bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Monoclonal Antibody-Based Therapy in the Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Bugli Francesca , Cacaci Margherita , Martini Cecilia , Torelli Riccardo , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Paroni Sterbini Francesco
Published: June 2013

Invasive candidiasis (IC) represents the leading fungal infection of humans causing life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed and neutropenic individuals including also the intensive care unit patients. Despite progress in recent years in drugs development for the treatment of IC, morbidity and mortality rates still remain very high. Historically, cell-mediated immunity and innate immunity are considered to be the most important lines of defense against candidiasis. Nevertheless recent evidence demonstrates that antibodies with defined specificities could act with different degrees showing protection against systemic and mucosal candidiasis. Mycograb is a human recombinant monoclonal antibody against heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) that was revealed to have synergy when combined with fluconazole, caspofungin, and amphotericin B against a broad spectrum ofCandidaspecies. Furthermore, recent studies have established an important role for Hsp90 in mediatingCandidaresistance to echinocandins, giving to this antibody molecule even more attractive biological properties. In response to the failure of marketing authorization by the CHMP (Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) a new formulation of Mycograb, named Mycograb C28Y variant, with an amino acid substitution was developed in recent years. First data on Mycograb C28Y variant indicate that this monoclonal antibody lacked efficacy in a murine candidiasis model.
A Dynamic Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets Applied to Pattern Recognition
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Wang Min , Hu Yong , Yang Jingyu , Ye Youpei , Li Yafang
Published: June 2013

We present dynamic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (DIVIFS), which can improve the recognition accuracy when they are applied to pattern recognition. By analyzing the degree of hesitancy, we propose some DIVIFS models from intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFS) and interval-valued IFS (IVIFS). And then we present a novel ranking condition on the distance of IFS and IVIFS and introduce some distance measures of DIVIFS satisfying the ranking condition. Finally, a pattern recognition example applied to medical diagnosis decision making is given to demonstrate the application of DIVIFS and its distances. The simulation results show that the DIVIFS method is more comprehensive and flexible than the IFS method and the IVIFS method.
Convergence Rate of Numerical Solutions for Nonlinear Stochastic Pantograph Equations with Markovian Switching and Jumps
Authors: Lu Zhenyu , Yang Tingya , Hu Yanhan , Hu Junhao
Published: June 2013

The sufficient conditions of existence and uniqueness of the solutions for nonlinear stochastic pantograph equations with Markovian switching and jumps are given. It is proved that Euler-Maruyama scheme for nonlinear stochastic pantograph equations with Markovian switching and Brownian motion is of convergence with strong order 1/2. For nonlinear stochastic pantograph equations with Markovian switching and pure jumps, it is best to use the mean-square convergence, and the order of mean-square convergence is close to 1/2.
Expression andIn SilicoAnalysis of the Recombinant Bovine Papillomavirus E6 Protein as a Model for Viral Oncoproteins Studies
Authors: Mazzuchelli-de-Souza J. , Carvalho R. F. , Ruiz R. M. , Melo T. C. , Araldi R. P. , Carvalho E. , Thompson C. E. , Sircili M. P. , Beçak W. , Stocco R. C.
Published: June 2013

Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) are recognized as the causal agents of economical relevant diseases in cattle, associated with the development of tumors in skin and mucosa. The oncogenesis process is mainly associated with different viral oncoprotein expressions, which are involved in cell transformation. The expression and characterization of recombinant viral oncoproteins represent an attractive strategy to obtain biotechnological products as antibodies and potential vaccines, Thus, the aim of this work was to clone and express the BPV-1 and BPV-2 E6 recombinant proteins and performin silicoanalysis in order to develop a strategy for the systematic study of other papillomaviruses oncoproteins. The results demonstrated that BPV-1 and BPV-2 E6 recombinant proteins were expressed and purified from bacterial system as well as itsin silicoanalysis was performed in order to explore and predict biological characteristics of these proteins.
Natural Killer Dendritic Cells Enhance Immune Responses Elicited byα-Galactosylceramide-Stimulated Natural Killer T Cells
Authors: Lee Sung Won , Park Hyun Jung , Kim Nayoung , Hong Seokmann
Published: June 2013

Natural killer dendritic cells (NKDCs) possess potent anti-tumor activity, but the cellular effect of NKDC interactions with other innate immune cells is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the interaction of NKDCs and natural killer T (NKT) cells is required for the anti-tumor immune responses that are elicited byα-galactosylceramide (α-GC) in mice. The rapid and strong expression of interferon-γby NKDCs afterα-GC stimulation was dependent on NKT cells. Various NK and DC molecular markers and cytotoxic molecules were up-regulated followingα-GC administration. This up-regulation could improve NKDC presentation of tumor antigens and increase cytotoxicity against tumor cells. NKDCs were required for the stimulation of DCs, NK cells, and NKT cells. The strong anti-tumor immune responses elicited byα-GC may be due to the down-regulation of regulatory T cells. Furthermore, the depletion of NKDCs dampened the tumor clearance mediated byα-GC-stimulated NKT cellsin vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that complex interactions of innate immune cells might be required to achieve optimal anti-tumor immune responses during the early stages of tumorigenesis.
Periodic Orbits for a Three-Dimensional Biological Differential Systems
Authors: Colucci Renato , Nuñez Daniel
Published: June 2013

