bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Features of the Peptide Homologous to 6-25 Fragment of Influenza A PB1 Protein
Authors: Egorov Vladimir V. , Matusevich Oleg V. , Shaldzhyan Aram A. , Skvortsov Alexey N. , Zabrodskaya Yana A. , Garmay Yuri P. , Landa Sergey B. , Lebedev Dmitry V. , Zarubayev Vladimir V. , Sirotkin Alexey K. , Vasin Andrey V. , Kiselev Oleg I.
Published: December 2013

A mirror-symmetry motif was discovered in the N-terminus of the influenza virus PB1 protein. Structure of peptide comprised of the corresponding part of PB1 (amino acid residues 6-25) was investigated by circular dichroism and in silico modeling. We found that peptide PB1 (6-25) in solution assumes beta-hairpin conformation. A truncated peptide PB1 (6-13), containing only half of the mirror-symmetry motif, appeared to stabilize the beta-structure of the original peptide and, at high concentrations, was capable of reacting with peptide to form insoluble aggregates in vitro. Ability of PB1 (6-13) peptide to interact with the N-terminal domain of PB1 protein makes it a potential antiviral agent that inhibits PA-PB1 complex formation by affecting PB1 N-terminus structure.
Optimal Protection Coordination for Microgrid under Different Operating Modes
Authors: Yang Ming-Ta , Chang Li-Feng
Published: December 2013

Significant consequences result when a microgrid is connected to a distribution system. This study discusses the impacts of bolted three-phase faults and bolted single line-to-ground faults on the protection coordination of a distribution system connected by a microgrid which operates in utility-only mode or in grid-connected mode. The power system simulation software is used to build the test system. The linear programming method is applied to optimize the coordination of relays, and the relays coordination simulation software is used to verify if the coordination time intervals (CTIs) of the primary/backup relay pairs are adequate. In addition, this study also proposes a relays protection coordination strategy when the microgrid operates in islanding mode during a utility power outage. Because conventional CO/LCO relays are not capable of detecting high impedance fault, intelligent electrical device (IED) combined with wavelet transformer and neural network is proposed to accurately detect high impedance fault and identify the fault phase.
Evidence of Bacterial Biofilms among Infected and Hypertrophied Tonsils in Correlation with the Microbiology, Histopathology, and Clinical Symptoms of Tonsillar Diseases
Authors: Alasil Saad Musbah , Omar Rahmat , Ismail Salmah , Yusof Mohd Yasim , Dhabaan Ghulam N. , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen
Published: December 2013

Diseases of the tonsils are becoming more resistant to antibiotics due to the persistence of bacteria through the formation of biofilms. Therefore, understanding the microbiology and pathophysiology of such diseases represent an important step in the management of biofilm-related infections. We have isolated the microorganisms, evaluated their antimicrobial susceptibility, and detected the presence of bacterial biofilms in tonsillar specimens in correlation with the clinical manifestations of tonsillar diseases. Therefore, a total of 140 palatine tonsils were collected from 70 patients undergoing tonsillectomy at University Malaya Medical Centre. The most recovered isolate wasStaphylococcus aureus(39.65%) followed byHaemophilus influenzae(18.53%). There was high susceptibility against all selected antibiotics except for cotrimoxazole. Bacterial biofilms were detected in 60% of patients and a significant percentage of patients demonstrated infection manifestation rather than obstruction. In addition, an association between clinical symptoms like snore, apnea, nasal obstruction, and tonsillar hypertrophy was found to be related to the microbiology of tonsils particularly to the presence of biofilms. In conclusion, evidence of biofilms in tonsils in correlation with the demonstrated clinical symptoms explains the recalcitrant nature of tonsillar diseases and highlights the importance of biofilm’s early detection and prevention towards better therapeutic management of biofilm-related infections.
Physical, Optical, and Spectroscopic Studies on MgO-BaO-B2O3 Glasses
Authors: Samdani  , Shareefuddin Md. , Ramadevudu G. , Rao S. Laxmi Srinivasa , Narasimha Chary M.
Published: December 2013

