decreased tumor number and burden in both sexes regardless of UVB exposure length. These data support the commonly assumed but not previously demonstrated fact that increased cumulative UVB exposure increases the risk of UVB-induced SCC development and can also affect therapeutic efficacies. Our study suggests that cessation of UVB exposure by at-risk patients may decrease tumor development and that topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac may be chemopreventive.
Comparative Analysis of the Volatile Components ofAgrimonia eupatoriafrom Leaves and Roots by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Multivariate Curve Resolution
Authors: Feng Xiao-Liang , He Yun-biao , Liang Yi-Zeng , Wang Yu-Lin , Huang Lan-Fang , Xie Jian-Wei
Published: October 2013

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and multivariate curve resolution were applied to the differential analysis of the volatile components inAgrimonia eupatoriaspecimens from different plant parts. After extracted with water distillation method, the volatile components inAgrimonia eupatoriafrom leaves and roots were detected by GC-MS. Then the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the volatile components in the main root ofAgrimonia eupatoriawas completed with the help of subwindow factor analysis resolving two-dimensional original data into mass spectra and chromatograms. 68 of 87 separated constituents in the total ion chromatogram of the volatile components were identified and quantified, accounting for about 87.03% of the total content. Then, the common peaks in leaf were extracted with orthogonal projection resolution method. Among the components determined, there were 52 components coexisting in the studied samples although the relative content of each component showed difference to some extent. The results showed a fair consistency in their GC-MS fingerprint. It was the first time to apply orthogonal projection method to compare different plant parts ofAgrimonia eupatoria, and it reduced the burden of qualitative analysis as well as the subjectivity. The obtained results proved the combined approach powerful for the analysis of complexAgrimonia eupatoriasamples. The developed method can be used to further study and quality control ofAgrimonia eupatoria.
Targeting Apoptosis Pathways in Cancer with Alantolactone and Isoalantolactone
Authors: Rasul Azhar , Khan Muhammad , Ali Muhammad , Li Jiang , Li Xiaomeng
Published: October 2013

Alantolactone and isoalantolactone, main bioactive compounds that are present in many medicinal plants such as Inula helenium, L. Inula japonica, Aucklandia lappa, Inula racemosa, and Radix inulae, have been found to have various pharmacological actions including anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, with no significant toxicity. Recently, the anticancer activity of alantolactone and isoalantolactone has been extensively investigated. Here, our aim is to review their natural sources and their anticancer activity with specific emphasis on mechanism of actions, by which these compounds act on apoptosis pathways. Based on the literature and also on our previous results, alantolactone and isoalantolactone induce apoptosis by targeting multiple cellular signaling pathways that are frequently deregulated in cancers and suggest that their simultaneous targeting by these compounds could result in efficacious and selective killing of cancer cells. This review suggests that alantolactone and isoalantolactone are potential promising anticancer candidates, but additional studies and clinical trials are required to determine their specific intracellular sites of actions and derivative targets in order to fully understand the mechanisms of therapeutic effects to further validate in cancer chemotherapy.
A Flow Cytometric Analysis of Vitreous Inflammatory Cells in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Urbančič Mojca , Kloboves Prevodnik Veronika , Petrovič Daniel , Globočnik Petrovič Mojca
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate inflammatory cells in vitreous from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) using flow cytometric analysis. Twenty-eight patients with PDR requiring vitrectomy because of macular traction or tractional retinal detachment were enrolled in the study (n=28), and 6 patients with macular hole (MH) formed the control group. Samples of vitreous and peripheral venous blood were obtained at the beginning of vitrectomy. T lymphocytes were found in vitreous from patients with PDR, and CD4/CD8 ratio was higher in vitreous (median 4.3) compared to blood (median 1.9;P=0.003). No B lymphocytes were detected in vitreous. The percentage of histiocytes/macrophages was significantly higher in vitreous (median 62.1) in comparison with blood (median 5.5;P<0.0001). No lymphocytes were detected in vitreous of the control group. There were more T lymphocytes in vitreous from patients with active PDR. No association between cells in the vitreous and visual acuity improvement after surgery was found. In conclusion, T lymphocytes are found in vitreous from patients with PDR and reflect the activity of PDR but do not seem to predict visual prognosis. Higher CD4/CD8 ratio in vitreous compared to blood from patients with PDR is consistent with local inflammatory response in PDR.
Escin Chemosensitizes Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Inhibits the Nuclear Factor-kappaB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Rimmon A. , Vexler A. , Berkovich L. , Earon G. , Ron I. , Lev-Ari S.
Published: October 2013

