bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifocus Image Fusion Using Biogeography-Based Optimization
Authors: Zhang Ping , Fei Chun , Peng Zhenming , Li Jianping , Fan Hongyi
Published: February 2015

For multifocus image fusion in spatial domain, sharper blocks from different source images are selected to fuse a new image. Block size significantly affects the fusion results and a fixed block size is not applicable in various multifocus images. In this paper, a novel multifocus image fusion algorithm using biogeography-based optimization is proposed to obtain the optimal block size. The sharper blocks of each source image are first selected by sum modified Laplacian and morphological filter to contain an initial fused image. Then, the proposed algorithm uses the migration and mutation operation of biogeography-based optimization to search the optimal block size according to the fitness function in respect of spatial frequency. The chaotic search is adopted during iteration to improve optimization precision. The final fused image is constructed based on the optimal block size. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has good quantitative and visual evaluations.
Effect of Periodontal Surgery on Osteoprotegerin Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid, Saliva, and Gingival Tissues of Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Hassan Sandy H. S. , El-Refai Mahmoud I. , Ghallab Noha A. , Kasem Rehab Fawzy , Shaker Olfat G.
Published: February 2015

Objectives. This study was undertaken to investigate the OPG profiles in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, and gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients in response to open flap debridement (OFD).Subjects and Methods. The study included 30 subjects divided into 2 groups: 20 CP patients and 10 periodontally healthy subjects. Plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level measurements were recorded for all subjects. GCF, salivary, and gingival samples were collected from all 30 subjects at baseline and 3 and 6 month after OFD from the 20 CP patients. GCF and salivary OPG levels were assessed by ELISA assay, while OPG expression in gingival tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry.Results. GCF, salivary and gingival OPG profiles were significantly higher in control subjects compared to CP patients at baseline (P<0.001). Within CP group, OPG levels in GCF, saliva, and gingival samples showed a significant increase at 3 and 6 months after OFD (P<0.001) compared to baseline. Although OPG values increased significantly in gingival samples and insignificantly in saliva after 3 months compared to 6 months, yet GCF levels were significantly decreased.Conclusions. OPG might be considered as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of periodontal bone destruction. This trial is registered withNCT02160613.
The Impact of Typhoon Danas (2013) on the Torrential Rainfall Associated with Typhoon Fitow (2013) in East China
Authors: Xu Hongxiong , Du Bo
Published: February 2015

When typhoon Danas (2013) was located at northeast of Taiwan during 6–8 October 2013, a torrential rainfall brought by typhoon Fitow (2013) occurred over the east of China. Observations show that the rainband of Fitow, which may be impacted by Danas, caused the rainfall over north of Zhejiang. The Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecast (ARW-WRF) model was used to investigate the possible effects of typhoon Danas (2013) on this rainfall event. Results show that the model captured reasonably well the spatial distribution and evolution of the rainband of Fitow. The results of a sensitivity experiment removing Danas vortex, which is conducted to determine its impact on the extreme rainfall, show that extra moist associated with Danas plays an important role in the maintenance and enhancement of the north rainband of Fitow, which resulted in torrential rainfall over the north of Zhejiang. This study may explain the unusual amount of rainfall over the north of Zhejiang province caused by interaction between the rainband of typhoon Fitow and extra moisture brought by typhoon Danas.
A Surprising Finding after External Ear Polypectomy in a Deaf Mute Patient
Authors: Abdel Tawab Hazem M. , Kumar V Ravi , Tabook Salim M. Sloma
Published: February 2015

Introduction. External auditory canal polyps usually reflect an inflammatory process. Rarely, they may reflect a serious condition that warrants urgent intervention.Case Report. A 19-year-old deaf mute female presented to our department with persistent left ear discharge and a reddish mass in the ear. After surgery, the cause was identified as a neglected foreign body. Tympanic membrane was intact.Conclusion. Aural polyp that is resistant to medical treatment should raise the suspicion of an inflammatory polyp with underlying chronic suppurative otitis media or foreign body. Rarer neoplastic and immunological causes should also be considered.
Classic and Modern Meridian Studies: A Review of Low Hydraulic Resistance Channels along Meridians and Their Relevance for Therapeutic Effects in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bo , Wang Guang-Jun , Fuxe Kjell
Published: March 2015

Meridian theory is one of the core components of the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It gives an integral explanation for how human life works, how a disease forms, and how a therapy acts to treat a disease. If we do not understand the meridians, it is hard to understand the TCM. People in China and abroad had been working hard for 50 years, trying to understand the meridians; then 15 years ago a breakthrough idea appeared when we realized that they are low resistance fluid channels where various chemical and physical transports take place. The channel is called low hydraulic resistance channel (LHRC) and the chemical transport is named volume transmission (VT). This review aims to give a full understanding of the essence of meridian and its works on the therapies of TCM.
Bilateral and Symmetrical Anteromedial Bowing of the Lower Limbs in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type-I
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Klaushofer Klaus , Grill Franz , Ganger Rudolf
Published: February 2015