The mixed alkaline effect in double alkaline borate glasses MgO-BaO-B2O3 containing small proportions of copper oxide (CuO) has been studied. The glass samples are characterized by optical absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A red shift in optical absorption peaks with increasing MgO (decreasing BaO) concentration has been observed. The values of “g” tensor and hyperfine “A” tensor have shown inflections with glass composition. The number of spins (N) and paramagnetic susceptibility (χ) also exhibited mixed alkaline effect. The broadening of glass network with increase in MgO concentration is found from the FTIR spectra. Interestingly both density and molar volume have shown decreasing trend with glass composition. The optical band gaps exhibited a nonlinear compositional dependence. As expected, the glass samples possessed higher values of optical basicity (Λ), molar electronic polarizability (αm), and Urbach energy (ΔE).
Role of Redox Signaling in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Hsieh Hsi-Lung , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: December 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a redox signal, are produced by various enzymatic reactions and chemical processes, which are essential for many physiological functions and act as second messengers. However, accumulating evidence has implicated the pathogenesis of several human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders related to increased oxidative stress. Under pathological conditions, increasing ROS production can regulate the expression of diverse inflammatory mediators during brain injury. Elevated levels of several proinflammatory factors including cytokines, peptides, pathogenic structures, and peroxidants in the central nervous system (CNS) have been detected in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These proinflammatory factors act as potent stimuli in brain inflammation through upregulation of diverse inflammatory genes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and adhesion molecules. To date, the intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the expression of target proteins regulated by these factors are elusive. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the intracellular signaling pathways, especially ROS, involved in the expression of several inflammatory proteins induced by proinflammatory factors in brain resident cells. Understanding redox signaling transduction mechanisms involved in the expression of target proteins and genes may provide useful therapeutic strategies for brain injury, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Effects of Antipsychotics on Prolactin Levels and Women’s Menstruation
Authors: Bargiota S. I. , Bonotis K. S. , Messinis I. E. , Angelopoulos N. V.
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Typical and atypical antipsychotic agent is currently used for treatment in the majority of patients with psychotic disorders. The aim of this review is to assess antipsychotic induced hyperprolactinaemia and the following menstrual dysfunction that affects fertility, quality of life, and therapeutic compliance of women.Method. For this purpose, Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases were accessed, with a focus on the publication dates between 1954 and 2012. Research of references was also performed and 78 studies were retrieved and used for the needs of this review.Results. A summary of several antipsychotics as well as frequency rates and data on hyperprolactinaemia and menstrual disorders for different agent is presented.Conclusion. Diverse prevalence rates of hyperprolactinaemia and menstrual abnormalities have been found about each medication among different studies. Menstruation plays an important role for women, thus, understanding, careful assessment, and management of hyperprolactinaemia could enhance their lives, especially when dealing with women that suffer from a psychotic disorder.
Empirical Evaluation of Visual Fatigue from Display Alignment Errors Using Cerebral Hemodynamic Responses
Authors: Wiyor Hanniebey D. , Ntuen Celestine A.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stereoscopic display alignment errors on visual fatigue and prefrontal cortical tissue hemodynamic responses. We collected hemodynamic data and perceptual ratings of visual fatigue while participants performed visual display tasks on 8 ft × 6 ft NEC LT silver screen with NEC LT 245 DLP projectors. There was statistical significant difference between subjective measures of visual fatigue before air traffic control task (BATC) and after air traffic control task (ATC 3), (P<0.05). Statistical significance was observed between left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin (l DLPFC-HbO2), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deoxygenated hemoglobin (l DLPFC-Hbb), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deoxygenated hemoglobin (r DLPFC-Hbb) on stereoscopic alignment errors (P<0.05). Thus, cortical tissue oxygenation requirement in the left hemisphere indicates that the effect of visual fatigue is more pronounced in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Modes of Inhibition ofα-Amylase andα-Glucosidase by Aqueous Extract ofMorinda lucidaBenth Leaf
Authors: Kazeem M. I. , Adamson J. O. , Ogunwande I. A.
Published: December 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of glucose metabolism. The management of blood glucose level is the hallmark in the treatment of this disease. This may be achieved through the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs such as biguanides, insulin secretagogues, andα-glucosidase inhibitors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect ofMorinda lucidaleaf extracts on the activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase. This was performed usingα-amylase fromAspergillus oryzaeandα-glucosidase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae.Aqueous extract ofMorinda lucidagave the highest percentage yield (9.99%) of the plant out of the three extracts (compared to acetone and ethanolic extracts) and possesses the highest inhibitory activity againstα-amylase (IC50value of 2.30 mg/mL) andα-glucosidase (IC50value of 2.00 mg/mL). Kinetic analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of this plant leaf inhibited theα-amylase competitively but displayed mixed noncompetitive mode of inhibition towardsα-glucosidase. It can be concluded that aqueous extract ofMorinda lucidaexhibited the best inhibitory activity on the two enzymes studied and the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins, and tannins may have contributed greatly to the inhibitory activity of the plant extract.
A Green Approach to Synthesize Silver Nanoparticles in Starch-co-Poly(acrylamide) Hydrogels by Tridax procumbens Leaf Extract and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Shaik Siraj , Kummara Madhusudana Rao , Poluru Sudhakar , Allu Chandrababu , Gooty Jaffer Mohiddin , Kashayi Chowdoji Rao , Subha Marata Chinna Subbarao
Published: December 2013

