bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Intranasal Steroid in the Prevention of Recurrent Nasal Symptoms after Adenoidectomy
Authors: Sobhy Tamer S.
Published: August 2013

Background. Intranasal steroid provides an efficient nonsurgical alternative to adenoidectomy for theimprovement of adenoid nasal obstruction.Objective. To demonstrate the role of intranasal steroid in the prevention of adenoid regrowth after adenoidectomy.Methods. Prospective randomized controlled study. Two hundred children after adenoidectomy were divided into 2 groups. Group I received postoperative intranasal steroid and group II received postoperative intranasal saline spray. Both medications were administered for 12 weeks postoperatively. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Followup was done using the nasopharyngeal lateral X-rays, reporting the degree of the symptoms.Results. Significant difference between both groups after 6 months and after 1 year. The intranasal steroid group had significantly lower score after 6 months and after 1 year as regards nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and snoring than the intranasal saline group. 2 weeks postoperatively, there was no difference between both groups as regards nasal obstruction, discharge, or snoring. As regards lateral radiographs, there was statistically significant difference between both groups 1 year but not 6 months postoperatively.Conclusion. Factors influencing the outcome of intranasal steroids therapy in the prevention of adenoid regrowth have not been identified. However, this treatment may obtain successful results in children to avoid readenoidectomy.
Presence Service in IMS
Authors: Petras David , Baronak Ivan , Chromy Erik
Published: August 2013

This paper describes the presence service, which is located in the IP multimedia subsystem. This service allows making many applications for different groups of people. The paper describes differences between a network without the service and with the service. The biggest change is an increased number of transmitted messages. The presence uses some part of the IP multimedia subsystem control layer, which is shown in communication between the user and the server. The paper deals with the number of generated messages depending on the behaviour of the users. This is described by a mathematical model using discrete Markov chains.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Suppression and Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome as a Complication of Epidural Steroid Injections
Authors: Leary Joyce , Swislocki Arthur
Published: August 2013

Epidural steroid injections are well accepted as a treatment for radicular back pain in appropriate candidates. While overall incidence of systemic side effects has not been well established, at least five biochemically proven cases of iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome have been reported as complications of epidural steroid treatment. We present an additional case of iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome and adrenal suppression in a middle-aged woman who received three epidural steroid injections over a four-month period. We review this case in the context of previous cases and discuss diagnostic and management issues.
Isolation and Characterization of Chicken Dermis-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Gao Yuhua , Bai Chunyu , Xiong Hui , Li Qian , Shan Zhiqiang , Huang Linsheng , Ma Yuehui , Guan Weijun
Published: August 2013

Dermis-derived mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (DMS/PCs) were isolated from the skin tissue of 16-day-old chick embryos and then characterized by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. We found that primary DMS/PCs could be expanded for 15 passages. Expression ofβ-integrin, CD44, CD71, and CD73 was observed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Passage 3 DMS/PCs were successfully induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and neurocytes. The results indicate the potential for multilineage differentiation of DMS/PCs that may represent an ideal candidate for cellular transplantation therapy.
Investigations on Efficiently Interfaced Steel Concrete Composite Deck Slabs
Authors: Lakshmikandhan K. N. , Sivakumar P. , Ravichandran R. , Jayachandran S. Arul
Published: August 2013

The strength of the composite deck slab depends mainly on the longitudinal shear transfer mechanism at the interface between steel and concrete. The bond strength developed by the cement paste is weak and causes premature failure of composite deck slab. This deficiency is effectively overcame by a shear transferring mechanism in the form of mechanical interlock through indentations, embossments, or fastening studs. Development of embossment patterns requires an advanced technology which makes the deck profile expensive. Fastening studs by welding weakens the joint strength and also escalates the cost. The present investigation is attempted to arrive at a better, simple interface mechanism. Three types of mechanical connector schemes are identified and investigated experimentally. All of the three shear connector schemes exhibited full shear interaction with negligible slip. The strength and stiffness of the composite slabs with shear connectors are superior about one and half time compared to these of the conventional reinforced concrete slabs and about twice compared to these of composite slabs without mechanical shear connectors. The scheme2 and scheme3 shear connector mechanisms integrate deck webs and improve strength and stiffness of the deck, which can effectively reduce the cost of formworks and supports efficiently.
On the Connection Coefficients of the Chebyshev‐Boubaker Polynomials
Authors: Barry Paul
Published: August 2013

The Chebyshev‐Boubaker polynomials are the orthogonal polynomials whose coefficient arrays are defined by ordinary Riordan arrays. Examples include the Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind and the Boubaker polynomials. We study the connection coefficients of this class of orthogonal polynomials, indicating how Riordan array techniques can lead to closed‐form expressions for these connection coefficients as well as recurrence relations that define them.
The Coupled Kuramoto-Sivashinsky-KdV Equations for Surface Wave in Multilayered Liquid Films
Authors: Cai Maomao , Li Dening , Rattanakul Chontita
Published: August 2013