We study the existence of periodic orbit for a differential system describing the effects of indirect predation over two preys. Besides discussing a generalized version of the model, we present some remarks and numerical experiments for the nonautonomous version of the two models.
Solar Cells Efficiency Increase Using Thin Metal Island Films
Authors: Axelevitch Alexander , Golan Gady
Published: June 2013

Metal nanodimension structures have multiple applications in modern technology. Noncontinuous thin island metal films of several types of metals deposited on dielectric or semiconductor surface introduce a unique behavior. In response to light exposure in certain range, the metal islands present a resonant absorption of light accompanied with a collective behavior of free electrons in these islands. In this paper, we present one of the possible ways to increase the efficiency of solar cells with metal islands imbedded in a semiconductor junction. Rough calculation was performed for a silicon solar cell and showed an increase of 17.5% in the overall efficiency of the cell.
A Novel Physarum-Inspired Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Mingchuan , Xu Changqiao , Guan Jianfeng , Zheng Ruijuan , Wu Qingtao , Zhang Hongke
Published: June 2013

There is a tradeoff between routing efficiency and energy equilibrium for sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Inspired by the large and single-celled amoeboid organism, slime mold Physarum polycephalum, this paper presents a novel Physarum-inspired routing protocol (P-iRP) for WSNs to address the above issue. In P-iRP, a sensor node can choose the proper next hop by using a proposed Physarum-inspired selecting next hop model (P-iSNH), which comprehensively considers the distance, energy residue, and location of the next hop. As a result, the P-iRP can get a rather low algorithm complexity of [Formula: see text], which greatly reduces the processing delay and saves the energy of sensors. Moreover, by theoretical analysis, the P-iSNH always has an equilibrium solution for multiple next hop candidates, which is vital factor to the stability of routing protocol. Finally, simulation results show that P-iRP can perform better in many scenarios and achieve the effective tradeoff between routing efficiency and energy equilibrium compared to other famous algorithms.
Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation and Release Reaction Testing in Uremic Patients
Authors: Zeck Jay , Schallheim Jason , Lew Susie Q. , DePalma Louis
Published: June 2013

Background. Platelet function analysis utilizing platelet-rich plasma and optical density based aggregometry fails to identify patients at risk for uremia associated complications.Methods. We employed whole blood platelet aggregation analysis based on impedance as well as determination of ATP release from platelet granules detected by a chemiluminescence method. Ten chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5 predialysis patients underwent platelet evaluation. Our study aims to evaluate this platform in this patient population to determine if abnormalities could be detected.Results. Analysis revealed normal aggregation and ATP release to collagen, ADP, and high-dose ristocetin. ATP release had a low response to arachidonic acid (0.37 ± 0.26 nmoles, reference range: 0.6–1.4 nmoles). Platelet aggregation to low-dose ristocetin revealed an exaggerated response (20.9 ± 18.7 ohms, reference range: 0–5 ohms).Conclusions. Whole blood platelet analysis detected platelet dysfunction which may be associated with bleeding and thrombotic risks in uremia. Diminished ATP release to arachidonic acid (an aspirin-like defect) in uremic patients may result in platelet associated bleeding. An increased aggregation response to low-dose ristocetin (a type IIb von Willebrand disease-like defect) is associated with thrombus formation. This platelet hyperreactivity may be associated with a thrombotic diathesis as seen in some uremic patients.
Plant Growth Promotion Potential Is Equally Represented in Diverse Grapevine Root-Associated Bacterial Communities from Different Biopedoclimatic Environments
Authors: Marasco Ramona , Rolli Eleonora , Fusi Marco , Cherif Ameur , Abou-Hadid Ayman , El-Bahairy Usama , Borin Sara , Sorlini Claudia , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: June 2013

Plant-associated bacteria provide important services to host plants. Environmental factors such as cultivar type and pedoclimatic conditions contribute to shape their diversity. However, whether these environmental factors may influence the plant growth promoting (PGP) potential of the root-associated bacteria is not widely understood. To address this issue, the diversity and PGP potential of the bacterial assemblage associated with the grapevine root system of different cultivars in three Mediterranean environments along a macrotransect identifying an aridity gradient were assessed by culture-dependent and independent approaches. According to 16S rRNA gene PCR-DGGE, the structure of endosphere and rhizosphere bacterial communities was highly diverse (P=0.03) and was associated with a cultivar/latitudinal/climatic effect. Despite being diverse, the bacterial communities associated with Egyptian grapevines shared a higher similarity with the Tunisian grapevines than those cultivated in North Italy. A similar distribution, according to the cultivar/latitude/aridity gradients, was observed for the cultivable bacteria. Many isolates (23%) presentedin vitromultiple stress resistance capabilities and PGP activities, the most frequent being auxin synthesis (82%), insoluble phosphate solubilisation (61%), and ammonia production (70%). The comparable numbers and types of potential PGP traits among the three different environmental settings indicate a strong functional homeostasis of beneficial bacteria associated with grape root.
The Obstetric Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Berg Rigmor C. , Underland Vigdis
Published: June 2013