A series of starch-co-poly(acrylamide) (starch-co-PAAm) hydrogels were synthesized by employing free radical redox polymerization. A novel green approach, Tridax procumbens (TD) leaf extract, was used for reduction of silver ions (Ag+) into silver nanoparticles in the starch-co-PAAm hydrogel network. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (X-RD) studies. 22% of weight loss difference between hydrogel and silver nanocomposite hydrogel (SNCH) clearly indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles by TGA. TEM images indicate the successful incorporation of silver nanoparticles ranging from 5 to 10 nm in size and spherical in shape with a narrow size distribution. These developed SNCHs were used to study the antibacterial activity by inhibition zone method against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Bacillus and Escherichia coli. The results indicated that these SNCHs can be used potentially for biomedical applications.
A Hybrid Approach for Short‐Term Forecasting of Wind Speed
Authors: Tatinati Sivanagaraja , Veluvolu Kalyana C.
Published: December 2013

We propose a hybrid method for forecasting the wind speed. The wind speed data is first decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with empirical mode decomposition. Based on the partial autocorrelation factor of the individual IMFs, adaptive methods are then employed for the prediction of IMFs. Least squares‐support vector machines are employed for IMFs with weak correlation factor, and autoregressive model with Kalman filter is employed for IMFs with high correlation factor. Multistep prediction with the proposed hybrid method resulted in improved forecasting. Results with wind speed data show that the proposed method provides better forecasting compared to the existing methods.
Do Telomeres Adapt to Physiological Stress? Exploring the Effect of Exercise on Telomere Length and Telomere-Related Proteins
Authors: Ludlow Andrew T. , Ludlow Lindsay W. , Roth Stephen M.
Published: December 2013

Aging is associated with a tissue degeneration phenotype marked by a loss of tissue regenerative capacity. Regenerative capacity is dictated by environmental and genetic factors that govern the balance between damage and repair. The age-associated changes in the ability of tissues to replace lost or damaged cells is partly the cause of many age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and sarcopenia. A well-established marker of the aging process is the length of the protective cap at the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. Telomeres shorten with each cell division and with increasing chronological age and short telomeres have been associated with a range of age-related diseases. Several studies have shown that chronic exposure to exercise (i.e., exercise training) is associated with telomere length maintenance; however, recent evidence points out several controversial issues concerning tissue-specific telomere length responses. The goals of the review are to familiarize the reader with the current telomere dogma, review the literature exploring the interactions of exercise with telomere phenotypes, discuss the mechanistic research relating telomere dynamics to exercise stimuli, and finally propose future directions for work related to telomeres and physiological stress.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: Surgeon’s Prospective
Authors: Mishra Shashi Prakash , Singh Shivanshu , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar
Published: December 2013

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are fulminant infections of any layer of the soft tissue compartment associated with widespread necrosis and systemic toxicity. Delay in diagnosing and treating these infections increases the risk of mortality. Early and aggressive surgical debridement with support for the failing organs significantly improves the survival. Although there are different forms of NSTIs like Fournier’s gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis, the most important fact is that they share common pathophysiology and principles of treatment. The current paper summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical features, the diagnostic workup required and the treatment principles to manage these cases.
Structure of Pareto Solutions of Generalized Polyhedral-Valued Vector Optimization Problems in Banach Spaces
Authors: He Qinghai , Kong Weili
Published: December 2013

In general Banach spaces, we consider a vector optimization problem (SVOP) in which the objective is a set-valued mapping whose graph is the union of finitely many polyhedra or the union of finitely many generalized polyhedra. Dropping the compactness assumption, we establish some results on structure of the weak Pareto solution set, Pareto solution set, weak Pareto optimal value set, and Pareto optimal value set of (SVOP) and on connectedness of Pareto solution set and Pareto optimal value set of (SVOP). In particular, we improved and generalize, Arrow, Barankin, and Blackwell’s classical results in Euclidean spaces and Zheng and Yang’s results in general Banach spaces.
Preparation, Characterization, and Luminescence Properties of Orthorhombic Sodium Sulphate
Authors: Vidya Y. S. , Lakshminarasappa B. N.
Published: December 2013

A highly efficient thermoluminescence Na2SO4 phosphor with thenardite polymorphic structure was prepared by simple slow evaporation technique followed by subsequent calcination at 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C for 4 h and the resultant crystals were characterized by various analytical techniques. All the samples exhibited thermodynamically stable thenardite phase and the grain growth was increased for the calcined samples. SEM analysis indicated the fine distribution of twinned orthogonal prism and pyramidal structure without any agglomeration. The electron spin resonance spectroscopy showed the existence of SO4- radicals as trap centre. The thermoluminescence behavior suggested the charge carrier recombination dynamics in the thenardite sample followed second-order kinetics. The trapping parameters such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b), and frequency factor (s) have been determined using Chen’s peak shape method. Further fading of the TL intensity of Na2SO4 showed that thenardite is quite suitable for radiation dosimetry even up to 15 days. The photoluminescence band of Na2SO4 reduced in its intensity after γ-irradiation, suggesting that defects are unstable and decay rapidly.
Electricity Price Forecast Using Combined Models with Adaptive Weights Selected and Errors Calibrated by Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Liu Da , Wei Yanan , Yang Shuxia , Guan Zhitao
Published: December 2013