We study the coupled Kuramoto-Sivashinsky-KdV equations describing the surface waves on multilayered liquid films. A priori energy estimates for linearized problem are derived and local existence of solutions for initial-value problem is established.
The Influence of Hemocoagulation Disorders on the Development of Posttraumatic Cerebral Infarction and Outcome in Patients with Moderate or Severe Head Trauma
Authors: Chen Hao , Xue Li-Xia , Guo Yan , Chen Shi-Wen , Wang Gan , Cao He-Li , Chen Jiong , Tian Heng-Li
Published: August 2013

Posttraumatic cerebral infarction (PTCI) is a severe secondary insult of head injury and often leads to a poor prognosis. Hemocoagulation disorder is recognized to have important effects on hemorrhagic or ischemic damages. We sought to assess if posttraumatic hemocoagulation disorders were associated with cerebral infarction, and evaluate their influence on outcome among patients with moderate or severe head trauma. In this study, PTCI was observed in 28 (10.57%) of the 265 patients within the first week after injury. In multivariate analysis, the thrombocytopenia (odds ratio (OR) 2.210, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.065–4.674), abnormal prothrombin time (PT) (OR 3.241, 95% CI 1.090–7.648), D-dimer (>2 mg/L) (OR 7.260, 95% CI 1.822–28.076), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores (≥5) (OR 4.717, 95% CI 1.778–12.517) were each independently associated with an increased risk of PTCI. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen, and D-dimer (>2 mg/L) and DIC scores (≥5) showed an independent predictive effect on poor outcome. In conclusion, recognition of this important treatable cause of PTCI and the associated risk factors may help identify the group at risk and tailor management of patients with TBI.
Yield and Fruit Characteristics of Various Apricot Cultivars under Subtropical Climate Conditions of the Mediterranean Region in Turkey
Authors: Polat A. Aytekin , Caliskan Oguzhan
Published: August 2013

Seven apricot cultivars (“Beliana,” “Canino,” “Precoce de Colomer,” “Feriana,” “Rouge de Sernhac,” “Tokaloğlu,” and “Macar”) were evaluated at the experimental orchard of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. Phenological and pomological characteristics such as flowering period, average fruit weight, yield, fruit dimensions, flesh/seed ratio, acidity, and total soluble solids (TSSs) were examined. In addition, yield parameters of the cultivars were evaluated. Over four years, the highest average fruit weight was obtained from “Rouge de Sernhac” (37.9 g), while “Feriana” had the lowest (30.9 g). The flesh/seed ratio was the highest in the “Canino” (16.8). “Canino” had the highest TSS content with 14.5%, whereas “Beliana” had the lowest TSS value with 10.6%. “Beliana” and “Feriana” ripened the earliest (May 20) while “Precoce de Colomer” ripened latest (June 7). The average yield was highest on “Rouge de Sernhac” (41.2 kg/tree). “Beliana” and “Feriana” cultivars are recommended for precocity, and “Rouge de Sernhac” and “Tokaloğlu” for middle season in Dörtyol, Turkey.
Regulatory T Cell in Stroke: A New Paradigm for Immune Regulation
Authors: Chen Sheng , Wu Haijian , Klebe Damon , Hong Yuan , Zhang Jianmin , Tang Jiping
Published: August 2013

Stroke is a common, debilitating trauma that has an incompletely elucidated pathophysiology and lacks an effective therapy. FoxP3+CD25+CD4+regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress a variety of normal physiological and pathological immune responses via several pathways, such as inhibitory cytokine secretion, direct cytolysis induction, and antigen-presenting cell functional modulation. FoxP3+CD25+CD4+Tregs are involved in a variety of central nervous system diseases and injuries, including axonal injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and stroke. Specifically, FoxP3+CD25+CD4+Tregs exert neuroprotective effects in acute experimental stroke models. These beneficial effects, however, are difficult to elucidate. In this review, we summarized evidence of FoxP3+CD25+CD4+Tregs as potentially important immunomodulators in stroke pathogenesis and highlight further investigations for possible immunotherapeutic strategies by modulating the quantity and/or functional effects of FoxP3+CD25+CD4+Tregs in stroke patients.
Role of Flies as Vectors of Foodborne Pathogens in Rural Areas
Authors: Barreiro Cláudia , Albano Helena , Silva Joana , Teixeira Paula
Published: August 2013

This study aims to evaluate flies as a vector for foodborne pathogens. For this purpose, several flies were collected from different sites from rural areas. These flies were then analyzed for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus coagulase positive, and Listeria monocytogenes. Another aim of this study was to evaluate some virulence factors of the collected pathogens: susceptibility to some antibiotics and the presence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus. The results showed that flies in the presence of animals demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of the studied pathogens than those collected in the kitchens, and kitchens situated in the closest proximity to the animal husbandry had a higher count than the kitchens in private houses. Enterobacteriaceae was the indicator organism with the highest microbial counts followed by E. coli and S. aureus. Listeria monocytogenes was not detected from any of the collected flies. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that the bacteria carried by the flies possessed multiantibiotic resistance profiles, and enterotoxin A was produced by 17.9% of the confirmed S. aureus isolates. These results demonstrate that flies can transmit foodborne pathogens and their associated toxin and resistance and the areas of higher risk are those in closer proximity to animal production sites.
Markers of Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Postmenopausal Women: Focus on Oxidized-LDL and HDL Subpopulations
Authors: Mascarenhas-Melo Filipa , Sereno José , Teixeira-Lemos Edite , Ribeiro Sandra , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Cotterill Ethan , Teixeira Frederico , Reis Flávio
Published: August 2013

