bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatic impact on the reef biota in the Cisuralian and Guadalupian (Permian), East European Platform
Authors: Kossovaya Olga , Vachard Daniel , Izart Alain
Published: September 2013

As important components of extinct as well as modern reefs, the measurement of changes in the composition of reef biota is crucial in order to evaluate the influence of extrinsic factors on the marine communities. The dramatic abiotic changes in the eastern and northern Pangea was mirrored by a gradual transition from a photozoan to a heterozoan association and the appearance of cool- (temperate-) water carbonates both in reef and carbonate ramp environments. Analyses of large skeletal and microbiotic components as well as microfacies succession were used for detailed explanation of reef structure, especially for lesser-known heterozoan skeletal mounds. The youngest skeletal mounds are recognized in the Roadian. The stable isotope data demonstrated a negative oxygen shift between latest Sakmarian and late early Artinskian coinciding with the end of P2 glaciation. The multiplicative nature of the event included the series of successive changes of extrinsic factors such as ice melting in interglacial episodes, eustatic ocean level rise, change of oceanic circulation and decrease of water temperature. The late Artinskian and subsequent Kungurian climatic impacts in the Northern Hemisphere were irreversible for the photozoan biota and prevented its further development. Roadian (Guadalupian) bryonoderm extended skeletal mounds developed in rather warm-water environments.
In situ
observations and sampling of volcanic emissions with NASA and UCR unmanned aircraft, including a case study at Turrialba Volcano, Costa Rica
Authors: Pieri David , Diaz Jorge Andres , Bland Geoffrey , Fladeland Matthew , Madrigal Yetty , Corrales Ernesto , Alegria Oscar , Alan Alfredo , Realmuto Vincent , Miles Ted , Abtahi Ali
Published: September 2013

Scientific knowledge of transient and difficult-to-access airborne volcanic emissions comes primarily from remote sensing observations, and a few
in situ
data from sporadic heroic or inadvertent airborne encounters. In the past, patchy knowledge of the composition and behaviour of such plumes from explosive volcanic eruptions, and associated drifting ash and gas clouds, have centrally contributed to unwanted and dangerous aircraft encounters that have put crews at risk and, in some cases, greatly damaged aircraft. Thus, improved knowledge of boundary conditions and plume composition, as inputs to both mass retrieval and predictive models for cloud
trajectories
, would be of benefit.

In this paper, we describe how small robotic unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) can address a variety of measurements that are typically beyond the reach of, and sometimes too dangerous for, manned aircraft. The direct measurements and sampling that can be achieved by sUAVs address serious gaps in knowledge of volcanic processes, and provide important validation data for estimations of volcanogenic ash and gas concentrations gleaned using remote sensing techniques. These data, in turn, constrain key proximal and distal boundary conditions for aerosol and gas transport models on which are based a number of decisions and evaluations by hazard responders and regulatory agencies.

We briefly describe a case study from our ongoing field study at Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, where we are conducting an international campaign of systematic airborne
in situ
measurements of volcanogenic SO
2
and other gases, as well as aerosols, with sUAVs and aerostats (e.g. tethered balloons and kites), in conjunction with data acquisitions by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) radiometer onboard the NASA Terra Earth orbital platform. To our knowledge, this is the first such
systematic in situ
UAV- and aerostat-based observation programme for SO
2
and particulates in a volcanic plume for correlation with orbital data. We preliminarily report good agreement between our UAV/aerostat and ASTER SO
2
retrievals within a 5 km radius of the volcano summit, at altitudes of up to 12 500 ft (
c.
3850 m) above sea level (asl) for concentrations within the range of 5–20 ppmv (ppm by volume). Additional work continues.
Weak and Strong Convergence Theorems for Strictly Pseudononspreading Mappings and Equilibrium Problem in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Zhao Yun He , Chang Shih-sen
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to propose an iterative algorithm for equilibrium problem and a class of strictly pseudononspreading mappings which is more general than the class of nonspreading mappings studied recently in Kurokawa and Takahashi (2010). We explored an auxiliary mapping in our theorems and proofs and under suitable conditions, some weak and strong convergence theorems are proved. The results presented in the paper extend and improve some recent results announced by some authors.
Safety Early Warning Research for Highway Construction Based on Case‐Based Reasoning and Variable Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Liu Yan , Yi Ting-Hua , Xu Zhen-Jun
Published: September 2013

As a high‐risk subindustry involved in construction projects, highway construction safety has experienced major developments in the past 20 years, mainly due to the lack of safe early warnings in Chinese construction projects. By combining the current state of early warning technology with the requirements of the State Administration of Work Safety and using case‐based reasoning (CBR), this paper expounds on the concept and flow of highway construction safety early warnings based on CBR. The present study provides solutions to three key issues, index selection, accident cause association analysis, and warning degree forecasting implementation, through the use of association rule mining, support vector machine classifiers, and variable fuzzy qualitative and quantitative change criterion modes, which fully cover the needs of safe early warning systems. Using a detailed description of the principles and advantages of each method and by proving the methods’ effectiveness and ability to act together in safe early warning applications, effective means and intelligent technology for a safe highway construction early warning system are established.
The Role of 39 Psoriasis Risk Variants on Age of Psoriasis Onset
Authors: Lu Yingchang , Kane Sinae , Chen Haoyan , Leon Argentina , Levin Ethan , Nguyen Tien , Debbaneh Maya , Millsop Jillian W. , Gupta Rishu , Huynh Monica , Butler Daniel , Cordoro Kelly , Liao Wilson
Published: September 2013