Background. There is an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies and drugs for pancreatic cancer that is highly resistant to radio-chemotherapy.Aesculus hippocastanum(the horse chestnut) known in Chinese medicine as a plant with anti-inflammatory, antiedema, antianalgesic, and antipyretic activities. The main active compound of this plant is Escin (C54H84O23).Objective. To evaluate the effect of Escin alone and combined with chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer cell survival and to unravel mechanism(s) of Escin anticancer activity.Methods. Cell survival was measured by XTT colorimetric assay. Synergistic effect of combined therapy was determined by CalcuSyn software. Cell cycle and induction of apoptosis were evaluated by FACS analysis. Expression of NF-κB-related proteins (p65, IκBα, and p-IκBα) and cyclin D was evaluated by western blot analysis.Results. Escin decreased the survival of pancreatic cancer cells with IC50= 10–20 M. Escin combined with gemcitabine showed only additive effect, while its combination with cisplatin resulted in a significant synergistic cytotoxic effect in Panc-1 cells. High concentrations of Escin induced apoptosis and decreased NF-κB-related proteins and cyclin D expression.Conclusions. Escin decreased pancreatic cancer cell survival, induced apoptosis, and downregulated NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, Escin sensitized pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. Further translational research is required.
Empirical Analysis of Traffic Bottleneck at Beijing Expressways
Authors: Jin Sheng , Wang Dianhai , Ma Dongfang
Published: October 2013

The expressways in Beijing are confronted with more serious traffic congestions. Based on the survey data obtained from the typical sections at the expressways, the time dependent characteristics of traffic flow parameters were analyzed in detail and the data gap was found in this paper. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method is proposed to transfer the data of traffic flow parameters for describing the fluctuation characteristics of traffic flow. Two methods of identification, the graph method and the control line method, were proposed as to the change time of traffic bottleneck forming and dissipating. The findings in this paper have already been applied in traffic management and ramp control at the expressways in Beijing.
Wijsman Orlicz Asymptotically Ideal -Statistical Equivalent Sequences
Authors: Hazarika Bipan
Published: October 2013

An ideal is a family of subsets of positive integers which is closed under taking finite unions and subsets of its elements. In this paper, we introduce a new definition of asymptotically ideal -statistical equivalent sequence in Wijsman sense and present some definitions which are the natural combination of the definition of asymptotic equivalence, statistical equivalent, -statistical equivalent sequences in Wijsman sense. Finally, we introduce the notion of Cesaro Orlicz asymptotically -equivalent sequences in Wijsman sense and establish their relationship with other classes.
Renin and the IGFII/M6P Receptor System in Cardiac Biology
Authors: Heger Jacqueline , Schlüter Klaus-Dieter
Published: October 2013

Nonenzymatic cardiac activities of renin are well described during the last years and contribute either to cardiac‐specific effects of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone‐system (RAAS) or to the pharmacological effects of RAAS inhibition. The interaction of renin with insulin‐like growth factor II/mannose‐6‐phosphate (IGFII/M6P) receptors participates in nonclassical renin effects and contributes to cardiac remodelling caused by RAAS activation. The current findings suggest an important role for renin IGFII/M6P receptor interaction in cardiac adaptation to stress and support the idea that excessive accumulation of renin during inhibition of RAAS directly contributes to blood pressure‐independent effects of these pharmacological interventions. It becomes a challenge for future studies focussing on chronic hypertension or myocardial infarction to comprise regulatory adaptations of the kidney, the main source of plasma renin and prorenin, because they directly contribute to key steps in regulation of cardiac (mal)adaptation via IGFII/M6P receptors. This receptor system is part of peptide/receptor interactions that modifies and possibly limits adverse remodelling effects caused by angiotensin II. Evaluation of interactions of renin with other pro‐hypertrophic agonists is required to decide whether this receptor may become a target of pharmacological intervention.
Multiobjective Optimization of a Benfield HiPure Gas Sweetening Unit
Authors: Ochieng Richard , Berrouk Abdallah S. , Elkamel Ali
Published: October 2013