An 8-year-old girl was referred to our department because of generalized bowing of long bones (radii, ulnae, and femora) and significant bilateral and symmetrical posteromedial bowing of the tibiae and fibulae. The femora were laterally bowed whereas the tibiae and fibulae showed posteromedial bowing between the middle and distal thirds of the tibia with posterior cortical thickening effectively causing the development of bilateral congenital anterolateral bowing of the tibiae and fibulae. We referred to closing-wedge osteotomy of the left tibia along with fibular osteotomy in order to realign the deformity. Due to the delayed appearance of skin stigmata in her early life, the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis was ruled out. At the age of 9 years, café-au-lait spots and axillary freckling were apparent. Genetic tests confirmed von Recklinghausen disease (neurofibromatosis type-I (NF1)) (gene has been localised to 17q22). Interestingly, bilateral and symmetrical anteromedial bowing of the tibiae and fibulae has not been described in patients with NF-I.
Sentinel Events in Ophthalmology: Experience from Hong Kong
Authors: Mak Shiu Ting
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To arouse ophthalmologists’ awareness in patient safety by reviewing sentinel events in Ophthalmology submitted to a web-based incident reporting system involving all public hospitals in Hong Kong.Methods. Sentinel events in Ophthalmology reported from November 2007 to October 2014 were identified and classified into different categories for further presentation and analysis. Key contributing factors attributing to the occurrence of the incidents were described. Suggestions aiming to prevent future occurrence of similar events were made. Relevant literature and case law were discussed.Results. Twelve sentinel events were included in this observational case series. They were classified into 4 main categories, namely “wrong eye” (5 cases, 41%), “wrong prescription” (3 cases, 25%), “wrong patient and surgery” (2 cases, 17%), and “retained surgical items” (2 cases, 17%). The key contributing factor leading to the occurrence of the incidents was largely human error. Increased staff awareness and proper time-out procedures were recommended to help prevent occurrence of these errors.Conclusion. Sentinel events in Ophthalmology do occur. Many of these incidents were attributed to human error. Surgeon’s awareness and willingness to prevent occurrence of sentinel events are warranted.
Tracheal Agenesis: A Challenging Prenatal Diagnosis—Contribution of Fetal MRI
Authors: Bertholdt Charline , Perdriolle-Galet Estelle , Bach-Segura Pascale , Morel Olivier
Published: March 2015

Tracheal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. The prevalence is less than 1 : 50 000 with a male to female ratio of 2 : 1. This anomaly may be isolated but, in 93% of cases, it is part of polymalformative syndrome. The most evocative diagnosis situation is the ultrasonographic congenital high airway obstruction syndrome. Dilated airways, enlarged lungs with flattened diaphragm, fetal ascites and severe nonimmune hydrops can be observed. In the absence of a congenital high airway obstruction syndrome, the antenatal diagnosis of tracheal agenesis is difficult. Tracheal agenesis should be suspected in the presence of an unexplained polyhydramnios associated with congenital malformations. The fetal airway exploration should then be systematically performed by fetal thoracic magnetic resonance imaging. A case of Floyd’s type II tracheal agenesis, detected during the postnatal period, is reported here. The retrospective reexamination of fetal magnetic resonance images showed that the antenatal diagnosis would have been easy if a systematical examination of upper airways had been performed. Prenatal diagnosis of tracheal agenesis is possible with fetal MRI but the really challenge is to think about this pathology.
Novel Mechanisms of Herbal Therapies for Inhibiting HMGB1 Secretion or Action
Authors: Wu Andrew H. , He Li , Long Wei , Zhou Qiuping , Zhu Shu , Wang Ping , Fan Saijun , Wang Haichao
Published: March 2015

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an evolutionarily conserved protein and is constitutively expressed in virtually all types of cells. In response to microbial infections, HMGB1 is secreted from activated immune cells to orchestrate rigorous inflammatory responses. Here we review the distinct mechanisms by which several herbal components inhibit HMGB1 action or secretion, such as by modulating inflammasome activation, autophagic degradation, or endocytic uptake. In light of the reciprocal interactions between these cellular processes, it is possible to develop more effective combinational herbal therapies for the clinical management of inflammatory diseases.
Correlation of Papillomacular Nerve Fiber Bundle Thickness with Central Visual Function in Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Kunikata Hiroshi , Omodaka Kazuko , Togashi Kyousuke , Ryu Morin , Akiba Masahiro , Takeuchi Gaku , Yuasa Tetsuya , Nakazawa Toru
Published: March 2015