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genetic risk factors for psoriasis, but data on their association with age of onset have been marginally explored. The goal of this study was to evaluate known risk alleles of psoriasis for association with age of psoriasis onset in three well-defined case-only cohorts totaling 1,498 psoriasis patients. We selected 39 genetic variants from psoriasis GWAS and tested these variants for association with age of psoriasis onset in a meta-analysis. We found that rs10484554 and rs12191877 near HLA-C and rs17716942 near IFIH1 were associated with age of psoriasis onset with false discovery rate < 0.05. The association between rs17716942 and age of onset was not replicated in a fourth independent cohort of 489 patients (). The imputed HLA-C*06:02 allele demonstrated a much stronger association with age of psoriasis onset than rs10484554 and rs12191877. We conclude that despite the discovery of numerous psoriasis risk alleles, HLA-C*06:02 still plays the most important role in determining the age of onset of psoriasis. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the contribution of other risk alleles, including IFIH1, to age of psoriasis onset.
Common Fixed Points for Suzuki-Generalized Nonexpansive Maps
Authors: Alghamdi Maryam A. , Dhompongsa Sompong , Shahzad Naseer
Published: September 2013

A common fixed point theorem for a pair of maps satisfying condition (C) is proved under certain conditions. We extend the well-knownDeMarr's fixed point theorem to the case of noncommuting family of maps satisfying condition (C). As for an application, an invariant approximation theorem is also derived.
Robust Quadratic Regression and Its Application to Energy-Growth Consumption Problem
Authors: Wang Yongzhi , Zhang Yuli , Zhang Fuliang , Yi Jining
Published: September 2013

We propose a robust quadratic regression model to handle the statistics inaccuracy. Unlike the traditional robust statistic approaches that mainly focus on eliminating the effect of outliers, the proposed model employs the recently developed robust optimization methodology and tries to minimize the worst-case residual errors. First, we give a solvable equivalent semidefinite programming for the robust least square model with ball uncertainty set. Then the result is generalized to robust models underl1- andl∞-norm critera with general ellipsoid uncertainty sets. In addition, we establish a robust regression model for per capital GDP and energy consumption in the energy-growth problem under the conservation hypothesis. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed models and demonstrate the effect of the uncertainty perturbation on the robust models.
Cross Beam STAP for Nonstationary Clutter Suppression in Airborne Radar
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Duan Keqing , Xie Wenchong
Published: September 2013

A novel space-time adaptive processing (STAP) method for nonstationary clutter suppression is proposed. The developed method forms a multibeam along the cross line to participate in adaptive processing, which sufficiently utilizes the spatial information both in azimuth and elevation and guarantees the least system degrees of freedom (DOFs). The characteristics of this structure help to suppress the short-range clutter which is the primary component of nonstationary clutter. Therefore, this method provides favorable clutter suppression performance when clutter range dependence exists. Approach analysis and simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Gastric Smooth Muscle Hamartomas Mimicking Polyps in a Dog: A Case Description and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Taulescu Marian A. , Amorim Irina , Gärtner Fatima , Fãrcaş Laura , Mircean Mircea V. , Cătoi Cornel
Published: September 2013

This report presents a case of two smooth muscle hamartomas of the stomach in a 10-year-old male Boxer. The clinical history of the animal was of chronic vomiting, weight loss, and intermittent gastric distension, and it died because of chronic and congestive heart failure. Gross, histology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) exams were performed. On necropsy, in the pyloric region of the stomach, two closely related polypoid growths between 10 and 15 mm in diameter were identified. On the cut sections, both polyps presented white to gray color, with homogenous architecture and well-defined limits. The thickness of the submucosal layer was seen to be increased to 1 cm. No other gastric alterations were identified by the necropsy exam. Histologically, both masses growth consisted of hyperplastic glands lined by foveolar epithelium, arranged in a papillary or branching pattern, and supported by a core of well-vascularised and marked smooth muscle tissue interspersed between glands. No dysplastic cells and mitotic figures were observed in these lesions. Immunohistochemistry revealed a strong cytoplasm labelling for smooth muscle actin of the bundles around the mucosal glands. To our knowledge, this is the first report of smooth muscle hamartomas mimicking multiple gastric polyps in dogs.
Cytotoxicity and Modes of Action of the Methanol Extracts of Six Cameroonian Medicinal Plants against Multidrug-Resistant Tumor Cells
Authors: Kuete Victor , Fankam Aimé G. , Wiench Benjamin , Efferth Thomas
Published: September 2013