We show how a multiobjective bare-bones particle swarm optimization can be used for a process parameter tuning and performance enhancement of a natural gas sweetening unit. This has been made through maximization of hydrocarbon recovery and minimization of the total energy of the process as the two objectives of the optimization. A trade-off exists between these two objectives as illustrated by the Pareto front. This algorithm has been applied to a sweetening unit that uses the Benfield HiPure process. Detailed models of the natural gas unit are developed in ProMax process simulator and integrated to the multi-objective optimization developed in visual basic environment (VBA). In this study, the solvent circulation rates, stripper pressure and reboiler duties are considered as the decision variables while hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide concentrations in the sweetened gas are considered as process constraints. The upper and lower bounds of the decision variables are obtained through a parametric sensitivity analysis of the models. The Pareto sets show a significant improvement in hydrocarbon recovery and a decent reduction in the heat consumption of the process.
A Class of Spectral Element Methods and Its A Priori/A Posteriori Error Estimates for 2nd-Order Elliptic Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Han Jiayu , Yang Yidu
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses spectral and spectral element methods with Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto nodal basis for general 2nd-order elliptic eigenvalue problems. The special work of this paper is as follows. (1) We prove a priori and a posteriori error estimates for spectral and spectral element methods. (2) We compare between spectral methods, spectral element methods, finite element methods and their derivedp-version,h-version, andhp-version methods from accuracy, degree of freedom, and stability and verify that spectral methods and spectral element methods are highly efficient computational methods.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase: Expressing Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Furuzawa-Carballeda Janette , Fonseca-Camarillo Gabriela , Lima Guadalupe , Yamamoto-Furusho Jesús K.
Published: October 2013

Aim. To characterise and enumerate IDO+cells, Tregs, and T cell subsets in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) with regard to their clinical activity.Methods. Ten active UC (aUC), 10 inactive UC (iUC), 6 aCD, and 8 iCD patients and 10 healthy individuals were included in the study. Circulating Foxp3-, IDO-, IL-17A-, IL-4-, IFN-γ-, and IL-10-expressing CD4+T cells were quantitated by flow cytometry. Interleukin-17-expressing cells, CD25+/Foxp3+Tregs, and CD123+/IDO+plasmacytoid dendritic cells were evaluated in intestinal biopsies from 10 aUC, 6 aCD, and 10 noninflamed tissues.Results. All CD4+T subsets were increased in aIBD patients compared with healthy donors. Meanwhile, frequency of CD8α+/CD16+/IDO+, CD8α+/CD56+/IDO+, CD8α+/CD80+/IDO+, CD8α+/CD123+/IDO+large granular nonlymphoid cells, and CCR6+/CD123+/IDO+plasmacytoid dendritic cells was higher in aIBD patients versus healthy donors or iIBD patients. Tissue IL-17A+cells were present in higher amounts in aIBD versus noninflamed controls. IDO- and Foxp3-expressing cells were increased in aUC versus aCD patients and noninflamed tissues.Conclusions. The findings represent an original work in Mexican Mestizo patients with IBD. It shows that Tregs and IDO-expressing cells are increased with regard to disease activity. These cells could significantly shape inflammatory bowel disease pathophysiology, severity, and tolerance loss.
Effects of Polarity on the Filler-Rubber Interaction and Properties of Silica Filled Grafted Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Arayapranee Wanvimon , Rempel Garry L.
Published: October 2013

The grafting of an olefinic monomer like acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and styrene (ST) onto natural rubber (NR) was carried out to enhance the polarity of the new chemical groups on the NR backbone and, in turn, to improve the filler-rubber interaction. The grafted natural rubber (GNR) produced was compounded and then vulcanization was carried out in the presence of silica as a reinforcing filler. The physical properties and aging resistance provided by the presence of the polar functional groups of the GNR composites were investigated and compared with other rubbers such as SBR, NBR, and NR. The GNRs provided significant improvements in resistance of the composites to thermal, oil, and ozone while maintaining the mechanical properties of the rubber. Therefore, these properties can be controlled as a function of the polarity of functional groups on the NR backbone. Morphological studies confirmed a shift from ductility failure to brittle with the presence of the polar group on the rubber chains.
On the Differential Diagnosis of Anxious from Nonanxious Major Depression by means of the Hamilton Scales
Authors: Konstantakopoulos George , Masdrakis Vasilios G. , Markianos Manolis , Oulis Panagiotis
Published: October 2013