Purpose. To determine the correlation of reduced retinal thickness in the central papillomacular bundle (CPB) to central visual function, including central retinal sensitivity and visual acuity, in glaucoma patients.Methods. This study enrolled 50 eyes of 50 patients with open-angle glaucoma who were carefully screened for comorbid conditions that can cause decreased central visual function, such as cataracts or macular diseases. We used a novel CPB analysis comprising a program for optical coherence tomography that measured RNFL thickness and GCC thickness in the CPB and divided lengthwise into three parts (upper, middle, and lower CPB). The relationship of these parameters, including conventional macular thickness, to visual field sensitivity in four central standard automated perimetry points (the central four thresholds) and BCVA was analyzed.Results. The two parameters most highly correlated with central four thresholds were macular GCCT and macular RNFLT. The two parameters most highly correlated with BCVA were middle CPB (mid-CPB) GCCT and mid-CPB RNFLT. A multiple regression analysis revealed that mid-CPB GCCT was an independent factor impacting central retinal thresholds and BCVA.Conclusions. Our results suggest that mid-CPB RNFLT and GCCT, parameters of a novel papillomacular bundle analysis, are candidate biomarkers of decreased central visual function in glaucomatous eyes.
On the Cryptanalysis of Two Cryptographic Algorithms That Utilize Chaotic Neural Networks
Authors: Qin Ke , Oommen B. John
Published: February 2015

This paper deals with the security and efficiency issues of two cipher algorithms which utilize the principles of Chaotic Neural Networks (CNNs). The two algorithms that we consider are (1) the CNN-Hash, which is a one-way hash function based on the Piece-Wise Linear Chaotic Map (PWLCM) and the One-Way Coupled Map Lattice (OCML), and (2) the Delayed CNN-Based Encryption (DCBE), which is an encryption algorithm based on the delayed CNN. Although both of these cipher algorithms have their own salient characteristics, our analysis shows that, unfortunately, the CNN-Hash is not secure because it is neither Second-Preimage resistant nor collision resistant. Indeed, one can find a collision with relative ease, demonstrating that its potential as a hash function is flawed. Similarly, we show that the DCBE is also not secure since it is not capable of resisting known plaintext, chosen plaintext, and chosen ciphertext attacks. Furthermore, unfortunately, both schemes are not efficient either, because of the large number of iteration steps involved in their respective implementations.
Vitamin Supplementation as Possible Prophylactic Treatment against Migraine with Aura and Menstrual Migraine
Authors: Shaik Munvar Miya , Gan Siew Hua
Published: February 2015

Migraine is the most common form of headache disorder globally. The etiology of migraine is multifactorial, with genetic components and environmental interactions considered to be the main causal factors. Some researchers postulate that deficits in mitochondrial energy reserves can cause migraine or an increase in homocysteine levels can lead to migraine attacks; therefore, vitamins could play a vital role in migraine prevention. For instance, riboflavin influences mitochondrial dysfunction and prevents migraine. Genes such as flavoenzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), especially theC677Tvariant, have been associated with elevated plasma levels of homocysteine and migraine with aura. Homocysteine catalyzation requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, which can decrease the severity of migraine with aura, making these vitamins potentially useful prophylactic agents for treating migraine with aura. Menstrual migraine, on the other hand, is associated with increased prostaglandin (PG) levels in the endometrium, indicating a role for vitamin E, which is an anti-PG. Vitamin C can also be used as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species for treating neurogenic inflammation in migraine patients. This paper reviews possible therapies based on vitamin supplementation for migraine prophylaxis, focusing on migraine with aura and menstrual migraine.
Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ramchandar Nanda , Wojtczak Henry A.
Published: February 2015

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare neoplasm, largely unresponsive to chemotherapeutic medications, and with varied prognosis. Imaging on computerized tomography may demonstrate perivascular nodules, but diagnosis is ultimately made on biopsy with immunohistochemical analysis. Here we describe a case of PEH in a 14-year-old male with Crohn’s disease, which, to our knowledge, has not previously been described in the literature.
Manual Medicine Related Injuries Experienced by Physicians: A Missing Aspect in Therapies Using Manipulation of Joints
Authors: Steinhaeuser Jost , Goetz Katja , Oser Andreas , Joos Stefanie
Published: February 2015

Background.In 2010 Manual Medicine (MM) was the second most common additional qualification among physicians in Germany, which is recommended to be used in several guidelines. Aim of this analysis was to raise the amount of information on MM related injuries (MMri) experienced by physicians at any point of their career while applying MM.Methods.Data on MMri of a questionnaire that was used to gain first insights into MM in Germany from a health services research perspective was analysed.Results.A total of 301 physicians (20% female) participated in this study. The participants’ mean age was 46. 11% of the participants experienced some kind of MMri during their career as a MM provider. In the three worst cases these MMri were fractures and therefore classified as moderate. Mild MMri were joint dysfunction syndromes (N=30), distortions of fingers (N=7), and shoulder pain (N=3). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the rate of MMri when comparing gender, provider organizations for postgraduate MM courses, and medical disciplines.Conclusion.Our analysis shows risks for providers of MM. As this analysis suffers from the risk of recall bias, future studies should be performed to get more insights into this aspect of MM.
Antioxidant Strategies in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Oyenihi Ayodeji Babatunde , Ayeleso Ademola Olabode , Mukwevho Emmanuel , Masola Bubuya
Published: March 2015