Various forms of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) have been performed for millennia and continue to be prevalent in parts of Africa. Although the health consequences following FGM/C have been broadly investigated, divergent study results have called into question whether FGM/C is associated with obstetric consequences. To clarify the present state of empirical research, we conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature and quantitative meta-analyses of the obstetric consequences of FGM/C. We included 44 primary studies, of which 28 were comparative, involving almost 3 million participants. The methodological study quality was generally low, but several studies reported the same outcome and were sufficiently similar to warrant pooling of effect sizes in meta-analyses. The meta-analyses results showed that prolonged labor, obstetric lacerations, instrumental delivery, obstetric hemorrhage, and difficult delivery are markedly associated with FGM/C, indicating that FGM/C is a factor in their occurrence and significantly increases the risk of delivery complications. There was no significant difference in risk with respect to cesarean section and episiotomy. These results can make up the background documentation for health promotion and health care decisions that inform work to reduce the prevalence of FGM/C and improve the quality of services related to the consequences of FGM/C.
Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan Attenuates Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats through PKC-α/NADPH Oxidase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Lishan , Dong Hui , Huang Yi , Xu Lijun , Zou Xin , Wang Kaifu , Chen Guang , Lu Fuer
Published: June 2013

Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan (HLBW) is a Chinese herbal prescription used to treat kidney deficiency. The aim of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of HLBW on diabetic nephropathy (DN) in type 2 diabetic rats. The rat model of DN was established by being fed a high-fat diet and intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Then, HLBW decoction was administered for 16 weeks. Blood glucose level, lipid profile, renal function, 24-hour total urinary protein, and albumin content were examined. Renal morphology and superoxide anion levels were evaluated. The activity of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-α) related genes expression in renal tissue were also determined. Our data demonstrated that HLBW significantly improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and proteinuria in diabetic rats compared with those of control group. HLBW also alleviated glomerular expansion and fibrosis, extracellular matrix accumulation and effacement of the foot processes. Additionally, HLBW reduced superoxide anion level, NADPH oxidase activity, the protein and mRNA expressions of p47phox, and the protein expression of phosphorylated PKC-αin renal tissue. These results suggest that HLBW is effective in the treatment of DN in rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the attenuation of renal oxidative stress via PKC-α/NADPH oxidase signaling pathway.
Factors Associated within 28 Days In-Hospital Mortality of Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sharif Nadia , Irfan Muhammad , Hussain Javaid , Khan Javaid
Published: June 2013

Objective. To determine the factors leading to in-hospital mortality within 28 days in hospitalized patients with ARDS. It was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in Intensive Care Unit of Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi from March to August 2011.Methodology. Data was collected from patients admitted in the intensive care unit on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were followed daily for 28 days to record any in-hospital complications and the outcome of patients.Results. Total of 46 patients were included during this period out of which 56% (26) were males and 43% (20) were females. Mean age was 44 ± 19 years. There were 11 (23.9%) patients with age >65 and 35 (76%) had age <65 years. There were 21 (45.6%) patients with pulmonary ARDS and 25 (54.3%) had extrapulmonary ARDS. APACHE II score of >20 was present in 23 (50%) patients while the rest had score of <20. Regarding in-hospital complications, 23 (50%) patients developed sepsis, 31 (67.4%) had multiorgan failure, 14 (30%) had refractory shock, and 15 (32.6%) developed refractory hypoxemia. Out of 46 patients, 26 (56.5%) died within 28 days. On univariate analysis, high APACHE score, multiorgan failure, refractory shock, and refractory hypoxemia were main causes of death.Conclusion. ARDS is a syndrome of high mortality with mortality rate of 56.5% in this study. High APACHE, sepsis, multiorgan failure, refractory shock, and refractory hypoxemia are the leading causes of death in our patients.
Vibration Isolation Platform with Multiple Tuned Mass Dampers for Reaction Wheel on Satellites
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhang Jingrui , Zhai Guang
Published: June 2013

Vibration isolation is a direct and effective approach to improve the ultraprecise pointing capability of an imaging satellite. To have a good trade-off between the resonance amplitude and the high frequency attenuation for the original vibration isolation platform, a novel vibration isolation system for reaction wheel (RW), including a multistrut vibration isolation platform and multiple tuned mass dampers, is proposed. The first step constructs the integrated satellite dynamic model including the RWs and the vibration isolation systems, while the static and dynamic imbalances of the rotor and base movements are considered in the modeling process. The transmissibility matrix of the vibration isolation system is then obtained, and its frequency domain characteristics are described. The third part presents the application of the vibration isolation system for RWs. The effective attenuation of RW disturbances by the new vibration isolation system is illustrated, and its safety performance is also verified. Finally, using the reasonable parameters of the vibration isolation system, its performance on the satellite is testified by numerical simulations. The study shows that the novel vibration isolation system presented cannot only be successfully applied to a satellite but also improve the attitude stability.
Effect of Internal Heat Generation/Absorption on Dusty Fluid Flow over an Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Pavithra G. M. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: June 2013