Introduction. The present study aims at evaluating the cytotoxicity of twelve parts from six Cameroonian medicinal plants on sensitive and drug-resistant cancer cell lines. We also studied the mode of action of the most active plants,Gladiolus quartinianus,Vepris soyauxii, andAnonidium mannii.Methods. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was determined using a resazurin assay. Flow cytometry was used for cell-cycle analysis and detection of apoptosis, analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS).Results. At 40 g/mL, three extracts showed a growth of CCRF-CEM leukemia cells by less than 50%. This includes the extracts fromG. quartinianus(GQW; 25.69%),Vepris soyauxiileaves (VSL; 29.82%), andAnonidium manniileaves (AML; 31.58%). The lowest IC50values below 30 μg/mL were obtained with GQW, AML and VSL against 7/9, 8/9, and 9/9 tested cancer cell lines, respectively. The lowest IC50values for each plant were 4.09 μg/mL, and 9.14 μg/mL (against U87MG.ΔEGFRcells), respectively, for VSL and AML and 10.57 μg/mL (against CCRF-CEM cells) for GQW. GQW induced cell cycle arrest between G0/G1 and S phases, whilst VSL and AML induced arrest in G0/G1. All three extracts induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells by loss of MMP, whilst AML also enhanced production of ROS.Conclusion. The three active plants may be a source for the development of new anticancer drugs.
Appendicostomy in Preschool Children with Anorectal Malformation: Successful Early Bowel Management with a High Frequency of Minor Complications
Authors: Stenström Pernilla , Granéli Christina , Salö Martin , Hagelsteen Kristine , Arnbjörnsson Einar
Published: September 2013

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperatively bowel symptoms of antegrade colon enema through appendicostomies in preschool children with anorectal malformation (ARM).Method. 164 children with ARM operated on with posterior sagittal anorectal plasty were included. The malformations were classified according to Krickenbeck classification. Seventeen children in preschool age had an appendicostomy. The bowel symptoms according to the Krickenbeck follow-up were analysed pre- and postoperatively. All complications were registered. A questionnaire on the use of the appendicostomy was answered.Results. The median age (range) at the time of the appendicostomy was 4 (1–6) years. The observation time was 5 (0.5–14) years. The main indications for appendicostomy were incontinence and noncompliance to rectal enemas. Postoperatively there was a significant decrease in soiling and constipation (P<0.001). The total complication rate was 43% with infections (29%), stenosis (12%), and retrograde leakage (0). The median time required for giving enema in the appendicostomy was 45 minutes (range: 15–120) once a day varying from 2 times/week to 3 times/day. And: complications are less frequent than in older children.Conclusion. Appendicostomy in preschool children with ARM is a way to achieve fecal cleanness before school start. The infection rate was high, but other complications are less frequent than in older children.
Bayesian Probabilistic Framework for Damage Identification of Steel Truss Bridges under Joint Uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Wei , Yu Yi
Published: September 2013

The vibration-based structural health monitoring has been traditionally implemented through the deterministic approach that relies on a single model to identify model parameters that represent damages. When such approach is applied for truss bridges, truss joints are usually modeled as either simple hinges or rigid connections. The former could lead to model uncertainties due to the discrepancy between physical configurations and their mathematical models, while the latter could induce model parameter uncertainties due to difficulty in obtaining accurate model parameters of complex joint details. This paper is to present a new perspective for addressing uncertainties associated with truss joint configurations in damage identification based on Bayesian probabilistic model updating and model class selection. A new sampling method of the transitional Markov chain Monte Carlo is incorporated with the structure’s finite element model for implementing the approach to damage identification of truss structures. This method can not only draw samples which approximate the updated probability distributions of uncertain model parameters but also provide model evidence that quantify probabilities of uncertain model classes. The proposed probabilistic framework and its applicability for addressing joint uncertainties are illustrated and examined with an application example. Future research directions in this field are discussed.
Embedded Zassenhaus Expansion to Splitting Schemes: Theory and Multiphysics Applications
Authors: Geiser Jürgen
Published: September 2013

We present some operator splitting methods improved by the use of the Zassenhaus product and designed for applications to multiphysics problems. We treat iterative splitting methods that can be improved by means of the Zassenhaus product formula, which is a sequential splitting scheme. The main idea for reducing the computation time needed by the iterative scheme is to embed fast and cheap Zassenhaus product schemes, since the computation of the commutators involved is very cheap, since we are dealing with nilpotent matrices. We discuss the coupling ideas of iterative and sequential splitting techniques and their convergence. While the iterative splitting schemes converge slowly in their first iterative steps, we improve the initial convergence rates by embedding the Zassenhaus product formula. The applications are to multiphysics problems in fluid dynamics. We consider phase models in computational fluid dynamics and analyse how to obtain higher order operator splitting methods based on the Zassenhaus product. The computational benefits derive from the use of sparse matrices, which arise from the spatial discretisation of the underlying partial differential equations. Since the Zassenhaus formula requires nearly constant CPU time due to its sparse commutators, we have accelerated the iterative splitting schemes.
Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Impurities in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Raghava Raju Thummala V. , Anil Kumar Noru , Raja Kumar Seshadri , Malleswara Reddy Annarapu , Someswara Rao Nittala , Mrutyunjaya Rao Ivaturi
Published: September 2013