Chronic hyperglycaemia (an abnormally high glucose concentration in the blood) resulting from defects in insulin secretion/action, or both, is the major hallmark of diabetes in which it is known to be involved in the progression of the condition to different complications that include diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy (diabetes-induced nerve damage) is the most common diabetic complication and can be devastating because it can lead to disability. There is an increasing body of evidence associating diabetic neuropathy with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress results from the production of oxygen free radicals in the body in excess of its ability to eliminate them by antioxidant activity. Antioxidants have different mechanisms and sites of actions by which they exert their biochemical effects and ameliorate nerve dysfunction in diabetes by acting directly against oxidative damage. This review will examine different strategies for managing diabetic neuropathy which rely on exogenous antioxidants.
Neutrophil Migration in the Activation of the Innate Immune Response to DifferentFlavobacterium psychrophilumVaccines in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Solís Camila J. , Poblete-Morales Matías , Cabral Sergio , Valdés Juan A. , Reyes Ariel E. , Avendaño-Herrera Ruben , Feijóo Carmen G.
Published: February 2015

Flavobacterium psychrophilumis a Gram-negative bacterium, responsible for the bacterial cold-water disease and the rainbow trout fry syndrome in freshwater salmonid fish. At present, there is only one commercial vaccine in Chile, made with two ChileanF. psychrophilumisolates and another licensed in Europe. The present study analyzed neutrophil migration, as a marker of innate immune activation, in zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to differentF. psychrophilumbath vaccines, which is the first step in evaluating vaccine effectiveness and efficiency in fish. Results indicated that bacterins of the LM-02-Fp isolate were more immunogenic than those from the LM-13-Fp isolate. However, no differences were observed between the same bacteria inactivated by either formaldehyde or heat. Importantly, the same vaccine formulation without an adjuvant only triggered a mild neutrophil migration compared to the complete vaccine. Observations also found that, after a year of storage at 4°C, the activation of the innate immune system by the different vaccines was considerably decreased. Finally, new vaccine formulations prepared with heat and formaldehyde inactivated LM-02-Fp were significantly more efficient than the available commercial vaccine in regard to stimulating the innate immune system.
New Absolute Stability Conditions of Lur’e Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Wang Wei , Zeng Hong-Bing
Published: February 2015

This paper is focused on the absolute stability of Lur’e systems with time-varying delay. Based on the quadratic separation framework, a complete delay-decomposing Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is constructed. By considering the relationship between the time-varying delay and its varying interval, improved delay-dependent absolute stability conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained. Moreover, the derived conditions are extended to systems with time-varying structured uncertainties. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the advantage over existing literatures.
Robust Adaptive Fuzzy Control for a Class of Uncertain MIMO Nonlinear Systems with Input Saturation
Authors: Wen Shenglin , Yan Ye
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the robust adaptive fuzzy control design problem for a class of uncertain multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems in the presence of actuator amplitude and rate saturation. In the control scheme, fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate unknown nonlinear systems. To compensate the effect of input saturations, an auxiliary system is constructed and the actuator saturations then can be augmented into the controller. The modified tracking error is introduced and used in fuzzy parameter update laws. Furthermore, in order to deal with fuzzy approximation errors for unknown nonlinear systems and external disturbances, a robust compensation control is designed. It is proved that the closed-loop system obtainsH∞tracking performance through Lyapunov analysis. Steady and transient modified tracking errors are analyzed and the bound of modified tracking errors can be adjusted by tuning certain design parameters. The proposed control scheme is applicable to uncertain nonlinear systems not only with actuator amplitude saturation, but also with actuator amplitude and rate saturation. Detailed simulation results of a rigid body satellite attitude control system in the presence of parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, and control input constraints have been presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Elastic Modulus Calculation Model of a Soil-Rock Mixture at Normal or Freezing Temperature Based on Micromechanics Approach
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhou Zhong , Wang Xiangcan , Zhang Qifang
Published: February 2015

Considering rock wrapped by soil in the mesoscopic structure of soil-rock mixture at normal temperature, a two-layer embedded model of single inclusion composite material was established to obtain the elastic modulus of soil-rock mixture. Given an interface ice interlayer attached between the soil and rock interface in the mesoscopic structure of soil-rock mixture at freezing temperature, a three-layer embedded model of double inclusion composite material and multistep multiphase micromechanics model was established to obtain the elastic modulus of a frozen soil-rock mixture. With the effect of structure pore with soil-rock mixture at normal temperature taken into consideration, its elastic modulus was calculated with the three-layer embedded model. An experimental comparison found that the predicted effect of the three-layer embedded model on the soil-rock mixture was better than that of the two-layer embedded model. The elastic modulus of soil-rock mixture gradually increased with the increase in rock content regardless of temperature. The increase rate of the elastic modulus of the soil-rock mixture increased quickly especially when the rock content is between 50% and 70%. The elastic modulus of the frozen soil-rock mixture is close to four times higher than that of the soil-rock mixture at a normal temperature.
Prediction of Drug Indications Based on Chemical Interactions and Chemical Similarities
Authors: Huang Guohua , Lu Yin , Lu Changhong , Zheng Mingyue , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: March 2015