A numerical analysis has been carried out to describe the boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a dusty fluid over an exponentially stretching surface in the presence of viscous dissipation and internal heat generation/absorption. The governing partial differential equations are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation, before being solved numerically by Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg 45 method. The heat transfer analysis has been carried out for both PEST and PEHF cases. The numerical results are compared with the earlier study and found to be in excellent agreement. Some important features of the flow and heat transfer in terms of velocities and temperature distributions for different values of the governing parameters like fluid-particle interaction parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number, Number density, heat source/sink parameter, and suction parameter which are of physical and engineering interests are analyzed, discussed, and presented through tables and graphs.
Connected Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanodot Arrays for Perspective Functional Materials
Authors: Waegner M. , Finn A. , Suchaneck G. , Gerlach G. , Eng L. M.
Published: June 2013

We describe the fabrication of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanodisc arrays isolated by a polymer layer and contacted with a top electrode. PZT thin films were deposited by multitarget sputtering onto a platinum/titanium bottom electrode and structured by means of nanosphere lithography. To guarantee short-circuit-free deposition of a top electrode, the space between the nanostructures was filled by a polymer. Two approaches for the filling are demonstrated: (a) imprinting and (b) skim coating. Single nanodiscs embedded in a flexible
polymer matrix have two major advantages. First, taking into account the flexibility of the matrix, they can vibrate in lateral direction and, second, due to shrinking to the nanoscale, predominant directions of the polarization form, such as vortex- or bubble-like domain patterns. Piezoresponse force microscopy was performed on patterned and nonpatterned samples with and without a top electrode to check the local piezoresponse. Comparison of the different samples revealed an increase in lateral piezoactivity for patterned samples with Ni/Cr electrode while the out-of-plane piezoresponse remained constant. Gold electrodes limit the piezoresponse in both measured directions.
A Fiber Bragg Grating Pressure Sensor and Its Application to Pipeline Leakage Detection
Authors: Huang Jun , Zhou Zude , Zhang Dongsheng , Wei Qin
Published: June 2013

The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology has been rapidly applied in the sensing technology field. In this paper, an FBG pressure sensor is designed and implemented to detect the leakage of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP). The pressure sensor is mainly based on a Bourdon tube with two FBGs bonded on its outside and inside surfaces, respectively. The measurement principle and simulation analysis results are described. The wavelength shift difference of the two FBGs is utilized as a pressure sensing signal, the sensitivity is enhanced, and the temperature cross-sensitivity is compensated. Experimental results indicate that the measurement sensitivity is 1.414 pm/kPa in a range from 0 to 1 MPa, and the correlative coefficient reaches 99.949%. This kind of pressure sensor is effective to quasi-distributed measure and online monitor pressure of gas or liquid in industry and manufacture fields.
Load-Balanced Secure Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xin-sheng Wang , Yong-zhao Zhan , Liang-min Wang
Published: June 2013

To solve the problems of limited energy of the nodes and security of routing in wireless sensor networks, load-balanced secure routing protocol (LSRP), a load-balanced secure routing protocol for wireless sensor networks, is proposed. Based on structured topology of hexagonal mesh, hops at different directions are calculated on the optimal route for transmitting data packets in LSRP. Depending on characters of hops, the nodes can rapidly find a route among multiple optimal routes by the policy of the twice probability routing selection. Data breach is prevented by data encryption, and data security is realized by one-way hash key chain and symmetric key authentication. LSRP offers preventions against usual attacks, and it also takes into account traffic load balance. Analysis and simulation results show that LSRP has better performance on traffic load balance and security.
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Models: Do They Need a Fix?
Authors: Sehba Fatima A. , Pluta Ryszard M.
Published: June 2013