A sensitive, stability-indicating gradient RP-HPLC method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of impurities of Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan in pharmaceutical formulations. Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on a Sunfire C18, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm column with mobile phase containing a gradient mixture of solvents A and B. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 0.8 mL min−1 with column temperature of 50°C and detection wavelength at 224 nm. Regression analysis showed an r value (correlation coefficient) greater than 0.999 for Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan, and their impurities. Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan formulation sample was subjected to the stress conditions of oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal, and photolytic degradation. Guaifenesin was found stable and Dextromethorphan was found to degrade significantly in peroxide stress condition. The degradation products were well resolved from Guaifenesin, Dextromethorphan, and their impurities. The peak purity test results confirmed that the Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan peak was homogenous and pure in all stress samples and the mass balance was found to be more than 98%, thus proving the stability-indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy, precision, and robustness.
Density Functional Theory with Modified Dispersion Correction for Metals Applied to Self-Assembled Monolayers of Thiols on Au(111)
Authors: Andersson M. P.
Published: September 2013

Using sound physical principles we modify the DFT-D2 atom pairwise semiempirical dispersion correction to density functional theory to work for metallic systems and in particular self-assembled monolayers of thiols on gold surfaces. We test our approximation for two functionals PBE-D and revPBE-D for lattice parameters and cohesive energies for Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au, adsorption energies of CO on (111) surfaces of Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au, and adsorption energy of benzene on Ag(111) and Au(111). Agreement with experimental data is substantially improved. We apply the method to self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on Au(111) and find reasonable agreement for PBE-D and revPBE-D for both physisorption of n-alkanethiols as well as dissociative chemisorption of dimethyl disulfide as an Au-adatom-dithiolate complex. By modifying the C6 coefficient for Au, we obtain quantitative agreement for physisorption and chemisorption for both PBE-D and revPBE-D using the same set of parameters. Our results confirm that inclusion of dispersion forces is crucial for any quantitative analysis of the thiol and thiolate bonds to the gold surface using quantum chemical calculations.
Vasorelaxant Effect of Osterici Radix Ethanol Extract on Rat Aortic Rings
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Park Geunyong , Ham Inhye , Yang Gabsik , Lee Mihwa , Bu Youngmin , Kim Hocheol , Choi Ho-Young
Published: September 2013

The root ofOstericum koreanumMaximowicz has been used as a traditional medicine called “Kanghwal” in Korea (or “Qianghuo” in China). The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activity and mechanism of action of an ethanol extract of theO. koreanumroot (EOK). We used isolated rat aortic rings to assess the effects of EOK on various vasorelaxant or vasoconstriction factors. EOK induced vasorelaxation in phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE) or KCl precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of EOK on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pretreatment withL-NAME or methylene blue. In Ca2+-free Krebs-Henseleit solution, pretreatment with EOK (0.3 mg/mL) completely inhibited PE-induced constriction. In addition, EOK (0.3 mg/mL) also completely inhibited vasoconstriction induced by supplemental Ca2+in aortic rings that were precontracted with PE or KCl. Furthermore, the EOK-induced vasorelaxation in PE-contracted aortic rings was inhibited by preincubation with nifedipine. These results indicate that the vasorelaxant effects of EOK are responsible for the induction of NO formation fromL-Arg and NO-cGMP pathways, blockage of the extracellular Ca2+entry via the receptor-operative Ca2+channel and voltage-dependent calcium channel, and blockage of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+release via the inositol triphosphate pathway.
Existence Results for Nonsmooth Vector Quasi-Variational-Like Inequalities
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Al-Homidan Suliman
Published: September 2013

We introduce nonsmooth vector quasi-variational-like inequalities (NVQVLI) by means of a bifunction. We establish some existence results for solutions of these inequalities by using Fan-KKM theorem and a maximal element theorem. By using the technique and methodology adopted in Al-Homidan et al. (2012), one can easily derive the relations among these inequalities and a vector quasi-optimization problem. Hence, the existence results for a solution of a vector quasi-optimization problem can be derived by using our results. The results of this paper extend several known results in the literature.
Total Glucosides of Paeony Capsule Plus Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Dingquan , Zheng Jingwen , Zhang Yuming , Jin Yueli , Gan Chaonan , Bai Yanping
Published: September 2013