Discovering potential indications of novel or approved drugs is a key step in drug development. Previous computational approaches could be categorized into disease-centric and drug-centric based on the starting point of the issues or small-scaled application and large-scale application according to the diversity of the datasets. Here, a classifier has been constructed to predict the indications of a drug based on the assumption that interactive/associated drugs or drugs with similar structures are more likely to target the same diseases using a large drug indication dataset. To examine the classifier, it was conducted on a dataset with 1,573 drugs retrieved from Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry database for five times, evaluated by 5-fold cross-validation, yielding five 1st order prediction accuracies that were all approximately 51.48%. Meanwhile, the model yielded an accuracy rate of 50.00% for the 1st order prediction by independent test on a dataset with 32 other drugs in which drug repositioning has been confirmed. Interestingly, some clinically repurposed drug indications that were not included in the datasets are successfully identified by our method. These results suggest that our method may become a useful tool to associate novel molecules with new indications or alternative indications with existing drugs.
Involutions in the Automorphism Groups of Small Sporadic Simple Groups
Authors: Bates Chris , Rowley Peter , Taylor Paul
Published: February 2015

For each of fifteen of the sporadic finite simple groups we determine the suborbits of its automorphism group in its conjugation action upon its involutions. Representatives are obtained as words in
standard generators.
Photodegradation of Methylene Blue by TiO2-Fe3O4-Bentonite Magnetic Nanocomposite
Authors: Chen Wei , Xiao Hongyao , Xu Hang , Ding Tonggang , Gu Yanmei
Published: March 2015

Fe3O4-bentonite nanoparticles have been prepared by a coprecipitation technique under a nitrogen atmosphere. An aqueous suspension of bentonite was first modified with FeCl2and FeCl3. TiO2was then loaded onto the surface of theFe3O4-bentonite by a sol-gel method. After sufficient drying, the colloidal solution was placed in a muffle furnace at 773 K to obtain theTiO2-Fe3O4-bentonite composite. The material has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Morphological observation showed thatFe3O4and TiO2nanoparticles had been adsorbed on the surface of bentonite nanoneedles. The material was then applied for the photodegradation of the azo dye methylene blue (MB). It was found that the removal efficiency of MB exceeded 90% under UV illumination, and that only a 20% mass loss was incurred after six cycles. The composite material thus showed good photocatalytic performance and recycling properties.
Reaction of Nitrilimines with Pyruvaldehyde Hydrazones: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some New 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Dalloul Hany M.
Published: February 2015

A new series of 1,3,4,5,5-pentasubstituted-1,2,4-triazoles (4a–j,6a–j) have been synthesized by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of suitable nitrilimines2to pyruvaldehyde (2-oxopropanal) hydrazones having (COPh, COOMe, COOEt, Me/Me, and Me/Ph) groups3and5. Both analytical and spectroscopical data of all the synthesized compounds are in full agreement with the proposed structures. The microbial features of the synthesized compounds were studied by a known method.
Efficacy of Hummel (Modified Schlumberger) Arrays of Vertical Electrical Sounding in Groundwater Exploration: Case Study of Parts of Ibadan Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oladunjoye Micheal , Jekayinfa Solomon
Published: February 2015

This research compared the interpretation results of the Vertical Electrical Sounding data acquired using the conventional Schlumberger and modified Schlumberger arrays with a view to assessing the effectiveness of the modified Schlumberger arrays of vertical electrical sounding as an alternative to the conventional Schlumberger array at sites with space constraint during groundwater exploration. A total of thirty-seven (37) sounding locations were occupied and one hundred (100) sounding data for both conventional Schlumberger and modified Schlumberger arrays were collected across different rock units within Ibadan metropolis, south-western Nigeria, with electrode spacing (AB/2) ranging from 1 to 75 m. The field data were interpreted qualitatively by curve matching and computer iterative methods. Also, statistical analysis of subsurface units and the coefficient of correlation “R” of the statistical plots of the field data shows the relationship between the different arrays. The raw data plot of the different arrays shows significant similarities while statistical analysis of the geo-electric parameters obtained from the different arrays across varied lithologic units show that strong relationships exist between the different field methods. The coefficient of correlationRwith values ranging from 0.7 to 0.99 implies that a good similarity exists between the different field methods employed in this study. Hence, modified Schlumberger arrays can be said to be a good alternative to the conventional Schlumberger array for groundwater exploration especially in urban settings where space constraint is a major challenge.
The Effect of Electroacupuncture with Different Frequencies on Muscle Oxygenation in Humans
Authors: Kimura Kenichi , Ryujin Takayoshi , Uno Makoto , Wakayama Ikuro
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies on muscle oxygenation in humans. The subjects were 8 healthy male volunteers. Muscle oxygenation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored simultaneously. After baseline recording, EA was given for 15 min and recovery was measured for 20 minutes. The procedure of EA at 1 Hz, at 20 Hz, and at control followed in the same subjects. Tissue oxygenation index (TOI) decreased during EA at 20 Hz (P<0.05) and increased during the recovery period. Normalized tissue hemoglobin index (nTHI) also decreased during EA at 20 Hz and increased during the recovery period (P<0.05), whereas TOI and nTHI in the EA at 1 Hz did not change significantly throughout the experiment. The peak TOI and nTHI values at 20 Hz during the recovery period were higher than the values at 1 Hz and in the control (P<0.05). BP and HR remained constant. These data suggest that the supply of oxygen to muscle decreased during EA at 20 Hz and increased after EA at 20 Hz, without any changes in HR and BP.
Antinociceptive Effect of the Essential Oil Obtained from the Leaves ofCroton cordiifoliusBaill. (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice
Authors: Nogueira Lenise de Morais , da Silva Monalisa Ribeiro , Santos Simone Maria dos , de Albuquerque Julianna Ferreira Cavalcanti , Ferraz Igor Cavalcanti , Albuquerque Thaíse Torres de , Mota Carlos Renato França de Carvalho , Araújo Renata Mendonça , Viana Glauce Socorro de Barros , Martins René Duarte , Havt Alexandre , Ximenes Rafael Matos
Published: March 2015