Objective. To evaluate the effect of gender and menopause in cardiovascular risk (CVR) in a healthy population based on both classical and nontraditional markers.Methods. 56 men and 68 women (48 pre- and 20 postmenopause) were enrolled in the study. The following markers were analyzed: blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), glucose, total cholesterol (total-c), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), oxidized-LDL (Ox-LDL), HDL-c and subpopulations, paraoxonase-1 activity, hsCRP, uric acid, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecular 1 (ICAM1).Results.Relative to the women, men present significantly increased BMI, WC, BP, glucose, total-c, TGs, LDL-c, Ox-LDL, uric acid, and TNF-αand reduced adiponectin and total and large HDL-c. The protective profile of women is lost after menopause with a significantly increased BMI, WC, BP, glucose, LDL-c, Ox-LDL, hsCRP, and VEGF and decreased total and large HDL-c. Significant correlations were found in women population and in postmenopausal women between Ox-LDL and total, large, and small HDL-c and between TNF-αand total, large, and small HDL-c, LDL-c, and Ox-LDL.Conclusions. Men present higher CVR than women who lost protection after menopause, evidenced by nontraditional markers, including Ox-LDL and HDL subpopulations.
VOF Modeling and Analysis of the Segmented Flow in Y-Shaped Microchannels for Microreactor Systems
Authors: Wang Xian , Hirano Hiroyuki , Xie Gongnan , Xu Ding
Published: August 2013

Microscaled devices receive great attention in microreactor systems for producing high renewable energy due to higher surface-to-volume, higher transport rates (heat or/and mass transfer rates), and other advantages over conventional-size reactors. In this paper, the two-phase liquid-liquid flow in a microchannel with various Y-shaped junctions has been studied numerically. Two kinds of immiscible liquids were injected into a microchannel from the Y-shaped junctions to generate the segment flow mode. The segment length was studied. The volume of fluid (VOF) method was used to track the liquid-liquid interface and the piecewise-liner interface construction (PLIC) technique was adopted to get a sharp interface. The interfacial tension was simulated with continuum surface force (CSF) model and the wall adhesion boundary condition was taken into consideration. The simulated flow pattern presents consistence with our experimental one. The numerical results show that a segmented flow mode appears in the main channel. Under the same inlet velocities of two liquids, the segment lengths of the two liquids are the same and depend on the inclined angles of two lateral channels. The effect of inlet velocity is studied in a typical T-shaped microchannel. It is found that the ratio between the lengths of two liquids is almost equal to the ratio between their inlet velocities.
Detoxification of Implant Surfaces Affected by Peri-Implant Disease: An Overview of Surgical Methods
Authors: Valderrama Pilar , Wilson Jr Thomas G.
Published: August 2013

Purpose. Peri-implantitis is one of the major causes of implant failure. The detoxification of the implant surface is necessary to obtain reosseointegration. The aim of this review was to summarize in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials that have evaluated surgical approaches for detoxification of the implant body surfaces.Materials and Methods. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) from 1966 to 2013. The outcome variables were the ability of the therapeutic method to eliminate the biofilm and endotoxins from the implant surface, the changes in clinical parameters, radiographic bone fill, and histological reosseointegration.Results. From 574 articles found, 76 were analyzed. The findings, advantages, and disadvantages of using mechanical, chemical methods and lasers are discussed.Conclusions. Complete elimination of the biofilms is difficult to achieve. All therapies induce changes of the chemical and physical properties of the implant surface. Partial reosseointegration after detoxification has been reported in animals. Combination protocols for surgical treatment of peri-implantitis in humans have shown some positive clinical and radiographic results, but long-term evaluation to evaluate the validity and reliability of the techniques is needed.
Infrared and Raman Spectra of C4H4Se and C4D4Se Isotopomers: A DFT‐PT2 Anharmonic Study
Authors: Alparone Andrea
Published: August 2013

IR and Raman spectra of selenophene and of its perdeuterated isotopomer have been obtained in gas phase through density‐functional theory (DFT) computations. Vibrational wavenumbers have been calculated using harmonic and anharmonic second‐order perturbation theory (PT2) procedures with the B3LYP method and the 6‐311G∗∗ basis set. Anharmonic overtones have been determined by means of the PT2 method. The introduction of anharmonic terms decreases the harmonic wavenumbers, giving a significantly better agreement with the experimental data. The most significant anharmonic effects occur for the C–H and C–D stretching modes, the observed H/D isotopic wavenumber redshifts being satisfactorily reproduced by the PT2 computations within 6–20 cm−1 (1–3%). In the spectral region between 500 cm−1 and 1500 cm−1, the IR spectra are dominated by the out‐of‐plane C–H (C–D) bending transition, whereas the Raman spectra are mainly characterized by a strong peak mainly attributed to the C=C + C–C bonds stretching vibration with the contribution of the in‐plane C–H (C–D) bending deformation. The current results confirm that the PT2 approach combined with the B3LYP/6‐311G∗∗ level of calculation is a satisfactory choice for predicting vibrational spectra of cyclic molecules.
The Comprehensive Biomechanics and Load-Sharing of Semirigid PEEK and Semirigid Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Systems
Authors: Sengupta D. K. , Bucklen Brandon , McAfee Paul C. , Nichols Jeff , Angara Raghavendra , Khalil Saif
Published: August 2013