Total glucosides of paeony capsule (TGPC) and compound glycyrrhizin tablets (CGT) are plant extracts of glycosides. We conducted this study to examine the efficacy and safety of TGPC plus CGT for severe alopecia areata in children. 117 subjects were randomly allocated into TGPC plus CGT group or CGT group. For consecutive 12 months, subjects were given oral TGPC and CGT or oral CGT alone. The outcome measures included score of alopecia areata severity, effective rate, and adverse events observed in the 3rd, 6th, and 12th month. We found that the scores of alopecia areata severity of both groups were significantly reduced, and the scores of treatment group were lower than those of control group; for effective rate, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the 3rd month, while in the 6th and 12th months the treatment group was superior compared with control group; the incidence rate of adverse events between the two groups was not statistically different, and no severe adverse events were observed. In conclusion, TGPC plus CGT appears effective and safe for severe alopecia areata in children.
Static and Dynamic Differences in Fixation Stability between a Spacer Plate and a Small Stature Plate Fixator Used for High Tibial Osteotomies: A Biomechanical Bone Composite Study
Authors: Maas Stefan , Diffo Kaze Arnaud , Dueck Klaus , Pape Dietrich
Published: September 2013

Background. The objective of the present study was to compare mechanical strength and stability of the newly designed spacer plate with the gold standard plate for the treatment of medial knee joint osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods. Ten fourth-generation tibial bone composites underwent a medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) according to standard techniques, using five TomoFix plates and five Contour Lock plates. Static compression load to failure and load-controlled cyclical fatigue failure tests were performed. Forces and horizontal displacements were measured; plastic deformations and dynamic stiffness were determined. Results and Discussion. In all samples, rotation of the tibial head and fracture of the opposite cortex were observed. Behaviors of the specimens under static loading were comparable between groups. Cyclic testing revealed lateral significant higher stiffness until failure for the Contour Lock compared to the TomoFix plate. No visible implant failure was observed in any group. Conclusion. Considering the static analysis, both plates offered sufficient stability under physiologic loads of up to 3000 N. The Contour Lock plate-fixated specimens showed a higher stability during the cyclic testing, supposedly due to the wider distance between the fixation screws.
Protective Effects of Fufang Xueshuantong on Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats
Authors: Duan Huihui , Huang Jianmei , Li Wei , Tang Minke
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Fufang Xueshuantong (FXT) on diabetic retinopathy in rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single injection of 60 mg/kg STZ. One week after STZ, FXT 0.525 g/kg or 1.05 g/kg was administrated to the rats by intragastric gavage (ig) once daily consecutively for 24 weeks. The control rats and untreated STZ rats received vehicle the same way. At the end of the experiment, the erythrocyte aggregation and blood viscosity were assayed. The retina vessel morphology was observed in retinal digestive preparations. Expression of occludin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in retina was measured by western blotting. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) in retina was detected by immunohistochemistry. The activity of aldose reductase in retina was investigated with a NADPH oxidation method. The results showed that, in STZ rats, there were distinct lesions in retinal vessel, including decrease of pericytes and increase of acellular capillaries, together with dilatation of retinal veins. The expression of VEGF and ICAM-1 increased, while the expression of PEDF and occludin decreased. The activity of aldose reductase elevated, and the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and erythrocyte aggregation also increased after STZ stimulation. FXT 0.525 g/kg and 1.05 g/kg demonstrated significant protective effects against STZ induced microvessel lesion in the retina with increased pericytes and reduced acellular capillaries. FXT also reduced the expression of VEGF and ICAM-1 and enhanced the expression of PEDF and occludin in STZ insulted rats. The activity of aldose reductase, the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and erythrocyte aggregation also decreased after FXT treatment. The results demonstrated that FXT has protective effect on STZ induced diabetic retinopathy in rats.
Partial Cutting of Sternothyroid Muscle during Total Thyroidectomy: Impact on Postoperative Vocal Outcomes
Authors: Lee Hyoung Shin , Kim Sung Won , Park Hyo Sang , Park Chan Woo , Kim Ji Soo , Hong Jong Chul , Kim Yong-Ki , Baek Seon Mi , Lee Kang Dae
Published: September 2013

Background. Cutting the sternothyroid (ST) muscle is a useful technique to expose the superior pole of thyroid gland during thyroidectomy. In this study, we evaluated the impact of partial cutting of the ST muscle on postoperative vocal outcomes after total thyroidectomy. Methods. A retrospective review of 57 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection for micropapillary thyroid carcinoma was conducted. Group A (n = 26) included those without cutting the ST muscle, while group B (n = 31) included patients whose muscle was partially cut at the superior pole. All patients underwent voice analysis before the operation and 2 weeks and 1 month after the surgery, and the outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the outcomes at each time of voice analysis. Group A showed a decrease of maximum frequency 2 weeks after surgery but showed no difference after 1 month. Group B showed a mild decrease in maximum frequency 2 weeks after surgery, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion. Partial cutting of ST muscle during thyroidectomy is useful to expose the superior pole without significant negative impact on postoperative outcomes of vocal analysis.
Long-Term Survival and Improved Quality of Life following Multiple Repeat Gamma Knife Radiosurgeries for Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Larson Erik W. , Peterson Halloran E. , Fairbanks Robert K. , Lamoreaux Wayne T. , Mackay Alexander R. , Call Jason A. , Demakas John J. , Cooke Barton S. , Lee Christopher M.
Published: September 2013