Croton cordiifoliusBaill. is a shrub known as “quebra-faca” and is used to treat inflammation, pain, wounds, and gastrointestinal disturbances in the semiarid region in the northeast of Brazil. In an ethnobotanical survey in the state of Pernambuco, “quebra-faca” use was cited in 33% of the interviews. Thus, we decided to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil fromC. cordiifolius(CcEO). Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 1,8-cineole (25.09%) andα-phellandrene (15.43%) as major constituents. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using murine models of chemically induced pain (writhing induced by acetic acid, formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate tests). Opioid and central nervous systems (CNS) involvement were also investigated. Regarding antinociceptive activity, CcEO (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid and decreased the licking times in both phases of the formalin test. CcEO also was evaluated in capsaicin- and glutamate-induced nociception. While no effect was observed in the capsaicin test, CcEO (100 mg/kg) was effective in the glutamate test. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, did not affect the antinociceptive activity of CcEO in writhing test. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effect of CcEO could be explained, at least in part, by inhibition of the glutamatergic system.
Online Junction Temperature Cycle Recording of an IGBT Power Module in a Hybrid Car
Authors: Denk Marco , Bakran Mark-M.
Published: March 2015

The accuracy of the lifetime calculation approach of IGBT power modules used in hybrid‐electric powertrains suffers greatly from the inaccurate knowledge of application typical load‐profiles. To verify the theoretical load‐profiles with data from the field this paper presents a concept to record all junction temperature cycles of an IGBT power module during its operation in a test vehicle. For this purpose the IGBT junction temperature is measured with a modified gate driver that determines the temperature sensitive IGBT internal gate resistor by superimposing the negative gate voltage with a high‐frequency identification signal. An integrated control unit manages the TJ measurement during the regular switching operation, the exchange of data with the system controller, and the automatic calibration of the sensor system. To calculate and store temperature cycles on a microcontroller an online Rainflow counting algorithm was developed. The special feature of this algorithm is a very accurate extraction of lifetime relevant information with a significantly reduced calculation and storage effort. Until now the recording concept could be realized and tested within a laboratory voltage source inverter. Currently the IGBT driver with integrated junction temperature measurement and the online cycle recording algorithm is integrated in the voltage source inverter of first test vehicles. Such research will provide representative load‐profiles to verify and optimize the theoretical load‐profiles used in today’s lifetime calculation.
Xueshuan Xinmaining Tablet Treats Blood Stasis through Regulating the Expression of F13a1, Car1, and Tbxa2r
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Chao , Sai Jingying , Li Fan , Liu Jinping , Li Yang , Wang Fang
Published: March 2015

Xueshuan Xinmaining Tablet (XXT), the Chinese formula, has long been administered in clinical practice for the treatment of cerebral thrombosis and coronary heart disease. In this study, we aimed to study the effect and the molecular mechanism of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Rat models of cold coagulation blood stasis were induced with ice-water bath and epinephrine to assess the amelioration of blood stasis by XXT. Microarray technique was used to identify gene expression from the model and XXT-treated rats. In addition, Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) was performed to verify the microarray results. The results showed that XXT had a good therapeutic effect on blood stasis by reducing the whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), increasing PT, APTT and TT, and by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Genes were differentially expressed in rats among the model group and the XXT-pretreated groups. XXT ameliorated blood stasis by regulating the expressions of F13a1, Car1, and Tbxa2r.
Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet Alleviates the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Clinton Chelsea M. , O’Brien Shanley , Law Junwen , Renier Colleen M. , Wendt Mary R.
Published: February 2015