The discovery of tissue plasminogen activator to treat acute stroke is a success story of research on preventing brain injury following transient cerebral ischemia (TGI). That this discovery depended upon development of embolic animal model reiterates that proper stroke modeling is the key to develop new treatments. In contrast to TGI, despite extensive research, prevention or treatment of brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has not been achieved. A lack of adequate aSAH disease model may have contributed to this failure. TGI is an important component of aSAH and shares mechanism of injury with it. We hypothesized that modifying aSAH model using experience acquired from TGI modeling may facilitate development of treatment for aSAH and its complications. This review focuses on similarities and dissimilarities between TGI and aSAH, discusses the existing TGI and aSAH animal models, and presents a modified aSAH model which effectively mimics the disease and has a potential of becoming a better resource for studying the brain injury mechanisms and developing a treatment.
An Amino Acids Mixture Improves the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Acetaminophen in Mice
Authors: Di Pierro Francesco , Rossoni Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, but at high dose it leads to undesirable side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of DDM-GSH, a mixture of L-cysteine, L-methionine, and L-serine in a weight ratio of 2 : 1 : 1, in comparison to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), against acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicity was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of low dose (2 mmol/kg) or high dose (8 mmol/kg) of APAP. DDM-GSH (0.4 to 1.6 mmol/kg) was given ip to mice 1 h before the APAP administration. The same was done with NAC (0.9 to 3.6 mmol/kg), the standard antidote of APAP toxicity. Mice were sacrificed 8 h after the APAP injection to determine liver weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total glutathione (GSH) depletion and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in liver tissues. DDM-GSH improved mouse survival rates better than NAC against a high dose of APAP. Moreover, DDM-GSH significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner not only APAP-induced increases of ALT but also APAP-induced hepatic GSH depletion and MDA accumulation. Our results suggest that DDM-GSH may be more potent than NAC in protecting the liver from APAP-induced liver injury.
Sliding Intermittent Control for BAM Neural Networks with Delays
Authors: Hu Jianqiang , Liang Jinling , Karimi Hamid Reza , Cao Jinde
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses the exponential stability problem for a class of delayed bidirectional associative memory (BAM) neural networks with delays. A sliding intermittent controller which takes the advantages of the periodically intermittent control idea and the impulsive control scheme is proposed and employed to the delayed BAM system. With the adjustable parameter taking different particular values, such a sliding intermittent control method can comprise several kinds of control schemes as special cases, such as the continuous feedback control, the impulsive control, the periodically intermittent control, and the semi-impulsive control. By using analysis techniques and the Lyapunov function methods, some sufficient criteria are derived for the closed-loop delayed BAM neural networks to be globally exponentially stable. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and the obtained theoretical results.
Effects of Thermal Mass, Window Size, and Night‐Time Ventilation on Peak Indoor Air Temperature in the Warm‐Humid Climate of Ghana
Authors: Amos-Abanyie S. , Akuffo F. O. , Kutin-Sanwu V.
Published: June 2013

Most office buildings in the warm‐humid sub‐Saharan countries experience high cooling load because of the predominant use of sandcrete blocks which are of low thermal mass in construction and extensive use of glazing. Relatively, low night‐time temperatures are not harnessed in cooling buildings because office openings remain closed after work hours. An optimization was performed through a sensitivity analysis‐based simulation, using the Energy Plus (E+) simulation software to assess the effects of thermal mass, window size, and night ventilation on peak indoor air temperature (PIAT). An experimental system was designed based on the features of the most promising simulation model, constructed and monitored, and the experimental data used to validate the simulation model. The results show that an optimization of thermal mass and window size coupled with activation of night‐time ventilation provides a synergistic effect to obtain reduced peak indoor air temperature. An expression that predicts, indoor maximum temperature has been derived for models of various thermal masses.
Evaluating Phylogenetic Informativeness as a Predictor of Phylogenetic Signal for Metazoan, Fungal, and Mammalian Phylogenomic Data Sets
Authors: López-Giráldez Francesc , Moeller Andrew H. , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2013

Phylogenetic research is often stymied by selection of a marker that leads to poor phylogenetic resolution despite considerable cost and effort. Profiles of phylogenetic informativeness provide a quantitative measure for prioritizing gene sampling to resolve branching order in a particular epoch. To evaluate the utility of these profiles, we analyzed phylogenomic data sets from metazoans, fungi, and mammals, thus encompassing diverse time scales and taxonomic groups. We also evaluated the utility of profiles created based on simulated data sets. We found that genes selected via their informativeness dramatically outperformed haphazard sampling of markers. Furthermore, our analyses demonstrate that the original phylogenetic informativeness method can be extended to trees with more than four taxa. Thus, although the method currently predicts phylogenetic signal without specifically accounting for the misleading effects of stochastic noise, it is robust to the effects of homoplasy. The phylogenetic informativeness rankings obtained will allow other researchers to select advantageous genes for future studies within these clades, maximizing return on effort and investment. Genes identified might also yield efficient experimental designs for phylogenetic inference for many sister clades and outgroup taxa that are closely related to the diverse groups of organisms analyzed.
Application of Design of Experiment for Floating Drug Delivery of Tapentadol Hydrochloride
Authors: Jagdale Swati C. , Patil Somnath , Kuchekar Bhanudas S.
Published: June 2013

The aim of the present study was to apply design of experiment (DOE) to optimize floating drug delivery of tapentadol hydrochloride. Tapentadol hydrochloride is a synthetic opioid used as a centrally acting analgesic and effective in both experimental and clinical pain. The half-life of the drug is about 4 hours and oral dose is 50 to 250 mg twice a day. For optimization 32full factorial design was employed for formulation of tapentadol hydrochloride tablets. Sodium bicarbonate was incorporated as a gas-generating agent. Combination of polymers Xanthan gum and Locust bean gum was used to achieve controlled release effect. The concentration of polymers was considered as the independent variables and dependent variables were floating lag time and swelling index of the tablets. From the factorial batches, it was observed that formulation containing combination of 20% sodium bicarbonate and 10% citric acid shows optimum floating ability whereas the formulation containing 20% Xanthan gum and 28% Locust bean gum shows optimum sustained drug release pattern with adequate floating.
Statistical Texture Modeling for Medical Volume Using Linear Tensor Coding
Authors: Deng Junping , Qiao Xu , Chen Yen-Wei
Published: June 2013