The management of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is in most cases complex and must be specifically tailored to the needs of the patient with the goals of extended survival and improved quality of life. Despite advancements in therapy, treatment outcomes remain almost universally poor. Salvage treatment options for the recurrence of the disease is an area of intense study. The following case highlights the utility of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) as a salvage treatment. In this clinical situation, three sequential GKRS treatments led to prolonged survival (beyond four years after diagnosis) and improved quality of life in a patient who was unable to receive further chemotherapy regimens and was unwilling to undergo further aggressive resection. To date, there have been few reports of three or more sequential GKRS treatment sessions utilized as salvage therapy for recurrent GBM in patients who can no longer tolerate chemotherapy. This report provides evidence that aggressive local treatment with GKRS at the time of recurrence may be appropriate, depending on a patient’s individual clinical situation, and can lead to prolonged survival and improved quality of life.
Switched Convergence of Second-Order Switched Homogeneous Systems
Authors: Pérez Carmen , Benítez Francisco
Published: September 2013

This paper studies the stabilization of second-order switched homogeneous systems. We present results that solve the problem of stabilizing a switched homogeneous system; that is, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions under which the stabilization is assured. Moreover, given an initial condition, our method determines if there exists a switching law under which the solution converges to the origin and, if there exists this switching law, how it is constructed. Finally, two numerical examples are presented in order to illustrate the results.
Volkman’s Contracture, Persistent Limb Ischaemia, and Amputation: A Complication of Brachial Artery Catheterisation for Haemodynamic Monitoring Using PiCCO
Authors: Bagga Veejay , Palmer Marion , Sadasivan Ramesh , Raghuraman Govindan
Published: September 2013

We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who was admitted to intensive care unit with multiorgan failure secondary toPlasmodium falciparummalaria. Haemodynamic monitoring using the transpulmonary thermodilution with pulse contour analysis system (PiCCO) was achieved via the left brachial artery. Two days later, a flexion deformity of the left hand was noted, and examination revealed left lower arm ischaemia. Removal of the catheter resulted in an immediate improvement of the contracture. However, distal pulses were still absent, and the arm remained ischaemic resulting in a below elbow amputation. This is the first documented case of a persistent limb ischaemia following the insertion of an arterial catheter for haemodynamic monitoring with PiCCO. We therefore highlight the need for regular assessment of limb perfusion after arterial catheterisation for haemodynamic monitoring with PiCCO. In addition, the brachial artery should be avoided, and femoral artery catheterisation is recommended.
Potential Usefulness of the Kampo MedicineYokukansan, ContainingUncariaHook, for Paediatric Emotional and Behavioural Disorders: A Case Series
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Sakiyama Takeshi
Published: September 2013

Background. Paediatric emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) are relatively common diseases. Although nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments are utilized in these cases, it is sometimes difficult to manage the symptoms of EBD. Historically,Uncariahook has been used for treating nighttime crying and convulsions in children. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the Kampo medicineYokukansan(YKS), which containsUncariahook, is efficacious for behaviour disorders in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Herein, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of YKS in a series of cases with paediatric EBD.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all paediatric patients who sought Japanese Kampo therapy at our outpatient clinics between April 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013; we selected patients who were diagnosed with paediatric EBD and were treated with YKS.Results. After screening all candidates, 3 patients were eligible for this analysis. Their average age was 11.6 years (range 10–13 years). All 3 patients responded very well to YKS within 1 month. No drug-related adverse events were observed during the course of YKS treatment.Conclusion.Yokukansanmay be efficacious for paediatric EBD. We believe these results warrant further evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety ofYokukansanfor paediatric EBD in a carefully designed, double-blind, randomized clinical study.
The Aqueous Extract of Rhizome ofGastrodia elataProtectedDrosophilaand PC12 Cells against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Ng Chun-Fai , Ko Chun-Hay , Koon Chi-Man , Xian Jia-Wen , Leung Ping-Chung , Fung Kwok-Pui , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Lau Clara Bik-San
Published: September 2013

This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of the rhizome ofGastrodia elata(GE) aqueous extract on beta-amyloid(Aβ)-induced toxicityin vivoandin vitro. TransgenicDrosophilamutants with Aβ-induced neurodegeneration in pan-neuron and ommatidia were used to determine the efficacy of GE. The antiapoptotic and antioxidative mechanisms of GE were also studied in Aβ-treated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.In vivostudies demonstrated that GE (5 mg/gDrosophilamedia)-treatedDrosophilapossessed a longer lifespan, better locomotor function, and less-degenerated ommatidia when compared with the Aβ-expressing control (allP<0.05).In vitrostudies illustrated that GE increased the cell viability of Aβ-treated PC12 cells in dose-dependent manner, probably through attenuation of Aβ-induced oxidative and apoptotic stress. GE also significantly upregulated the enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, leading to the decrease of reactive oxidation species production and apoptotic marker caspase-3 activity. In conclusion, our current data presented the first evidence that the aqueous extract of GE was capable of reducing the Aβ-induced neurodegeneration inDrosophila, possibly through inhibition of apoptosis and reduction of oxidative stress. GE aqueous extract could be developed as a promising herbal agent for neuroprotection and novel adjuvant therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.
A New Skeleton Feature Extraction Method for Terrain Model Using Profile Recognition and Morphological Simplification
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Ma Zhiqiang , Liu Yaxin , He Xinting , Ma Yun
Published: September 2013