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a whole-foods, plant-based diet (WFPB) to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. Methods. Six-week, prospective randomized open-label study of patients aged 19–70 with osteoarthritis. Participants were randomized to a WFPB (intervention) or continuing current diet (control). Outcomes were assessed by mixed models analysis of participant self-assessed weekly SF-36v2 domain t scores, weekly Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scales, and mean weekly Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain assessment. Mixed models analysis also evaluated pre-post change from baseline level for standard clinical measures: weight, BMI, body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. Results. Forty participants were randomized. Thirty-seven of them, 18 control and 19 intervention, completed the study. The intervention group reported a significantly greater improvement than the control group in SF-36v2 energy/vitality, physical functioning, role physical, and the physical component summary scale. The differences between the intervention and control PGIC scales were statistically significant over time. Intervention group improvement in VAS weekly mean was also significantly greater than that of the control group from week 2 onward. Conclusion. Study results suggest that a whole-foods, plant-based diet significantly improves self-assessed measures of functional status among osteoarthritis patients.
Substructural Identification of Flexural Rigidity for Beam-Like Structures
Authors: Koo Ki-Young , Yi Jin-Hak
Published: March 2015

This study proposes a novel substructural identification method based on the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory with a single variable optimization scheme to estimate the flexural rigidity of a beam-like structure such as a bridge deck, which is one of the major structural integrity indices of a structure. In ordinary bridges, the boundary condition of a superstructure can be significantly altered by aging and environmental variations, and the actual boundary conditions are generally unknown or difficult to be estimated correctly. To efficiently bypass the problems related to boundary conditions, a substructural identification method is proposed to evaluate the flexural rigidity regardless of the actual boundary conditions by isolating an identification region within the internal substructure. The proposed method is very simple and effective as it utilizes the single variable optimization based on the transfer function formulated utilizing Bernoulli Euler beam theory for the inverse analysis to obtain the flexural rigidity. This novel method is also rigorously investigated by applying it for estimating the flexural rigidity of a simply supported beam model with different boundary conditions, a concrete plate-girder bridge model with different length of an internal substructure, a cantilever-type wind turbine tower structure with different type of excitation, and a steel box-girder bridge model with internal structural damages.
Validation of Simple Sequence Length Polymorphism Regions of Commonly Used Mouse Strains for Marker Assisted Speed Congenics Screening
Authors: Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah B. , Joshi Poonam S. , Kurz Scott G. , Ohtsuka Masato , Quadros Rolen M. , Harms Donald W. , Lloyd K. C. Kent
Published: February 2015

Marker assisted speed congenics technique is commonly used to facilitate backcrossing of mouse strains in nearly half the time it normally takes otherwise. Traditionally, the technique is performed by analyzing PCR amplified regions of simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) markers between the recipient and donor strains: offspring with the highest number of markers showing the recipient genome across all chromosomes is chosen for the next generation. Although there are well-defined panels of SSLP makers established between certain pairs of mice strains, they are incomplete for most strains. The availability of well-established marker sets for speed congenic screens would enable the scientific community to transfer mutations across strain backgrounds. In this study, we tested the suitability of over 400 SSLP marker sets among 10 mouse strains commonly used for generating genetically engineered models. The panel of markers presented here can readily identify the specified strains and will be quite useful in marker assisted speed congenic screens. Moreover, unlike newer single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array methods which require sophisticated equipment, the SSLP markers panel described here only uses PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis of amplified products; therefore it can be performed in most research laboratories.
Use ofDrosophilaas an Evaluation Method Revealsimpas a Candidate Gene for Type 2 Diabetes in Rat LocusNiddm22
Authors: Kawasaki Kurenai , Yamada Sawaka , Ogata Koki , Saito Yumiko , Takahama Aiko , Yamada Takahisa , Matsumoto Kozo , Kose Hiroyuki
Published: March 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common human diseases. QTL analysis of the diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats has identified numerous hyperglycemic loci. However, molecular characterization and/or gene identification largely remains to be elucidated due mostly to the weak genetic variances contributed by each locus. Here we utilizedDrosophila melanogasteras a secondary model organism for functional evaluation of the candidate gene. We demonstrate that the tissue specific knockdown of a homologue ofigf2bp2RNA binding protein leads to increased sugar levels similar to that found in the OLETF rat. In the mutant, the expression of two of the insulin-like peptides encoded in the fly genome,dilp2anddilp3, were found to be downregulated. Consistent with previous reports ofdilpmutants, theimpmutant flies exhibited an extension of life span; in contrast, starvation tolerance was reduced. These results further reinforce the possibility thatimpis involved in sugar metabolism by modulating insulin expression.
Cloning and Expression of Synthetic Genes Encoding the Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum Bacteriocins SRCAM 602, OR-7, E-760, and L-1077, by RecombinantPichia pastoris
Authors: Arbulu Sara , Jiménez Juan J. , Gútiez Loreto , Cintas Luis M. , Herranz Carmen , Hernández Pablo E.
Published: March 2015