We introduced a compact representation method named Linear Tensor Coding (LTC) for medical volume. With LTC, medical volumes can be represented by a linear combination of bases which are mutually independent. Furthermore, it is possible to choose the distinctive basis for classification. Before classification, correlations between category labels and the coefficients of LTC basis are used to choose the basis. Then we use the selected basis for classification. The classification accuracy can be significantly improved by the use of selected distinctive basis.
Analysis of Fractal Wave Equations by Local Fractional Fourier Series Method
Authors: Yang Yong-Ju , Baleanu Dumitru , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2013

The fractal wave equations with local fractional derivatives are investigated in this paper. The analytical solutions are obtained by using local fractional Fourier series method. The present method is very efficient and accurate to process a class of local fractional differential equations.
A Simple and Green Protocol for 2H‐Indazolo[2,1‐b]phthalazine‐triones Using Grinding Method
Authors: Jia Xiao-chuan , Li Jing , Ding Yu , Zhang Bin , Wang Na , Wang Yu-hu
Published: June 2013

A robust, facile, and solvent‐free route for the three‐component synthesis of 2H‐indazolo[2,1‐b]phthalazine‐triones in the presence of a catalytic amount of p‐toluene sulfonic acid utilizing grinding has been developed. Short reaction time, simple operation, and high yields are the advantages of this protocol.
Feasibility Investigation of Obstacle-Avoiding Sensors Unit without Image Processing
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa , Masuda Hiroshi , Mimura Yoshio
Published: June 2013

Feasibility of a simple method to detect step height, slope angle, and trench width using four infrared-light-source PSD range sensors is examined, and the reproducibility and accuracy of characteristic parameter detection are also examined. Detection error of upward slope angle is within 2.5 degrees, while it is shown that the detection error of downward slope angle exceeding 20 degrees is very large. In order to reduce such errors, a method to improve range-voltage performance of a range sensor is proposed, and its availability is demonstrated. We also show that increase in trial frequency is a better way, although so as not to increase the detection delay. Step height is identified with an error of ±1.5 mm. It is shown that trench width cannot be reliably measured at this time. It is suggested that an additional method is needed if we have to advance the field of obstacle detection.
A Review on Antihyperglycemic and Antihepatoprotective Activity of Eco-FriendlyPunica granatumPeel Waste
Authors: Middha Sushil Kumar , Usha Talambedu , Pande Veena
Published: June 2013

Over the past decade, pomegranate (Punica granatum) is entitled as a wonder fruit because of its voluminous pharmacological properties. In 1830,P. granatumfruit was first recognized in United States Pharmacopeia; the Philadelphia edition introduced the rind of the fruit, the New York edition the bark of the root and further 1890 edition the stem bark was introduced. There are significant efforts and progress made in establishing the pharmacological mechanisms of peel (pericarp or rind) and the individual constituents responsible for them. This review provides an insight on the phytochemical components that contribute too antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic effect, and numerous other effects of wonderful, economic, and eco-friendly pomegranate peel extract (PP).
Surgical Resection of Ruptured Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Minutolo Vincenzo , Licciardello Alessio , Arena Manuel , Minutolo Orazio , Lanteri Raffaele , Arena Goffredo
Published: June 2013

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLH) is a rare primary tumor of the liver, which typically arises from noncirrhotic livers and affects patients below the age of 35. We report on a 29-year-old male patient who presented with a ruptured FLH and was treated with surgical resection. Options for treatment and review of the management are described.
Peritoneal Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent, Unknown Risk Patient
Authors: Tomizawa Yutaka , Yecies Emmanuelle B. , Craig Fiona E. , Sohnen Adam
Published: June 2013

A 36-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented with two-month abdominal distention, night sweats, and weight loss of 15 Ib. He had no known exposure to tuberculosis. PPD test was negative prior to the hospital admission. Physical examination was notable for new onset ascites, but no superficial lymphadenopathy or stigmata of chronic liver disease was found. CT scan demonstrated enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, and prominent retroperitoneal lymph nodes along with moderate ascites and omental infiltration. Diagnostic paracentesis yielded WBC of 295/mm3, lymphocytic predominance (70%), and serum ascitic albumin gradient of 0.1, consistent with exudate. Both the ascitic culture and AFB smear were negative, and ascitic cytology revealed nonmalignant cells. Exploratory laparoscopy for excisional biopsy of mesenteric lymph nodes was performed. Pathologic findings revealed caseous granulomas with scattered multinucleated giant cells. Mesenteric lymph node tissue culture subsequently grewMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex and the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis was confirmed. The patient was started on quadruple therapy. A couple of days after the antibiotics were started, the small bowel obstruction started to resolve with resumption of bowel movements and tolerance of oral intake. A week later, ascites stopped accumulating and fever was no longer noted. He has been well and continues to be under observation.
Estimating Alarm Thresholds for Process Monitoring Data under Different Assumptions about the Data Generating Mechanism
Authors: Burr Tom , Hamada Michael S. , Howell John , Skurikhin Misha , Ticknor Larry , Weaver Brian
Published: June 2013