Objective. Anxious major depressive disorder (A‐MDD) is differentially diagnosed from nonanxious MDD (NA‐MDD) as MDD with a cut‐off score ≥7 on the HAM‐D anxiety‐somatization factor (ASF). We investigated whether additional HAM‐D items discriminate A‐MDD from NA‐MDD. Moreover, we tested the validity of ASF criterion against HAM‐A, gold standard of anxiety severity assessment. Methods. 164 consecutive female middle‐aged inpatients, diagnosed as A‐MDD (n = 92) or NA‐MDD (n = 72) by the normative HAM‐A score for moderate‐to‐severe anxiety (≥25), were compared regarding 17‐item HAM‐D scores. The validity of ASF ≥7 criterion was assessed by receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Results. We found medium and large effect size differences between A‐MDD and NA‐MDD patients in only four out of the six ASF items, as well as in three further HAM‐D items, namely, those of agitation, middle insomnia, and delayed insomnia. Furthermore, the ASF cut‐off score ≥9 provided the optimal trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis between A‐MDD and NA‐MDD. Conclusion. Additional HAM‐D items, beyond those of ASF, discriminate A‐MDD from NA‐MDD. The ASF ≥7 criterion inflates false positives. A cut‐off point ≥9 provides the best trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity of the ASF criterion, at least in female middle‐aged inpatients.
Defects in Base Excision Repair Sensitize Cells to Manganese inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Stephenson Adrienne P. , Mazu Tryphon K. , Miles Jana S. , Freeman Miles D. , Reams R. Renee , Flores-Rozas Hernan
Published: October 2013

Manganese (Mn) is essential for normal physiologic functioning; therefore, deficiencies and excess intake of manganese can result in disease. In humans, prolonged exposure to manganese causes neurotoxicity characterized by Parkinson-like symptoms. Mn2+has been shown to mediate DNA damage possibly through the generation of reactive oxygen species. In a recent publication, we showed that Mn induced oxidative DNA damage and caused lesions in thymines. This study further investigates the mechanisms by which cells process Mn2+-mediated DNA damage using the yeastS. cerevisiae. The strains most sensitive to Mn2+were those defective in base excision repair, glutathione synthesis, and superoxide dismutase mutants. Mn2+caused a dose-dependent increase in the accumulation of mutations using theCAN1andlys2-10Amutator assays. The spectrum ofCAN1mutants indicates that exposure to Mn results in accumulation of base substitutions and frameshift mutations. The sensitivity of cells to Mn2+as well as its mutagenic effect was reduced by N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, and Mg2+. These data suggest that Mn2+causes oxidative DNA damage that requires base excision repair for processing and that Mn interferes with polymerase fidelity. The status of base excision repair may provide a biomarker for the sensitivity of individuals to manganese.
Bone-Forming Capabilities of a Newly Developed NanoHA Composite Alloplast Infused with Collagen: A Pilot Study in the Sheep Mandible
Authors: Marin Charles , Jimbo Ryo , Lorenzoni Fabio Cesar , Witek Lukasz , Teixeira Hellen , Bonfante Estevam , Gil Jose , Granato Rodrigo , Tovar Nick , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: October 2013

Lateral or vertical bone augmentation has always been a challenge, since the site is exposed to constant pressure from the soft tissue, and blood supply only exists from the donor site. Although, for such clinical cases, onlay grafting with autogenous bone is commonly selected, the invasiveness of the secondary surgical site and the relatively fast resorption rate have been reported as a drawback, which motivated the investigation of alternative approaches. This study evaluated the bone-forming capability of a novel nanoHA alloplast infused with collagen graft material made from biodegradable polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid versus a control graft material with the same synthesized alloplast without the nanoHA component and collagen infiltration. The status of newly formed bone and the resorption of the graft material were evaluated at 6 weeksin vivohistologically and three dimensionally by means of 3D microcomputed tomography. The histologic observation showed that newly formed bone ingrowth and internal resorption of the block were observed for the experimental blocks, whereas for the control blocks less bone ingrowth occurred along with lower resorption rate of the block material. The three-dimensional observation indicated that the experimental block maintained the external geometry, but at the same time successfully altered the graft material into bone. It is suggested that the combination of numerous factors contributed to the bone ingrowth and the novel development could be an alternative bone grafting choice.
Dual Wavelength RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Two Antispasmodic Drugs: An Application in Pharmaceutical and Human Serum
Authors: Hasan Najmul , Chaiharn Mathurot , Khan Sauleha , Khalid Hira , Sher Nawab , Siddiqui Farhan Ahmed , Siddiqui Muhammad Zain
Published: October 2013