A combined forecast with weights adaptively selected and errors calibrated by Hidden Markov model (HMM) is proposed to model the day-ahead electricity price. Firstly several single models were built to forecast the electricity price separately. Then the validation errors from every individual model were transformed into two discrete sequences: an emission sequence and a state sequence to build the HMM, obtaining a transmission matrix and an emission matrix, representing the forecasting ability state of the individual models. The combining weights of the individual models were decided by the state transmission matrixes in HMM and the best predict sample ratio of each individual among all the models in the validation set. The individual forecasts were averaged to get the combining forecast with the weights obtained above. The residuals of combining forecast were calibrated by the possible error calculated by the emission matrix of HMM. A case study of day-ahead electricity market of Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM), USA, suggests that the proposed method outperforms individual techniques of price forecasting, such as support vector machine (SVM), generalized regression neural networks (GRNN), day-ahead modeling, and self-organized map (SOM) similar days modeling.
Maximum Equilibrium Prevalence of Mosquito-Borne Microparasite Infections in Humans
Authors: Amaku Marcos , Burattini Marcelo Nascimento , Coutinho Francisco Antonio Bezerra , Lopez Luis Fernandez , Massad Eduardo
Published: December 2013

To determine the maximum equilibrium prevalence of mosquito-borne microparasitic infections, this paper proposes a general model for vector-borne infections which is flexible enough to comprise the dynamics of a great number of the known diseases transmitted by arthropods. From equilibrium analysis, we determined the number of infected vectors as an explicit function of the model’s parameters and the prevalence of infection in the hosts. From the analysis, it is also possible to derive the basic reproduction number and the equilibrium force of infection as a function of those parameters and variables. From the force of infection, we were able to conclude that, depending on the disease’s structure and the model’s parameters, there is a maximum value of equilibrium prevalence for each of the mosquito-borne microparasitic infections. The analysis is exemplified by the cases of malaria and dengue fever. With the values of the parameters chosen to illustrate those calculations, the maximum equilibrium prevalence found was 31% and 0.02% for malaria and dengue, respectively. The equilibrium analysis demonstrated that there is a maximum prevalence for the mosquito-borne microparasitic infections.
MicroRNAs as Haematopoiesis Regulators
Authors: Undi Ram Babu , Kandi Ravinder , Gutti Ravi Kumar
Published: December 2013

The production of different types of blood cells including their formation, development, and differentiation is collectively known as haematopoiesis. Blood cells are divided into three lineages erythriod (erythrocytes), lymphoid (B and T cells), and myeloid (granulocytes, megakaryocytes, and macrophages). Haematopoiesis is a complex process regulated by several mechanisms including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small RNAs which regulate the expression of a number of genes involved in commitment and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Evidence shows that miRNAs play an important role in haematopoiesis; for example, myeloid and erythroid differentiation is blocked by the overexpression of miR-15a. miR-221, miR-222, and miR-24 inhibit the erythropoiesis, whereas miR-150 plays a role in B and T cell differentiation. miR-146 and miR-10a are downregulated in megakaryopoiesis. Aberrant expression of miRNAs was observed in hematological malignancies including chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myelomas, and B cell lymphomas. In this review we have focused on discussing the role of miRNA in haematopoiesis.
Peroxidase(s) in Environment Protection
Authors: Bansal Neelam , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: December 2013

Industrial discharges of untreated effluents into water bodies and emissions into air have deteriorated the quality of water and air, respectively. The huge amount of pollutants derived from industrial activities represents a threat for the environment and ecologic equilibrium. Phenols and halogenated phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC), pesticides, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), industrial dyes, and other xenobiotics are among the most important pollutants. Peroxidases are enzymes that are able to transform a variety of compounds following a free radical mechanism, thereby yielding oxidized or polymerized products. The peroxidase transformation of these pollutants is accompanied by a reduction in their toxicity, due to loss of biological activity, reduction in the bioavailability, or the removal from aqueous phase, especially when the pollutant is found in water. The review describes the sources of peroxidases, the reactions catalyzed by them, and their applications in the management of pollutants in the environment.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Time Domain Microwave Imaging System
Authors: Zeng Xuezhi , Fhager Andreas , Linner Peter , Persson Mikael , Zirath Herbert
Published: December 2013

We design a time domain microwave system dedicated to medical imaging. The measurement accuracy of the system, that is, signal-to-noise ratio, due to voltage noise and timing noise, is evaluated. Particularly, the effect of coupling media on the measurement accuracy is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results suggest that the use of suitable coupling media betters the measurement accuracy in the frequency range of interest. A signal-to-noise ratio higher than 30 dB is achievable in the range of 500 MHz to 3 GHz when the effective sampling rate is 50 Gsa/s. It is also indicated that the effect of the timing jitter on the strongest received signal is comparable to that of the voltage noise.
Environment and Health in Contaminated Sites: The Case of Taranto, Italy
Authors: Pirastu Roberta , Comba Pietro , Iavarone Ivano , Zona Amerigo , Conti Susanna , Minelli Giada , Manno Valerio , Mincuzzi Antonia , Minerba Sante , Forastiere Francesco , Mataloni Francesca , Biggeri Annibale
Published: December 2013