Process monitoring (PM) for nuclear safeguards sometimes requires estimation of thresholds corresponding to small false alarm rates. Threshold estimation dates to the 1920s with the Shewhart control chart; however, because possible new roles for PM are being evaluated in nuclear safeguards, it is timely to consider modern model selection options in the context of threshold estimation. One of the possible new PM roles involves PM residuals, where a residual is defined as residual = data − prediction. This paper reviews alarm threshold estimation, introduces model selection options, and considers a range of assumptions regarding the data-generating mechanism for PM residuals. Two PM examples from nuclear safeguards are included to motivate the need for alarm threshold estimation. The first example involves mixtures of probability distributions that arise in solution monitoring, which is a common type of PM. The second example involves periodic partial cleanout of in-process inventory, leading to challenging structure in the time series of PM residuals.
Persistent Organic Pollutants Induced Protein Expression and Immunocrossreactivity byStenotrophomonas maltophiliaPM102: A Prospective Bioremediating Candidate
Authors: Mukherjee Piyali , Roy Pranab
Published: June 2013

A novel bacterium capable of growth on trichloroethylene as the sole carbon source was identified asStenotrophomonas maltophiliaPM102 by 16S rDNA sequencing (accession number of NCBI GenBank: JQ797560). In this paper, we report the growth pattern, TCE degradation, and total proteome of this bacterium in presence of various other carbon sources: toluene, phenol, glucose, chloroform, and benzene. TCE degradation was comparatively enhanced in presence of benzene. Densitometric analysis of the intracellular protein profile revealed four proteins of 78.6, 35.14, 26.2, and 20.47 kDa while the extracellular protein profile revealed two distinct bands at 14 kDa and 11 kDa that were induced by TCE, benzene, toluene, and chloroform but absent in the glucose lane. A rabbit was immunised with the total protein extracted from the bacteria grown in 0.2% TCE + 0.2% peptone. Antibody preadsorbed on proteins from peptone grown PM102 cells reacted with a single protein of 35.14 kDa (analysed by MALDI-TOF-mass-spectrometry) from TCE, benzene, toluene, or chloroform grown cells. No reaction was seen for proteins of PM102 grown with glucose. The PM102 strain was immobilised in calcium alginate beads, and TCE degradation by immobilised cells was almost double of that by free cells. The beads could be reused 8 times.
Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Carbon/Cobalt Films with Different sp2/sp3 Ratios
Authors: Xu Naiyun , Tsang Siu Hong , Tay Beng Kang , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Ng Chee Mang
Published: June 2013

The need of barrier layer such as SiO2 for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) growth limits their performance in electronic applications. In this study, conductive carbon/metal (carbon/cobalt—C:Co) composite films with the same metal content, but different sp2/sp3 ratios, were deposited using dual‐source filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) technique. Three different C:Co composite films were deposited at different temperatures; visible Raman spectroscopy indicates that the sp2‐rich C:Co composite film forms at high temperature (500°C), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) shows the formation of conducting graphitic‐like sp2 clusters and with Co nanoclusters embedded within them. Electrical measurement shows a significant decrease in film resistivity as sp2/sp3 ratio increases. CNTs were successfully grown on the composite films by plasma‐enhanced vapor deposition (PECVD) approach. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows minor effect on the density of CNTs by varying the sp2/sp3 ratio. The dependence of defect level of the as‐grown CNTs is found to reduce as sp2/sp3 ratio increases.
Availability of a Periodically Inspected System Maintained through Several Minimal Repairs before a Replacement or a Perfect Repair
Authors: Yang Jun , Gang Tingting , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2013

The instantaneous availability of a periodically inspected system with several minimal repairs before a replacement or a perfect repair is studied. First, we investigate two concrete minimal repair models with periodic inspection and constant repair time and give their instantaneous availability formulas. Then the instantaneous availability of the proposed model with constant repair times is presented by a set of recursive formulas, and its piecewise monotonicity is also shown. An example is presented to illustrate its application.
Digestibility and IgE-Binding of Glycosylated Codfish Parvalbumin
Authors: de Jongh Harmen H. J. , Robles Carlos López , Timmerman Eefjan , Nordlee Julie A. , Lee Poi-Wah , Baumert Joseph L. , Hamilton Robert G. , Taylor Steve L. , Koppelman Stef J.
Published: June 2013