A reverse phase stability indicating HPLC method for simultaneous determination of two antispasmodic drugs in pharmaceutical parenteral dosage forms (injectable) and in serum has been developed and validated. Mobile phase ingredients consist of Acetonitrile : buffer : sulfuric acid 0.1 M (50 : 50 : 0.3 v/v/v), at flow rate 1.0 mL/min using a HibarμBondapak ODS C18column monitored at dual wavelength of 266 nm and 205 nm for phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol, respectively. The drugs were subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis (oxidation, base, acid, and thermal degradation). Oxidation degraded the molecule drastically while there was not so much significant effect of other stress conditions. The calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 and 0.9992 for PG and TMP, respectively. The drug recoveries fall in the range of 98.56% and 101.24% with 10 pg/mL and 33 pg/mL limit of detection and limit of quantification for both phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and was applied successfully to quantify the amount of trimethylphloroglucinol and phloroglucinol in bulk, injectable form and physiological fluid. Forced degradation studies proved the stability indicating abilities of the method.
New Exact Solitary Wave Solutions of a Coupled Nonlinear Wave Equation
Authors: Liu XiaoHua , He CaiXia
Published: October 2013

By using the theory of planar dynamical systems to a coupled nonlinear wave equation, the existence of bell-shaped solitary wave solutions, kink-shaped solitary wave solutions, and periodic wave solutions is obtained. Under the different parametric values, various sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of the above solutions are given. With the help of three different undetermined coefficient methods, we investigated the new exact explicit expression of all three bell-shaped solitary wave solutions and one kink solitary wave solutions with nonzero asymptotic value for a coupled nonlinear wave equation. The solutions cannot be deduced from the former references.
The PPARα/γAgonist, Tesaglitazar, Improves Insulin Mediated Switching of Tissue Glucose and Free Fatty Acid UtilizationIn Vivoin the Obese Zucker Rat
Authors: Wallenius Kristina , Kjellstedt Ann , Thalén Pia , Löfgren Lars , Oakes Nicholas D.
Published: October 2013

Metabolic flexibility was assessed in male Zucker rats: lean controls, obese controls, and obese rats treated with the dual peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, tesaglitazar, 3 μmol/kg/day for 3 weeks. Whole body glucose disposal rate () and hepatic glucose output (HGO) were assessed under basal fasting and hyperinsulinemic isoglycemic clamp conditions using [3,3H]glucose. Indices of tissue specific glucose utilization () were measured at basal, physiological, and supraphysiological levels of insulinemia using 2-deoxy-D-[2,6-3H]glucose. Finally, whole body and tissue specific FFA and glucose utilization and metabolic fate were evaluated under basal and hyperinsulinemic conditions using a combination of [U-13C]glucose, 2-deoxy-D-[U-14C]glucose, [U-14C]palmitate, and [9,10-3H]-(R)-bromopalmitate. Tesaglitazar improved whole body insulin action by greater suppression of HGO and stimulation of compared to obese controls. This involved increased insulin stimulation of in fat and skeletal muscle as well as increased glycogen synthesis. Tesaglitazar dramatically improved insulin mediated suppression of plasma FFA level, whole body turnover (), and muscle, liver, and fat utilization. At basal insulin levels, tesaglitazar failed to lower HGO or compared to obese controls. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that tesaglitazar has a remarkable ability to improve insulin mediated control of glucose and FFA fluxes in obese Zucker rats.
Achieving Network Localizability in Nonlocalizable WSN with Moving Passive Event
Authors: Zhou Xiaolei , Guo Deke , Chen Tao , Luo Xueshan
Published: October 2013

Localization is an essential service in most of the wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. This paper focuses on utilizing the moving passive event to achieve the network localizability in an initially nonlocalizable network. The hybrid TDOA and distance measurement is firstly used in the network localizability. We propose the sufficient conditions in terms of node localizability and network localizability, respectively. Besides, a more promising TDOA estimation approach, which is approximately synchronization-free, is proposed to well support our localization approach. We design a corresponding algorithm in distributed manner for the implementation of our approach. Compared with the current works, our approach requires no extra hardware cost and any adjustment of the current topology of the network and hence is more feasible in practice. We evaluate the performance of our approach via extensive simulations on a one-thousand-node network. Simulation results show that our TDOA estimation approach achieves the accuracy of 0.1 milliseconds. More than 90% nodes can be localized within 0.04 r, where r denotes the ranging radius of a sensor.
A Retrospective Chart Review of Treatment Seeking Middle Aged Individuals at a Tertiary Care Substance Use Disorder Treatment Centre in North Part of India over Five Successive Years: Findings from Drug Abuse Monitoring System
Authors: Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Mishra Ashwani , Sethi Hem , Ray Rajat
Published: October 2013