Alternatives to conventional rigid fusion have been proposed for several conditions related to degenerative disc disease when nonoperative treatment has failed. Semirigid fixation, in the form of dynamic stabilization or PEEK rods, is expected to provide compression under loading as well as an intermediate level of stabilization. This study systematically examines both the load-sharing characteristics and kinematics of these two devices compared to the standard of internal rigid fixators. Load-sharing was studied by using digital pressure films inserted between an artificially machined disc and two loading fixtures. Rigid rods, PEEK rods, and the dynamic stabilization system were inserted posteriorly for stabilization. The kinematics were quantified on ten, human, cadaver lumbosacral spines (L3-S1) which were tested under a pure bending moment, in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The magnitude of load transmission through the anterior column was significantly greater with the dynamic device compared to PEEK rods and rigid rods. The contact pressures were distributed more uniformly, throughout the disc with the dynamic stabilization devices, and had smaller maximum point-loading (pressures) on any particular point within the disc. Kinematically, the motion was reduced by both semirigid devices similarly in all directions, with slight rigidity imparted by a lateral interbody device.
Coding and Noncoding Gene Expression Biomarkers in Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia
Authors: Mamdani Firoza , Martin Maureen V. , Lencz Todd , Rollins Brandi , Robinson Delbert G. , Moon Emily A. , Malhotra Anil K. , Vawter Marquis P.
Published: August 2013

Mood disorders and schizophrenia are common and complex disorders with consistent evidence of genetic and environmental influences on predisposition. It is generally believed that the consequences of disease, gene expression, and allelic heterogeneity may be partly the explanation for the variability observed in treatment response. Correspondingly, while effective treatments are available for some patients, approximately half of the patients fail to respond to current neuropsychiatric treatments. A number of peripheral gene expression studies have been conducted to understand these brain-based disorders and mechanisms of treatment response with the aim of identifying suitable biomarkers and perhaps subgroups of patients based upon molecular fingerprint. In this review, we summarize the results from blood-derived gene expression studies implemented with the aim of discovering biomarkers for treatment response and classification of disorders. We include data from a biomarker study conducted in first-episode subjects with schizophrenia, where the results provide insight into possible individual biological differences that predict antipsychotic response. It is concluded that, while peripheral studies of expression are generating valuable results in pathways involving immune regulation and response, larger studies are required which hopefully will lead to robust biomarkers for treatment response and perhaps underlying variations relevant to these complex disorders.
The Effect of Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfate and Simvastatin on Elevated Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shang Qinghua , Wang Hanjay , Li Siming , Xu Hao
Published: August 2013

Background. Coronary heart disease (CHD) due to atherosclerotic inflammation remains a significant threat to global health despite the success of the lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory statins. Tanshinone IIA, a potent anti-inflammatory compound derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), may be able to supplement statins by further reducing levels of circulating inflammatory markers correlated to cardiovascular risk. Here, we present the protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will investigate the synergistic effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate and simvastatin on reducing elevated inflammatory markers in patients with CHD. Participants: Seventy-two inpatients with confirmed CHD, elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) level, and a TCM diagnosis of blood stasis syndrome will be enrolled and randomized 1 : 1 into the control or experimental group.Intervention. All subjects will receive a standard Western therapy including 20 mg simvastatin orally once per evening. Patients in the experimental group will additionally receive a daily 80 mg dose of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate intravenously, diluted into 250 mL 0.9% NaCl solution. The treatment period will be 14 days.Outcomes. Primary outcome parameter: serum Hs-CRP level. Secondary outcome parameters: other circulating inflammatory markers (including IL-6, TNFα, VCAM-1, CD40, sCD40L, MCP-1, and MMP-9), improvement in symptoms of angina and blood stasis syndrome, and safety. This trial is registered withChiCTR-TRC-12002361.
Characterisation and Properties of Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics in the SiO2-Li2O-K2O-Al2O3System for Dental Applications
Authors: Monmaturapoj Naruporn , Lawita Pornchanok , Thepsuwan Witoon
Published: August 2013