The National Environmental Remediation programme in Italy includes sites with documented contamination and associated potential health impacts (National Priority Contaminated Sites—NPCSs). SENTIERI Project, an extensive investigation of mortality in 44 NPCSs, considered the area of Taranto, a NPCS where a number of polluting sources are present. Health indicators available at municipality level were analyzed, that is, mortality (2003–2009), mortality time trend (1980–2008), and cancer incidence (2006-2007). In addition, the cohort of individuals living in the area was followed up to evaluate mortality (1998–2008) and morbidity (1998–2010) by district of residence. The results of the study consistently showed excess risks for a number of causes of death in both genders, among them: all causes, all cancers, lung cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic. An increased infant mortality was also observed from the time trends analysis. Mortality/morbidity excesses were detected in residents living in districts near the industrial area, for several disorders including cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. These coherent findings from different epidemiological approaches corroborate the need to promptly proceed with environmental cleanup interventions. Most diseases showing an increase in Taranto NPCS have a multifactorial etiology, and preventive measures of proven efficacy (e.g., smoking cessation and cardiovascular risk reduction programs, breast cancer screening) should be planned. The study results and public health actions are to be communicated objectively and transparently so that a climate of confidence and trust between citizens and public institutions is maintained.
Impact of Dual Placement and Routing on WDDL Netlist Security in FPGA
Authors: Amouri Emna , Mehrez Habib , Marrakchi Zied
Published: December 2013

The wave dynamic differential logic (WDDL) has been identified as a promising countermeasure to increase the robustness of cryptographic devices against differential power attacks (DPA). However, to guarantee the effectiveness of WDDL technique, the routing in both the direct and complementary paths must be balanced. This paper tackles the problem of unbalance of dual-railsignals in WDDL design. We describe placement techniques suitable for tree-based and mesh-based FPGAs and quantify the gain they confer. Then, we introduce a timing-balance-driven routing algorithm which is architecture independent. Our placement and routing techniques proved to be very promising. In fact, they achieve a gain of 95%, 93%, and 85% in delay balance in tree-based, simple mesh, and cluster-based mesh architectures, respectively. To reduce further the switch and delay unbalance in Mesh architecture, we propose a differential pair routing algorithm that is specific to cluster-based mesh architecture. It achieves perfectly balanced routed signals in terms of wire length and switch number.
Study on Indefinite Stochastic Linear Quadratic Optimal Control with Inequality Constraint
Authors: Li Guiling , Zhang Weihai
Published: December 2013

This paper studies the indefinite stochastic linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control problem with an inequality constraint for the terminal state. Firstly, we prove a generalized Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) theorem under hybrid constraints. Secondly, a new type of generalized Riccati equations is obtained, based on which a necessary condition (it is also a sufficient condition under stronger assumptions) for the existence of an optimal linear state feedback control is given by means of KKT theorem. Finally, we design a dynamic programming algorithm to solve the constrained indefinite stochastic LQ issue.
Particle Swarm Optimization-Proximal Point Algorithm for Nonlinear Complementarity Problems
Authors: Jun-Feng Chai , Shu-Yan Wang
Published: December 2013

A new algorithm is presented for solving the nonlinear complementarity problem by combining the particle swarm and proximal point algorithm, which is called the particle swarm optimization-proximal point algorithm. The algorithm mainly transforms nonlinear complementarity problems into unconstrained optimization problems of smooth functions using the maximum entropy function and then optimizes the problem using the proximal point algorithm as the outer algorithm and particle swarm algorithm as the inner algorithm. The numerical results show that the algorithm has a fast convergence speed and good numerical stability, so it is an effective algorithm for solving nonlinear complementarity problems.
Acute Poisoning Surveillance in Thailand: The Current State of Affairs and a Vision for the Future
Authors: Saoraya Jutamas , Inboriboon Pholaphat Charles
Published: December 2013

Acute poisoning is a major public health threat worldwide, including Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia with over 67 million inhabitants. The incidence and characteristics of poisoning in Thailand vary greatly depending on the reporting body. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive description of the state of poisoning in Thailand. It identifies common trends and differences in poisoning by reporting centers and regional studies. Almost half of the cases and three-fourths of the deaths involved pesticide poisonings associated with agricultural occupations. However, increasing urbanization has led to an increase in drug and household chemical poisoning. Though the majority of reported poisonings remain intentional, a trend towards unintentional poisonings in pediatric and geriatric populations should not be dismissed. Unique poisonings such as mushroom, botulism, and tetrodotoxin poisonings are also closely related to the Thai lifestyle. Following this extensive review of the Thai poisoning literature, it is apparent that further support of the poison control center in Thailand is needed to improve poisoning surveillance, research, prevention, and intervention.
Analytical Expressions for Steady-State Concentrations of Substrate and Oxidized and Reduced Mediator in an Amperometric Biosensor
Authors: Shunmugham Loghambal , Rajendran L.
Published: December 2013