Adolescents and young adults continue to remain the main focus of attention with regards to substance use related problems. There has been a limited focus on illicit substance use among middle aged and elderly population. The current study explored the changing trends of substance use among treatment seeking middle aged individuals (aged 40–60 years) at a tertiary level drug dependence treatment centre. The questionnaire used to gather information for the study is a 19‐item structured questionnaire. It includes information on various sociodemographic variables, “current,” and “ever” use of substance. Information is also collected on variables related to high risk injecting drug use and HIV status of the individuals. There has been consistent increase in the population of treatment seekers over five years. Over the five‐year period, the absolute percentage increase in treatment seeking population is approximately 21%. Polysubstance use was found to increase significantly over five‐study years (PTrend = 0.007).
Characterization of the Phytochemical Constituents of Taif Rose and Its Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Abdel-Hameed El-Sayed S. , Bazaid Salih A. , Salman Mahmood S.
Published: October 2013

Ward Taifi (Taif rose) is considered one of the most important economic products of Taif, Saudi Arabia. In this study both fresh and dry Taif rose were biologically and phytochemically investigated. The 80% methanol extracts andn-butanol fractions of dry and fresh Taif rose had high radical scavenging activity toward artificial 1,1-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)•radical with SC50values range 5.86−12.24 µg/ml whereas the aqueous fractions showed weak activity. All samples hadin vitroanticancer activity toward HepG2 with IC50< 20 µg/ml which fall within the criteria of the American Cancer Institute. High positive correlation appeared between the antioxidant activity and total phenolics whereas there is no correlation between total phenolics and anticancer activity. The LC-ESI(− ve)-MS analysis of all extracts indicate the presence of phenolic compounds belonging to hydrolysable tannins and flavonol glycosides. In conclusion, the presence of this is considered to be the first phytochemical report that identifies the major compounds in dry and fresh roses using HPLC-ESI-MS. The methanol extracts and itsn-butanol and aqueous fractions for both fresh and dry Taif rose could be used as preventive and therapeutic effective natural agents for diseases in which free radicals involved after morein vitroandin vivostudies.
Isolation, Characterization, and Transplantation of Cardiac Endothelial Cells
Authors: Pratumvinit Busadee , Reesukumal Kanit , Janebodin Kajohnkiart , Ieronimakis Nicholas , Reyes Morayma
Published: October 2013

Isolation andex vivoexpansion of cardiac endothelial cells have been a recurrent challenge due to difficulties in isolation, cell heterogeneity, lack of specific markers to identify myocardial endothelial cells, and inadequate conditions to maintain long-term cultures. Herein, we developed a method for isolation, characterization, and expansion of cardiac endothelial cells applicable to study endothelial cell biology and clinical applications such as neoangiogenesis. First, we dissociated the cells from murine heart by mechanical disaggregation and enzymatic digestion. Then, we used flow cytometry coupled with specific markers to isolate endothelial cells from murine hearts. CD45+ cells were gated out to eliminate the hematopoietic cells. CD31+/Sca-1+ cells were isolated as endothelial cells. Cells isolated from atrium grew faster than those from ventricle. Cardiac endothelial cells maintain endothelial cell function such as vascular tube formation and acetylated-LDL uptakein vitro. Finally, cardiac endothelial cells formed microvessels in dorsal matrigel plug and engrafted in cardiac microvessels following intravenous and intra-arterial injections. In conclusion, our multicolor flow cytometry method is an effective method to analyze and purify endothelial cells from murine heart, which in turn can beex vivoexpanded to study the biology of endothelial cells or for clinical applications such as therapeutic angiogenesis.
Periodic Solutions of a Nonautonomous Plant-Hare Model with Impulses
Authors: Wu Haihui , Zhou Yan
Published: October 2013

A plant-hare model subjected by the effect of impulses is studied in this paper. Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of at least one positive periodic solution.