We have evaluated the cloning and functional expression of previously described broad antimicrobial spectrum bacteriocins SRCAM 602, OR-7, E-760, and L-1077, by recombinantPichia pastoris. Synthetic genes, matching the codon usage ofP. pastoris, were designed from the known mature amino acid sequence of these bacteriocins and cloned into the protein expression vector pPICZαA. The recombinant derived plasmids were linearized and transformed into competentP. pastorisX-33, and the presence of integrated plasmids into the transformed cells was confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the inserts. The antimicrobial activity, expected in supernatants of the recombinantP. pastorisproducers, was purified using a multistep chromatographic procedure including ammonium sulfate precipitation, desalting by gel filtration, cation exchange-, hydrophobic interaction-, and reverse phase-chromatography (RP-FPLC). However, a measurable antimicrobial activity was only detected after the hydrophobic interaction and RP-FPLC steps of the purified supernatants. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the antimicrobial fractions eluted from RP-FPLC revealed the existence of peptide fragments of lower and higher molecular mass than expected. MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis of selected peptides from eluted RP-FPLC samples with antimicrobial activity indicated the presence of peptide fragments not related to the amino acid sequence of the cloned bacteriocins.
Decoration of Silver Nanoparticles on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Antibacterial Mechanism and Ultrastructural Analysis
Authors: Dinh Ngo Xuan , Quy Nguyen Van , Huy Tran Quang , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: February 2015

Recently, development of carbon nanocomposites composed of carbon nanostructures and metal nanoparticles has attracted much interests because of their large potential for technological applications such as catalyst, sensor, biomedicine, and disinfection. In this work, we established a simple chemistry method to synthesize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) using a modified photochemical reaction (Tollens process). The formation and interaction of Ag‐NPs with functionalized groups on the surface of MWCNTs were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The average size of Ag‐NPs on the MWCNTs was approximately ~7 nm with nearly uniform size distribution. Antibacterial effect of Ag‐MWCNTs nanocomposites was evaluated against two pathogenic bacteria including Gram‐negative Escherichia Coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Interaction and bactericidal mechanism of Ag‐MWCNTs with tested bacteria was studied by adapting the electron microscopy. Analysis on ultrastructural changes of bacterial cells indicates that antibacterial action mechanism of Ag‐MWCNTs is physical interaction with cell membrane, the large formation of cell‐Ag‐MWCNTs aggregates, and faster destructibility of cell membrane and disruption of membrane function, hence resulting in cells death.
A Multiscale Finite Element Model Validation Method of Composite Cable-Stayed Bridge Based on Structural Health Monitoring System
Authors: Zhong Rumian , Zong Zhouhong , Liu Qiqi , Zhou Haifei
Published: March 2015

A two-step response surface method for multiscale finite element model (FEM) updating and validation is presented with respect to Guanhe Bridge, a composite cable-stayed bridge in the National Highway number G15, in China. Firstly, the state equations of both multiscale and single-scale FEM are established based on the basic equation in structural dynamic mechanics to update the multiscale coupling parameters and structural parameters. Secondly, based on the measured data from the structural health monitoring (SHM) system, a Monte Carlo simulation is employed to analyze the uncertainty quantification and transmission, where the uncertainties of the multiscale FEM and measured data were considered. The results indicate that the relative errors between the calculated and measured frequencies are less than 2%, and the overlap ratio indexes of each modal frequency are larger than 80% without the average absolute value of relative errors. These demonstrate that the proposed method can be applied to validate the multiscale FEM, and the validated FEM can reflect the current conditions of the real bridge; thus it can be used as the basis for bridge health monitoring, damage prognosis (DP), and safety prognosis (SP).
Adaptive Neural Gradient Descent Control for a Class of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems with Chaotic Phenomenon
Authors: Liu Xiujuan , Lan Tian
Published: March 2015

A neural network controller design is studied for a class of nonlinear chaotic systems with uncertain parameters. Because the chaos phenomena are often in this class of systems, it is indispensable to control this class of systems. At the same time, due to the presence of uncertainties in the chaotic systems, it results in the difficulties of the controller design. The neural networks are employed to estimate the uncertainties of the systems and a controller is designed to overcome the chaos phenomena. The main contribution of this paper is that the adaptation law can be determined via the gradient descent algorithm to minimize a cost function of error. It can prove the stability of the closed-loop system. The numerical simulation is specified to pinpoint the validation of the approach.
Alterations of Dendritic Cells in Sepsis: Featured Role in Immunoparalysis
Authors: Fan Xia , Liu Zheng , Jin He , Yan Jun , Liang Hua-ping
Published: March 2015

Sepsis, the leading cause of mortality in intensive care unit, is characterized by hyperinflammatory response in the early stage and followed by a period of immunosuppression. This immune disorder is believed to be the potent factor that is tightly associated with high mortality in sepsis. Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as professional antigen-presenting cells that play a vital role in immune response by activating T lymphocytes. During the progression of sepsis, DCs have been reported to take part in the aberrant immune response and be necessary for survival. Therefore, a better understanding of the DCs pathology will be undoubtedly beneficial for resolving the problems occurring in sepsis. This review discusses effects of sepsis on DCs number and function, including surface molecules expression, cytokines secretion, and T cell activation, and the underlying mechanism as well as some potential therapeutic strategies.