It is always difficul to reserve rings and main truck lines in the real engineering of feature extraction for terrain model. In this paper, a new skeleton feature extraction method is proposed to solve these problems, which put forward a simplification algorithm based on morphological theory to eliminate the noise points of the target points produced by classical profile recognition. As well all know, noise point is the key factor to influence the accuracy and efficiency of feature extraction. Our method connected the optimized feature points subset after morphological simplification; therefore, the efficiency of ring process and pruning has been improved markedly, and the accuracy has been enhanced without the negative effect of noisy points. An outbranching concept is defined, and the related algorithms are proposed to extract sufficient long trucks, which is capable of being consistent with real terrain skeleton. All of algorithms are conducted on many real experimental data, including GTOPO30 and benchmark data provided by PPA to verify the performance and accuracy of our method. The results showed that our method precedes PPA as a whole.
Spectral Intensity Variation by the Correlation Function of Refractive Index Fluctuations of the Liquid Medium
Authors: Singh Nageshwar
Published: September 2013

It is proposed that a macroscopic theory of propagation and scattering of light through random media can be functional for the dye liquid flowing media in the microscopic levels too, with modest approximations. Maxwell’s equation for a random refractive index medium is approximated and solved for the electric field. An analytical expression for the spectral intensity of the field scattered by the refractive index fluctuations inside a medium has been derived which was valid within the first Born approximation. Far field spectral intensity variation of the radiation propagating through the liquid medium is a consequence of variation in correlation function of the refractive index inhomogeneities. The strength of radiation scattered in a particular direction depends on the spatial correlation function of the refractive index fluctuations of the medium. An attempt is made to explain some of the experimentally observed spectral intensity variations, particularly dye emission propagation through liquid flowing medium, in the presence of thermal and flow field.
In VitroAntiproliferative Effect ofArthrocnemum indicumExtracts on Caco-2 Cancer Cells through Cell Cycle Control and Related Phenol LC-TOF-MS Identification
Authors: Boulaaba Mondher , Mkadmini Khaoula , Tsolmon Soninkhishig , Han Junkyu , Smaoui Abderrazak , Kawada Kiyokazu , Ksouri Riadh , Isoda Hiroko , Abdelly Chedly
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to determinate phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the halophyteArthrocnemum indicumshoot extracts. Moreover, the anticancer effect of this plant on human colon cancer cells and the likely underlying mechanisms were also investigated, and the major phenols were identified by LC-ESI-TOF-MS. Results showed that shoot extracts had an antiproliferative effect of about 55% as compared to the control and were characterised by substantial total polyphenol content (19 mg GAE/g DW) and high antioxidant activity (IC50=40 μg/mL for DPPH test). DAPI staining revealed that these extracts decrease DNA synthesis and reduce the proliferation of Caco-2 cells which were stopped at the G2/M phase. The changes in the cell-cycle-associated proteins (cyclin B1, p38, Erk1/2, Chk1, and Chk2) correlate with the changes in cell cycle distribution. Eight phenolic compounds were also identified. In conclusion,A. indicumshowed interesting antioxidant capacities associated with a significant antiproliferative effect explained by a cell cycle blocking at the G2/M phase. Taken together, these data suggest thatA. indicumcould be a promising candidate species as a source of anticancer molecules.
Nanosericite as an Innovative Microparticle in Dual-Chemical Paper Retention Systems
Authors: Perng Yuan-Shing , Wang Eugene I-Chen , Chang Chih-Kai , Chang Chih-Ping
Published: September 2013

Dual-chemical retention systems based on 2 cationic polyacrylamides, a colloidal silica, and a globular anionic polymer microparticles were investigated and an exfoliated nanoparticle indigenous mica mineral, sericite, was examined for its efficacy in substituting commercial microparticle preparations. The results indicated that nanosericite generated FPR between 76.9 and 80.9% for fines and chemicals. Its ash retention values, however, were higher and tended to increase with doses of polymer, nanosericite, or Sc to between 16 and 24%. As for paper physical properties, nanosericite was not amenable to substitute the c-PAMb/polymer with only handsheet stiffness superior to the combination. Nanosericite, however, showed good substitution capacity than the c-PAMa-colloidal silica combination. Regardless of the c-PAMa doses, all examined handsheet physical properties incorporating nanosericite were superior to colloidal silica. The optimal performance was observed with c-PAMa dose of 200 ppm. Optical properties of the handsheets indicated that with nanosericite substitution, brightness values were comparable to the polymer group, while its substitution capacity for colloidal silica decreased with increasing c-PAMb dose. Only at c-PAMa dose of 300 ppm, it appeared to have good substitution for colloidal silica. Substituting nanosericite for colloidal silica appeared to reduce the c-PAMa charge and increased the overall cost effectiveness.
Antibiotic Prescribing Habits of Dental Surgeons in Hyderabad City, India, for Pulpal and Periapical Pathologies: A Survey
Authors: Kumar K. Pavan , Kaushik Mamta , Kumar P. Udaya , Reddy M. Shilpa , Prashar Neha
Published: September 2013