Food-processing conditions may alter the allergenicity of food proteins by different means. In this study, the effect of the glycosylation as a result of thermal treatment on the digestibility and IgE-binding of codfish parvalbumin is investigated. Native and glycosylated parvalbumins were digested with pepsin at various conditions relevant for the gastrointestinal tract. Intact proteins and peptides were analysed for apparent molecular weight and IgE-binding. Glycosylation did not substantially affect the digestion. Although the peptides resulting from digestion were relatively large (3 and 4 kDa), the IgE-binding was strongly diminished. However, the glycosylated parvalbumin had a strong propensity to form dimers and tetramers, and these multimers bound IgE intensely, suggesting stronger IgE-binding than monomeric parvalbumin. We conclude that glycosylation of codfish parvalbumin does not affect the digestibility of parvalbumin and that the peptides resulting from this digestion show low IgE-binding, regardless of glycosylation. Glycosylation of parvalbumin leads to the formation of higher order structures that are more potent IgE binders than native, monomeric parvalbumin. Therefore, food-processing conditions applied to fish allergen can potentially lead to increased allergenicity, even while the protein’s digestibility is not affected by such processing.
Interinstitutional Variation of Caesarean Delivery Rates According to Indications in Selected Obstetric Populations: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Maso Gianpaolo , Piccoli Monica , Montico Marcella , Monasta Lorenzo , Ronfani Luca , Parolin Sara , Gigli Carmine , Domini Daniele , Fiscella Claudio , Casarsa Sara , Zompicchiatti Carlo , De Agostini Michela , D’Atri Attilio , Mugittu Raffaela , La Valle Santo , Di Leonardo Cristina , Adamo Valter , Fracas Mara , Del Frate Giovanni , Olivuzzi Monica , Giove Silvio , Parente Maria , Bassini Daniele , Melazzini Simona , Guaschino Secondo , Businelli Caterina , Toffoletti Franco G. , Marchesoni Diego , Rossi Alberto , Demarini Sergio , Travan Laura , Simon Giorgio , Zicari Sandro , Tamburlini Giorgio , Alberico Salvatore
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study was to identify which groups of women contribute to interinstitutional variation of caesarean delivery (CD) rates and which are the reasons for this variation. In this regard, 15,726 deliveries from 11 regional centers were evaluated using the 10-group classification system. Standardized indications for CD in each group were used. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to calculate (1) relationship between institutional CD rates and relative sizes/CD rates in each of the ten groups/centers; (2) correlation between institutional CD rates and indications for CD in each of the ten groups/centers. Overall CD rates correlated with both CD rates in spontaneous and induced labouring nulliparous women with a single cephalic pregnancy at term (P=0.005). Variation of CD rates was also dependent on relative size and CD rates in multiparous women with previous CD, single cephalic pregnancy at term (P<0.001). As for the indications, “cardiotocographic anomalies” and “failure to progress” in the group of nulliparous women in spontaneous labour and “one previous CD” in multiparous women previous CD correlated significantly with institutional CD rates (P=0.021,P=0.005, andP<0.001, resp.). These results supported the conclusion that only selected indications in specific obstetric groups accounted for interinstitutional variation of CD rates.
Natural Treatment Systems as Sustainable Ecotechnologies for the Developing Countries
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar , Pervez Arshid , Zeb Bibi Saima , Zaffar Habiba , Yaqoob Hajra , Waseem Muhammad , Zahidullah  , Afsheen Sumera
Published: June 2013

The purpose of natural treatment systems is the re-establishment of disturbed ecosystems and their sustainability for benefits to human and nature. The working of natural treatment systems on ecological principles and their sustainability in terms of low cost, low energy consumption, and low mechanical technology is highly desirable. The current review presents pros and cons of the natural treatment systems, their performance, and recent developments to use them in the treatment of various types of wastewaters. Fast population growth and economic pressure in some developing countries compel the implementation of principles of natural treatment to protect natural environment. The employment of these principles for waste treatment not only helps in environmental cleanup but also conserves biological communities. The systems particularly suit developing countries of the world. We reviewed information on constructed wetlands, vermicomposting, role of mangroves, land treatment systems, soil-aquifer treatment, and finally aquatic systems for waste treatment. Economic cost and energy requirements to operate various kinds of natural treatment systems were also reviewed.
Increased Risk of RSV Infection in Children with Down's Syndrome: Clinical Implementation of Prophylaxis in the European Union
Authors: van Beek Dianne , Paes Bosco , Bont Louis
Published: June 2013

Prospective cohort studies show that Down’s syndrome (DS) is an independent risk factor for hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis. It is unknown whether this observation has been translated into specific management for DS children. The primary goal was to assess the knowledge of healthcare providers in the European Union about RSV infection in DS children and to determine whether it influenced the implementation of prophylaxis. DS caregivers were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire, and country-specific guidelines were obtained. Fifty-three caregivers participated. Thirty-nine (86.7%) had knowledge of the increased risk of severe RSV infection in DS children, and 30 (71.4%) graded that it was important to have a statement on the use of RSV prophylaxis in existing guidelines. Twenty-eight participants had a local DS guideline; hard copies of twelve unique guidelines were obtained. Only one (8.3%) contained a statement on RSV prophylaxis for DS, and five considered such a statement for the next version.Conclusion. Most pediatricians had knowledge that DS children have an increased risk of severe RSV infection. Despite the lack of a specific RSV prophylaxis trial in DS, they felt that a statement on RSV prophylaxis in DS guidelines was important, but this was rarely present in current guidelines.