A mathematical model of modified enzyme-membrane electrode for steady-state condition is discussed. This model contains a nonlinear term related to enzyme kinetics reaction mechanism. The thickness dependence of an amperometric biosensor is presented both analytically and numerically where the biological layer is immobilized between a solid substrate and permeable electrode. The analytical expressions pertaining to the concentration of species and normalized current are obtained using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Simple and approximate polynomial expressions of concentrations of an oxidized mediator, substrate, and reduced mediator are derived for all possible values of parametersϕO2(Thiele modulus),BO(normalized surface concentration of oxidized mediator), andBS(normalized surface concentration of substrate). A comparison of the analytical approximation and numerical simulation is also presented. A good agreement between theoretical predictions and numerical results is observed.
Why Control Activity? Evolutionary Selection Pressures Affecting the Development of Physical Activity Genetic and Biological Regulation
Authors: Lightfoot J. Timothy
Published: December 2013

The literature strongly suggests that daily physical activity is genetically and biologically regulated. Potential identities of the responsible mechanisms are unclear, but little has been written concerning the possible evolutionary selection pressures leading to the development of genetic/biological controls of physical activity. Given the weak relationship between exercise endurance and activity levels and the differential genomic locations associated with the regulation of endurance and activity, it is probable that regulation of endurance and activity evolved separately. This hypothesis paper considers energy expenditures and duration of activity in hunter/gatherers, pretechnology farmers, and modern Western societies and considers the potential of each to selectively influence the development of activity regulation. Food availability is also considered given the known linkage of caloric restriction on physical activity as well as early data relating food oversupply to physical inactivity. Elucidating the selection pressures responsible for the genetic/biological control of activity will allow further consideration of these pressures on activity in today’s society, especially the linkages between food and activity. Further, current food abundance is removing the cues for activity that were present for the first 40,000 years of human evolution, and thus future research should investigate the effects of this abundance upon the mechanisms regulating activity.
Neutron Noise Analysis with Flash-Fourier Algorithm at the IBR-2M Reactor
Authors: Dima Mihai O. , Pepelyshev Yuri N. , Tayibov Lachin
Published: December 2013

Neutron noise spectra in nuclear reactors are a convolution of multiple effects. For the IBR-2M pulsed reactor (JINR, Dubna), one part of these is represented by the reactivities induced by the two moving auxiliary reflectors and another part of these by other sources that are moderately stable. The study of neutron noise involves, foremostly, knowing its frequency spectral distribution, hence Fourier transforms of the noise. Traditional methods compute the Fourier transform of the autocorrelation function. We show in the present study that this is neither natural nor real-time adapted, for both the autocorrelation function and the Fourier transform are highly CPU intensive. We present flash algorithms for processing the Fourier-like transforms of the noise spectra.
Highlights in IBD Epidemiology and Its Natural History in the Paediatric Age
Authors: Gasparetto Marco , Guariso Graziella
Published: December 2013

Background. The number of patients of all age brackets diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has risen dramatically worldwide over the past 50 years. IBD’s changing epidemiology suggests that environmental factors play a major role in modifying disease expression.Aim. To review studies carried out worldwide analyzing IBD epidemiology.Methods. A Medline search indicating as keywords “Inflammatory Bowel Disease,” “epidemiology,” “natural history,” “Crohn’s Disease,” “Ulcerative Colitis,” and “IBD Unclassified” was performed. A selection of clinical cohort and systematic review studies that were carried out between 2002 and 2013 was reviewed. Studies referring to an earlier date were also considered whenever the data were relevant to our review.Results. The current mean prevalence of IBD in the total population of Western countries is estimated at 1/1,000. The highest prevalence and incidence rates of IBD worldwide are reported from Canada. Just as urbanization and socioeconomic development, the incidence of IBD is rising in China.Conclusions. Multicenter national registers and international networks can provide information on IBD epidemiology and lead to hypotheses about its causes and possible management strategies. The rising trend in the disease’s incidence in developing nations suggests that its epidemiological evolution is linked to industrialization and modern Westernized lifestyles.
Cellular Performance Comparison of Biomimetic Calcium Phosphate Coating and Alkaline-Treated Titanium Surface
Authors: Yu Xiaohua , Wei Mei
Published: December 2013