Aim. To determine the antibiotic prescribing habits for pulpal and periapical pathology among dentists in Hyderabad city, India.Methodology. A total of 246 questionnaires were distributed to all the dentists registered with the local dental branch. Demographic details and questions regarding type and dosage of antibiotics prescribed for allergic and nonallergic patients were recorded. Inferential statistics were performed, andP<0.05was considered statistically significant.Results. The response rate for the study was 87.8%. Around 148 (68.5%) of respondents regularly prescribed antibiotics for endodontic management. The first antibiotic of choice for patients with no history of medical allergies was a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole, followed by amoxicillin alone (29.1%). The first antibiotic of choice in case of allergy to penicillin was erythromycin. Necrotic pulp with acute apical periodontitis with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptom was the condition most commonly identified for antibiotic therapy (92.1%).Conclusion. The present study reveals that the overall antibiotic prescribing practices among this group of dentists were quite high, and there is a need for more educational initiatives to rationalize the use of antibiotics in dentistry.
Comparison of Corrosion Behavior of Electrochemically Deposited Nano‐Cobalt‐Coated Ni Sheet
Authors: Al-Aqeeli Nasser , Toor Ihsan-ul-Haq
Published: September 2013

Corrosion behavior of nano‐coblat‐coated Ni sheet was compared with pure Ni and 20% Fe‐Ni alloy sheet using potentiodynamic polarization and linear polarization technique in 0.1 M NaCl solution at room temperature. Results showed that corrosion resistance properties of nano‐Co‐coated Ni sheet were almost same as that of pure Ni sheet, however corrosion resistance of 20% Fe‐Ni sheet was decreased significantly. Pitting potential of 20% Fe‐Ni sheet was subsequently decreased as compared to pure Ni sheet as well as nano‐cobalt‐coated Ni sheet. SEM/EDS analysis of the corroded surfaces showed that both pure Ni and nano‐coblat‐coated Ni sheet did not show any appreciable corrosion however significant corrosion was observed in the case of 20% Fe‐Ni sheet.
New Sequence Spaces and Function Spaces on Interval[0,1]
Authors: Xu Cheng-Zhong , Xu Gen-Qi
Published: September 2013

We study the sequence spaces and the spaces of functions defined on interval0,1in this paper. By a new summation method of sequences, we find out some new sequence spaces that are interpolating into spaces betweenℓpandℓqand function spaces that are interpolating into the spaces between the polynomial spaceP0,1andC∞0,1. We prove that these spaces of sequences and functions are Banach spaces.
New Mathematical Modelling of Stabilizing Pile with Prestressed Tieback Anchors
Authors: Huang Cheng , Ren Wei-zhong , Kong Ling-wei
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a novel mathematical modelling for analyzing stabilizing piles with prestressed tieback anchors. The new differential equations governing the mechanical response of the stabilizing pile are formulated and the boundary conditions considering the tie-back anchors are mathematically specified. Then, the system of differential equations is numerically solved by the high-accuracy Runge-Kutta finite difference method. A simple computer program has been written on the platform of MATLAB to run the procedure of the proposed algorithm. This approach is entirely different from the traditional finite element method used to design the anchored piles. The FEM is employed to verify the feasibility of the developed method. The comparative case study indicates that the proposed method has more higher modeling and computing efficiency than the FEM and can be an alternative method for designing the anchored pile used for slope stabilization.
Preparation of Mg2FeH6 Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Storage Properties
Authors: Niaz N. A. , Ahmad I. , Khalid N. R. , Ahmed E. , Abbas S. M. , Jabeen N.
Published: September 2013

Magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles are prepared by thermal decomposition of bipyridyl complexes of metals. These prepared Mg‐Fe (2 : 1) nanoparticles are hydrogenated under 4 MPa hydrogen pressure and 673 K for 48 hours to achieve Mg2FeH6. Their structural analysis was assessed by applying manifold techniques. The hydrogen storage properties of prepared compound were measured by Sieverts type apparatus. The desorption kinetics were measured by high pressure thermal desorption spectrometer (HP‐TDS). More than 5 wt% hydrogen released was obtained by the Mg2FeH6 within 5 min, and during rehydrogenation very effective hydrogen absorption rate was observed by the compound.