This work proposes four different glass formulas derived from the SiO2-Li2O-K2O-Al2O3system to investigate the effect of glass composition on their crystal formations and properties. Glass LD1 was SiO2-Li2O-K2O-Al2O3system with the addition of P2O5and CaF2as nucleating agents. In Glass LD2, a slight amount of MgO was mixed in order to increase the viscosity of the melting glass. Finally, the important factor of Si : Li ratio was increased in Glasses LD3 and LD4 with compositions otherwise the same as LD1 and LD2. The results found that P2O5and CaF2served as a nucleating site for lithium phosphate and fluorapatite to encourage heterogenous nucleation and produce a fine-grained interlocking microstructure of lithium disilicate glass ceramics. MgO content in this system seemed to increase the viscosity of the melting glass and thermal expansion coefficient including the chemical solubility. Increasing the Si : Li ratio in glass compositions resulted in the change of the microstructure of Li2Si2O5crystals.
Corrosion Monitoring of Flexible Metallic Substrates for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Watson Trystan , Reynolds Gavin , Wragg David , Williams Geraint , Worsley David
Published: August 2013

Two techniques for monitoring corrosion within a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) system are presented, which enable continuous, high sensitivity, in situ measurement of electrolyte breakdown associated with DSCs fabricated on metals. The first method uses UV/Vis reflectance spectrophotometry in conjunction with encapsulation cells, which incorporate a 25 μm thick electrolyte layer, to provide highly resolved triiodide absorption data. The second method uses digital image capture to extract colour intensity data. Whilst the two methods provide very similar kinetic data on corrosion, the photographic method has the advantage that it can be used to image multiple samples in large arrays for rapid screening and is also relatively low cost. This work shows that the triiodide electrolyte attacks most metals that might be used for structural applications. Even a corrosion resistant metal, such as aluminium, can be induced to corrode through surface abrasion. This result should be set in the context with the finding reported here that certain nitrogen containing heterocyclics used in the electrolyte to enhance performance also act as corrosion inhibitors with significant stabilization for metals such as iron. These new techniques will be important tools to help develop corrosion resistant metal surfaces and corrosion inhibiting electrolytes for use in industrial scale devices.
Sparse Signal Recovery by Stepwise Subspace Pursuit in Compressed Sensing
Authors: Li ZheTao , Xie JingXiong , Tu DengBiao , Choi Young-June
Published: August 2013

In this paper, an algorithm named stepwise subspace pursuit (SSP) is proposed for sparse signal recovery. Unlike existing algorithms that select support set from candidate sets directly, our approach eliminates useless information from the candidate through threshold processing at first and then recovers the signal through the largest correlation coefficients. We demonstrate that SSP significantly outperforms conventional techniques in recovering sparse signals whose nonzero values have exponentially decaying magnitudes or distribution of [Formula: see text]. Experimental results of Lena show that SSP is better than CoSaMP, OMP, and SP in terms of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) by 5.5 db, 4.1 db, and 4.2 db, respectively.
Global Attractor for Partial Functional Differential Equations with State-Dependent Delay
Authors: He Zhimin , Du Bo
Published: August 2013

This work aims to investigate the existence of global attractors for a class of partial functional differential equations with state-dependent delay. Using the classic theory about global attractors in infinite dimensional dynamical systems, we obtain some sufficient conditions for guaranteeing the existence of a global attractor.
Projected Changes of Grassland Productivity along the Representative Concentration Pathways during 2010–2050 in China
Authors: Wu Feng , Deng Xiangzheng , Yin Fang , Yuan Yongwei
Published: August 2013

The grassland is an important land use type that plays an important role in the ecosystem services supply in China. It is of great significance to the grassland management to determine the changing trend of grassland productivity and its response to climate change. Firstly, the relationship between grassland productivity and climate change, geographical conditions, and human activities was analyzed with the panel data of the whole China during 1980–2010 in this study. The result indicated that the temperature and precipitation were very important to grassland productivity at the national scale. Secondly, the grassland in China was divided into 7 grassland ecological-economic zones according to the ecosystem service function and climate characteristics. The relationship between grassland productivity and climate change was further analyzed at the regional scale. The result indicated that the temperature is more beneficial to the increase of the grassland productivity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Southwest Karst shrubland region. Thirdly, the increase of the temperature and precipitation can increase the grassland productivity and consequently relieve the pressure according to the climate factors of simulation with the community climate system model v4.0 (CCSM). However, the simulation result indicates that the human pressure on grasslands is still severe under the four RCPs scenarios and the grassland area would reduce sharply due to the conversion from the grassland to the cultivated land. What is more, there is still a great challenge to the increase of total grassland productivity in China.
Reduced Paraoxonase 1 Activity as a Marker for Severe Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhou Chiyan , Cao Jia , Shang Liang , Tong Chuanfeng , Hu Hanling , Wang Hui , Fan Daping , Yu Hong
Published: August 2013