The influence of biomimetic calcium phosphate coating on osteoblasts behaviorin vitrois not well established yet. In this study, we investigated the behavior of osteoblastic rat osteosarcoma 17/2.8 cells (ROS17/2.8) on two groups of biomaterial surfaces: alkaline-treated titanium surface (ATT) and biomimetic calcium phosphate coated ATT (CaP). The cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and morphology on these surfaces were extensively evaluated to reveal the impact of substrate surface on osteoblastic cell responses. It was found that the ROS17/2.8 cells cultured on the ATT surface had higher attachment and proliferation rates compared to those on the CaP surface. Our results also showed that the calcium phosphate coatings generated in this work have an inhibiting effect on osteoblast adhesion and further influenced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast compared to the ATT surfacein vitro. Cells on the ATT surface also exhibited a higher alkaline phosphatase activity than on the CaP surface after two weeks of culture. Immunofluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the cells adhered and spread faster on the ATT surface than on the CaP surface. These results collectively suggested that substrate surface properties directly influence cell adhesion on different biomaterials, which would result in further influence on the cell proliferation and differentiation.
Multipyrene Tandem Probes for Point Mutations Detection in DNA
Authors: Kholodar Svetlana A. , Novopashina Darya S. , Meschaninova Mariya I. , Venyaminova Alya G.
Published: December 2013

Here we report design, synthesis and characterization of highly sensitive, specific and stable in biological systems fluorescent probes for point mutation detection in DNA. The tandems of 3′- and 5′-mono- and bis-pyrene conjugated oligo(2′-O-methylribonucleotides), protected by 3′-“inverted” thymidine, were constructed and their potential as new instruments for genetic diagnostics was studied. Novel probes have been shown to exhibit an ability to form stable duplexes with DNA target due to the stabilizing effect of multiple pyrene units at the junction. The relationship between fluorescent properties of developed probes, the number of pyrene residues at the tandem junction, and the location of point mutation has been studied. On the basis of the data obtained, we have chosen the probes possessing the highest fluorescence intensity along with the best mismatch discrimination and deletion and insertion detection ability. Application of developed probes for detection of polymorphism C677T in MTHFR gene has been demonstrated on model systems.
BMI and an Anthropometry-Based Estimate of Fat Mass Percentage Are Both Valid Discriminators of Cardiometabolic Risk: A Comparison with DXA and Bioimpedance
Authors: Krachler Benno , Völgyi Eszter , Savonen Kai , Tylavsky Frances A. , Alén Markku , Cheng Sulin
Published: December 2013

Objective. To determine whether categories of obesity based on BMI and an anthropometry-based estimate of fat mass percentage (FM% equation) have similar discriminative ability for markers of cardiometabolic risk as measurements of FM% by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bioimpedance analysis (BIA).Design and Methods. A study of 40–79-year-old male (n=205) and female (n=388) Finns. Weight, height, blood pressure, triacylglycerols, HDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose were measured. Body composition was assessed by DXA and BIA and a FM%-equation.Results. For grade 1 hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and impaired fasting glucose >6.1 mmol/L, the categories of obesity as defined by BMI and the FM% equation had 1.9% to 3.7% (P<0.01) higher discriminative power compared to DXA. For grade 2 hypertension the FM% equation discriminated 1.2% (P=0.05) lower than DXA and 2.8% (P<0.01) lower than BIA. Receiver operation characteristics confirmed BIA as best predictor of grade 2 hypertension and the FM% equation as best predictor of grade 1 hypertension. All other differences in area under curve were small (≤0.04) and 95% confidence intervals included 0.Conclusions. Both BMI and FM% equations may predict cardiometabolic risk with similar discriminative ability as FM% measured by DXA or BIA.
Synthesis of Colloidal ZnO Nanoparticles and Deposit of Thin Films by Spin Coating Technique
Authors: Alvarado Jose Alberto , Maldonado A. , Juarez H. , Pacio M.
Published: December 2013

ZnO colloidal nanoparticles were synthesized, the average size of these nanoparticles is around 25 nm with hexagonal form. It was noted that stabilization depends directly on the purifying process; in this work we do not change the nature of the solution as a difference from Meulekamp′s method, and we do not use any alkanes to remove the byproducts; only a centrifuge to remove those ones was used, thereby the stabilization increases up to 24 days. It is observed from the results that only three times of washing is enough to prevent the rapid aging process. The effect of annealing process on the composition, size, and geometrical shape of ZnO nanoparticles was studied in order to know whether the annealing process affects the crystallization and growth of the nanoparticles. After the synthesis, the colloidal nanoparticles were deposited by spin coating technique showing that the formed nanoparticles have no uniformly deposition pattern. But is possible to deposit those ones in glass substrates. A possible deposition process of the nanoparticles is proposed.
Structural Transitions in Sheared Electrically Stabilized Colloidal Crystals
Authors: Kaldasch Joachim , Senge Bernhard , Laven Jozua
Published: December 2013

A Landau theory is presented for the structural transition of electrically stabilized colloidal crystals under shear. The model suggests that a structural transition from an ordered layered colloidal crystal into a disordered structure occurs at a critical shear stress. The shear induced structural transition is related to a change of the rheological properties caused by the variation of the microstructure which can be verified by scattering experiments. The theory is used to establish the shape of the flow curves. A good qualitative agreement with experimental results can be achieved, while a scaling relation similar to the elastic scaling is established.
Prion Protein Misfolding, Strains, and Neurotoxicity: An Update from Studies on Mammalian Prions
Authors: Poggiolini Ilaria , Saverioni Daniela , Parchi Piero
Published: December 2013

Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders affecting humans and other mammalian species. The central event in TSE pathogenesis is the conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein,PrPC, into the aggregate,β-sheet rich, amyloidogenic form,PrPSc. Increasing evidence indicates that distinctPrPScconformers, forming distinct ordered aggregates, can encipher the phenotypic TSE variants related to prion strains. Prion strains are TSE isolates that, after inoculation into syngenic hosts, cause disease with distinct characteristics, such as incubation period, pattern ofPrPScdistribution, and regional severity of histopathological changes in the brain. In analogy with other amyloid forming proteins,PrPSctoxicity is thought to derive from the existence of various intermediate structures prior to the amyloid fiber formation and/or their specific interaction with membranes. The latter appears particularly relevant for the pathogenesis of TSEs associated with GPI-anchoredPrPSc, which involves major cellular membrane distortions in neurons. In this review, we update the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying three fundamental aspects of the basic biology of prions such as the putative mechanism of prion protein conversion to the pathogenic formPrPScand its propagation, the molecular basis of prion strains, and the mechanism of induced neurotoxicity byPrPScaggregates.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Nonlinear Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction Processes
Authors: Mary Celin Sharmila D. , Praveen T. , Rajendran L.
Published: December 2013

A mathematical model for the nonlinear enzymatic reaction process is discussed. An approximate analytical expression of concentrations of substrate, enzyme, and free enzyme-product is obtained using homotopy perturbation method (HPM). The main objective is to propose an analytical solution, which does not require small parameters and avoid linearization and physically unrealistic assumptions. Theoretical results obtained can be used to analyze the effect of different parameters. Satisfactory agreement is obtained in the comparison of approximate analytical solution and numerical simulation.
Natural Convection of Viscoelastic Fluid from a Cone Embedded in a Porous Medium with Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Makanda Gilbert , Makinde O. D. , Sibanda Precious
Published: December 2013

We study natural convection from a downward pointing cone in a viscoelastic fluid embedded in a porous medium. The fluid properties are numerically computed for different viscoelastic, porosity, Prandtl and Eckert numbers. The governing partial differential equations are converted to a system of fourth order ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformations and then solved together by using the successive linearization method (SLM). Many studies have been carried out on natural convection from a cone but they did not consider a cone embedded in a porous medium with linear surface temperature. The results in this work are validated by the comparison with other authors.
UV‐Initiated Polymerization of Cationic Polyacrylamide: Synthesis, Characterization, and Sludge Dewatering Performance
Authors: Zheng Huaili , Sun Yongjun , Tang Xiaomin , Tan Mingzhuo , Ma Jiangya , Chen Wei , Liao Yong
Published: December 2013

P(AM‐DAC‐BA) was synthesized through copolymerization of acrylamide (AM), acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DAC), and butylacrylate (BA) under ultraviolet (UV) initiation using response surface methodology (RSM). The influences of light intensity, illumination time, and photoinitiator concentration on the intrinsic viscosity [η] of P(AM‐DAC‐BA) were investigated. RSM model based on the influencing data was established for optimizing synthetic conditions. It was found that, at light intensity 1491.67 μw·cm−2, illumination time 117.89 min, and photoinitiator concentration 0.60‰, there was a better material performance achieved. Thus P(AM‐DAC‐BA) prepared under the above conditions showed excellent dewatering performance that, with 40 mg·L−1 P(AM‐DAC‐BA) at pH 7, the residual turbidity of supernatant and the dry solid content were up to 38 NTU, 28.5%, respectively.
Comparison of Tubal Sterilization Procedures Performed by Keyless Abdominal Rope‐Lifting Surgery and Conventional CO2 Laparoscopy: A Case Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Ülker Kahraman , Hüseyinoğlu Ürfettin
Published: December 2013

Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Keyless Abdominal Rope‐Lifting Surgery (KARS), for tubal sterilization procedures in comparison with the conventional CO2 laparoscopy. Material and Methods. During a one‐year period, 71 women underwent tubal ligation surgery. Conventional laparoscopy (N = 38) and KARS (N = 33) were used for tubal sterilization. In KARS, an abdominal access pathway through a single intra‐abdominal incision was used to place transabdominal sutures that elevated the abdominal wall, and the operations were performed through the intraumbilical entry without the use of trocars. In CO2 laparoscopy, following the creation of the CO2 pneumoperitoneum a 10 mm trocar and two 5 mm trocars were introduced into the abdominal cavity. Tubal sterilizations were performed following the creation of the abdominal access pathways in both groups. The groups were compared with each other. Results. All operations could be performed by KARS without conversion to CO2 laparoscopy or laparotomy. The mean operative time of the two groups was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Intra‐ and postoperative findings including complications, bleeding, and hospital stay time did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. KARS for tubal sterilization seems safe and effective in terms of cosmesis, postoperative pain, and early hospital discharge.