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1), a high-density-lipoprotein- (HDL-) associated enzyme, has the potential to protect against atherogenesis. We examine the relationships between plasma PON1 activity and the progression of atherosclerosis as well as coronary artery disease (CAD). Fasting blood samples were collected from female apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice and 149 patients undergoing coronary angiography for the biochemical parameters measurement. The severity of CAD was defined using angiographic Gensini score (GSS). Compared to 3-month-old apoE−/−mice, aged mice had significantly lower PON1 activity, which is negatively correlated with the size of atherosclerotic lesion and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) levels. In study patients, PON1 activity was correlated with age, sex, and HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and was significantly lower in CAD group than that in non-CAD control group. Interestingly, PON1 activity in severe CAD group (GSS > 40) was further significantly reduced compared to those in mild and moderate subgroups (GSS  ≤ 40) (P<0.01). There is a significant correlation between PON1 activity and the severity of CAD as assessed by GSS (r=-0.393,P<0.001). PON1 activity may be a potential biomarker for the severity of CAD.
A Note on the⊤-Stein Matrix Equation
Authors: Chiang Chun-Yueh
Published: August 2013

This note is concerned with the linear matrix equationX=AX⊤B + C, where the operator(·)⊤denotes the transpose (⊤) of a matrix. The first part of this paper sets forth the necessary and sufficient conditions for the unique solvability of the solutionX. The second part of this paper aims to provide a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between the theory of the generalized eigenvalue problem and the theory of the linear matrix equation. The final part of this paper starts with a brief review of numerical methods for solving the linear matrix equation. In relation to the computed methods, knowledge of the residual is discussed. An expression related to the backward error of an approximate solution is obtained; it shows that a small backward error implies a small residual. Just like the discussion of linear matrix equations, perturbation bounds for solving the linear matrix equation are also proposed in this work.

Erratum to “A Note on the⊤-Stein Matrix Equation”
Biomarkers in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Overview and Implications for Future Research
Authors: Schmidt Ulrike , Kaltwasser Sebastian F. , Wotjak Carsten T.
Published: August 2013

PTSD can develop in the aftermath of traumatic incidents like combat, sexual abuse, or life threatening accidents. Unfortunately, there are still no biomarkers for this debilitating anxiety disorder in clinical use. Anyhow, there are numerous studies describing potential PTSD biomarkers, some of which might progress to the point of practical use in the future. Here, we outline and comment on some of the most prominent findings on potential imaging, psychological, endocrine, and molecular PTSD biomarkers and classify them into risk, disease, and therapy markers. Since for most of these potential PTSD markers a causal role in PTSD has been demonstrated or at least postulated, this review also gives an overview on the current state of research on PTSD pathobiology.
Which Vitamin D in CKD-MBD? The Time of Burning Questions
Authors: Galassi Andrea , Bellasi Antonio , Auricchio Sara , Papagni Sergio , Cozzolino Mario
Published: August 2013

Vitamin D is a common treatment against secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal patients. However, the rationale for the prescription of vitamin D sterols in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly increasing due to the coexistence of growing expectancies close to unsatisfactory evidences, such as (1) the lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) proving the superiority of any vitamin D sterol against placebo on patients centered outcomes, (2) the scanty clinical data on head to head comparisons between the multiple vitamin D sterols currently available, (3) the absence of RCTs confirming the crescent expectations on nutritional vitamin D pleiotropic effects even in CKD patients, (4) the promising effects of vitamin D receptors activators (VDRA) against proteinuria and myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic CKD cohorts, and (5) the conflicting data on the impact on mortality of VDRA versus calcimimetic centered regimens to control CKD-MBD. The present review arguments these issues focusing on the opened questions that nephrologists should consider dealing with the prescription of nutritional vitamin D or VDRA and with the choice of a VDRA versus a calcimimetic based regimen in CKD-MBD patients.
Closed‐Loop and Robust Control of Quantum Systems
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Wang Lin-Cheng , Wang Yuanlong
Published: August 2013

For most practical quantum control systems, it is important and difficult to attain robustness and reliability due to unavoidable uncertainties in the system dynamics or models. Three kinds of typical approaches (e.g., closed‐loop learning control, feedback control, and robust control) have been proved to be effective to solve these problems. This work presents a self‐contained survey on the closed‐loop and robust control of quantum systems, as well as a brief introduction to a selection of basic theories and methods in this research area, to provide interested readers with a general idea for further studies. In the area of closed‐loop learning control of quantum systems, we survey and introduce such learning control methods as gradient‐based methods, genetic algorithms (GA), and reinforcement learning (RL) methods from a unified point of view of exploring the quantum control landscapes. For the feedback control approach, the paper surveys three control strategies including Lyapunov control, measurement‐based control, and coherent‐feedback control. Then such topics in the field of quantum robust control as H∞ control, sliding mode control, quantum risk‐sensitive control, and quantum ensemble control are reviewed. The paper concludes with a perspective of future research directions that are likely to attract more attention.
The Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis Score as a Predictor of 1-Month Mortality among Adult Patients with Sepsis: Weighing the Evidence
Authors: Eka Putra Bayushi , Tiah Ling
Published: August 2013

Objective. To evaluate the performance of Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score in comparison to biomarkers as a predictor of mortality in adult emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis. Methods. A literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Ovid databases. Studies were appraised by using the C2010 Consensus Process for Levels of Evidence for prognostic studies. The respective values for area under the curve (AUC) were obtained from the selected articles. Results. Four relevant articles met the selection process. Three studies defined the 1-month mortality as death occurring within 28 days of ED presentation, while the remaining one subcategorised the outcome measure as (5-day) early and (6- to 30-day) late mortality. In all four studies, the MEDS score performed better than the respective comparators (C-reactive protein, lactate, procalcitonin, and interleukin-6) in predicting mortality with an AUC ranging from 0.78 to 0.89 across the studies. Conclusion. The MEDS score has a better prognostic value than the respective comparators in predicting 1-month mortality in adult ED patients with suspected sepsis.
Relationship between Acute Phase Proteins and Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo , Beserra Bruna Teles Soares , Cunha Raphael Salles Granato , Hillesheim Elaine , Camargo Carolina de Quadros , Pequito Danielle Cristina Tonello , de Castro Isabela Coelho , Fernandes Luiz Cláudio , Nunes Everson Araújo , Trindade Erasmo Benício Santos de Moraes
Published: August 2013

Background.Obesity is considered a low-grade inflammatory state and has been associated with increased acute phase proteins as well as changes in serum fatty acids. Few studies have assessed associations between acute phase proteins and serum fatty acids in morbidly obese patients.Objective.To investigate the relationship between acute phase proteins (C-Reactive Protein, Orosomucoid, and Albumin) and serum fatty acids in morbidly obese patients.Methods.Twenty-two morbidly obese patients were enrolled in this study. Biochemical and clinical data were obtained before bariatric surgery, and fatty acids measured in preoperative serum.Results.Orosomucoid was negatively correlated with lauric acid (P=0.027) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (P=0.037) and positively with arachidonic acid (AA) (P=0.035), AA/EPA ratio (P=0.005), and n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (P=0.035). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) was negatively correlated with lauric acid (P=0.048), and both CRP and CRP/Albumin ratio were negatively correlated with margaric acid (P=0.010,P=0.008, resp.). Albumin was positively correlated with EPA (P=0.027) and margaric acid (P=0.008). Other correlations were not statistically significant.Conclusion.Our findings suggest that serum fatty acids are linked to acute phase proteins in morbidly obese patients.
Silicone-Acyclovir Controlled Release Devices Suppress Primary Herpes Simplex Virus-2 and Varicella Zoster Virus InfectionsIn Vitro
Authors: Berkower Carol L. , Johnson Nicole M. , Longdo Stephen B. , McGusty-Robinson Shenika O. , Semenkow Samantha L. , Margulies Barry J.
Published: August 2013

Following initial infection, herpesviruses retreat into a permanent latent state with periodic reactivation resulting in an enhanced likelihood of transmission and clinical disease. The nucleoside analogue acyclovir reduces clinical symptoms of the three human alpha herpesviruses, HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV. Long-term administration of acyclovir (ACV) can reduce the frequency and severity of reactivation, but its low bioavailability and short half-life require a daily drug regimen. Our lab is working to develop a subcutaneous delivery system to provide long-lasting, sustained release of ACV. Previously, we demonstrated that an implantable silicone (MED-4050) device, impregnated with ACV protected against HSV-1 bothin vitroandin vivo. Here, we extend ourin vitroobservations to include protection against both HSV-2 and VZV. We also demonstrate protection against HSV-2in vitrousing MED-4750, a silicone polymer designed for long-term use in humans. When release of ACV from MED-4750 is quantitated on a daily basis, an initial burst of 5 days is observed, followed by a long period of slow release with near-zero-order kinetics, with an average daily release of 1.3923 ± 0.5908 μg ACV over days 20–60. Development of a slow-release implant has the potential to significantly impact the treatment of human alpha herpesvirus infections.
Calcifications of Vertebrobasilar Arteries on CT: Detailed Distribution and Relation to Risk Factors in 245 Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Pikija Slaven , Magdič Jožef , Hojs-Fabjan Tanja
Published: August 2013

Introduction. Intracranial atherosclerosis is responsible for a substantial proportion of strokes worldwide but its detailed morphology in the vertebrobasilar arteries (VBA) is unknown.Subject and Methods. Cases with ischemic strokes were retrospectively sought from the hospital database. Native CT scans were assessed for vessel area and intracranial artery calcifications (ICACs) in VBA. The calcifications were classified as focal (FCs), crescent, and circular.Results. 245 patients (mean age:77.1±10.2years, 57.6% females) had visible ICACs. Calcifications were found in 75.9%, 63.3%, and 17.1% in the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA), and the basilar artery (BA), respectively. FCs were present in 91.0%, 90.3%, and 100.0%; crescents in 30.3%, 29.0%, and 7.1%, and circulars in 6.4%, 4.8%, and 0.0% of the RVA, LVA, and BA, respectively. FCs in dorsolateral quadrant were least prevalent in both vertebral arteries (VAs): 46 (29.8%) and 46 (27.4%) for RVA and LVA, respectively. Risk factors associated with vertical dispersion of ICACs were male gender (OR : 2.69, 1.38–5.28) and diabetes (OR : 2.28, 1.04–4.99).Conclusions. FCs in VAs are least prevalent in dorsolateral quadrants. The vertical dispersion of ICACs seems to be associated with the male gender and diabetes.
Orientation and Optical Polarized Spectra (380–900 nm) of Methylene Blue Crystals on a Glass Surface
Authors: Milošević Maja D. , Logar M. Mihovil , Poharc-Logar A. Vesna , Jakšić N. Ljiljana
Published: August 2013

The crystallographic directions of the crystal toward the vector of polarized light can accurately be positioned, so the information that we gain from polarized spectra can be consistently interpreted according to known crystal structure. The orientation and optical properties of the methylene blue (MB) crystals were analyzed by XRD, XRPD, and polarized VIS-NIR spectroscopy. Cationic dye, MB, was polymerized into crystals on a glass slate. The blue color crystals showed pronounced dichroism, twin lamellar structure and bladed to fibrous habit. According to XRD data, [010] direction lies perpendicular to the crystal surface, so we recognized it as (0k0) face, while [100] and [001] directions coincide with crystal elongation and crystal thickness respectively. In this paper, the polarized spectra of MB crystal are presented, measured with the aim of acquisition of referent values, which could be helpful for the identification of MB molecular aggregation.
Incorporation of Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes into a Polyurethane Matrix
Authors: Michálek Martin , Bredol Michael
Published: August 2013

Functionalized and raw multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated colloid-chemically in order to study the role of polar versus nonpolar interaction with a polyurethane (PU) matrix. Both kinds of MWCNTs were dispersed by ultrasonication in the presence of a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate) in aqueous solution. Functional groups on the nanotube surface were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and by theζ-potential in aqueous suspension. Such suspensions were added to waterborne PU dispersions, drop-cast on glass substrates and cured. The percolation threshold for electrical conductivity with polar (functionalized) MWCNTs was reached at 0.24 wt.%, whereas at concentrations as high as 2 wt.%, PU films with nonpolar MWCNTs stayed below the percolation threshold. With an addition of 0.4 wt.% polar MWCNTs, the electrical conductivity increased to >10−6 S/cm in the cured coating layer. These results are interpreted with respect to the chemical nature of the PU matrix.
An ARMA Type Fuzzy Time Series Forecasting Method Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Egrioglu Erol , Yolcu Ufuk , Aladag Cagdas Hakan , Kocak Cem
Published: August 2013

In the literature, fuzzy time series forecasting models generally include fuzzy lagged variables. Thus, these fuzzy time series models have only autoregressive structure. Using such fuzzy time series models can cause modeling error and bad forecasting performance like in conventional time series analysis. To overcome these problems, a new first-order fuzzy time series which forecasting approach including both autoregressive and moving average structures is proposed in this study. Also, the proposed model is a time invariant model and based on particle swarm optimization heuristic. To show the applicability of the proposed approach, some methods were applied to five time series which were also forecasted using the proposed method. Then, the obtained results were compared to those obtained from other methods available in the literature. It was observed that the most accurate forecast was obtained when the proposed approach was employed.
Pharmaceutical Properties and Applications of a Natural Polymer from Grewia mollis
Authors: Nep Elijah I. , Odumosu Patricia O. , Ngwuluka Ndidi C. , Olorunfemi Patrick O. , Ochekpe Nelson A.
Published: August 2013

The use of naturally occurring biocompatible materials has been the focus of recent research activity in the design of dosage forms for immediate and controlled release formulations. Grewia gum is an intracellular gum obtained by extraction from the inner stem bark of the shrub Grewia mollis (Malvaceae). It grows abundantly (wild or cultivated) in the middle belt region of Nigeria, and the mucilage has been used by indigenes of this belt as thickener in soups. Grewia gum has been investigated for potential applications in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The industrial extrapolation of the applications of the gum has, however, been slowed by the limited structural, toxicological, and stability data available on the gum. This paper highlights ethnobotanical uses of G. mollis shrub and discusses the structural features, functional properties, and applications of grewia gum with emphases on its pharmaceutical potentials.
Mediators of Pruritus in Lichen Planus
Authors: Welz-Kubiak Kalina , Reich Adam
Published: August 2013

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory mucocutaneous disease, showing a wide variety of clinical subtypes. The classic presentation of LP involves the appearance of polygonal, flat-topped, violaceous papules and plaques with reticulated white lines, termed “Wickham's striae”. Cutaneous lesions tend to be extremely pruritic, and this symptom does not subside after common antipruritic treatment. Moreover, based on our previous pilot study, it could be stated, that itch is the most unpleasant and bothersome symptom of LP for majority of patients suffering from this disease. However, the underlying mechanisms of itch in lichen planus remain still unknown. In addition, there is no study on mediators of this sensation, but taking into account pathogenesis of LP there are some possible mediators implicated to transmit or modulate itch. In pathogenesis of LP important are such mechanisms as apoptosis, autoimmune reaction, and role of stress. With these pathways some, previously described in other diseases, itch mediators such as cytokines, proteases, and opioid system are connected. Whether these mechanisms are involved in pruritus accompanying LP requires further investigation. Limited knowledge of pruritus origin in lichen planus is responsible for the lack of the effective antipruritic treatments. Here, we describe possible mechanisms participating the pathogenesis of pruritus in lichen planus.