bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Localized Prostate Cancer by Focal Transurethral Resection of Prostate Cancer: An Application of Radical TUR-PCa to Focal Therapy
Authors: Morita Masaru , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: May 2012

Background. We analyzed radical TUR-PCa against localized prostate cancer.Patients and Methods. Seventy-nine out of 209 patients with prostate cancer in one lobe were studied. Patients’ age ranged from 58 to 91 years and preoperative PSA, 0.70 to 17.30 ng/mL. In other 16 additional patients we performed focal TUR-PCa. Patients’ age ranged from 51 to 87 years and preoperative PSA, 1.51 to 25.74 ng/mL.Results. PSA failure in radical TUR-PCa was 5.1% during the mean follow-up period of 58.9 months. The actuarial biochemical non-recurrence rate was 98.2% for pT2a and 90.5% for pT2b. Bladder neck contracture occurred in 28 patients (35.4%). In 209 patients, pathological study revealed prostate cancer of the peripheral zone near the neurovascular bundle bilaterally in 25%, unilaterally in 39% and no cancer bilaterally in 35%, suggesting the possibility of focal TUR-PCa. Postoperative PSA of 16 patients treated by focal TUR-PCa was stable between 0.007 and 0.406 ng/mL at 24.2 months’ follow-up. No patients suffered from urinary incontinence. Bladder neck contracture developed in only 1 patient and all 5 patients underwent nerve-preserving TUR-PCa did not show erectile dysfunction.Conclusion. Focal TUR-PCa was considered to be a promising option among focal therapies against localized prostate cancer.
Time-Domain and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in MS Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Lange Alex P. , Sadjadi Reza , Saeedi Jameelah , Lindley Janette , Costello Fiona , Traboulsee Anthony L.
Published: May 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) between spectral-domain (SD-) and time-domain optical coherence tomography (TD-OCT) in MS patients and healthy controls (HC). Furthermore, RNFLT between MS eyes with and without optic neuritis (ON) and HC should be explored. Finally, the relationship between RNFLT, disease duration, EDSS, and disease modifying therapy (DMT) should be established.Design. Prospective, cross-sectional study.Participants. 28 MS patients and 35 HC.Methods. Both groups underwent TD- and SD-OCT measurements. RFNLT was correlated between the two machines and between MS eyes with and without ON and HC. Furthermore, RNFLT was correlated to disease duration, EDSS and DMT.Results. A strong correlation (Pearson’sr=0.921,P<0.001), but a statistically significant difference of 2 μm (P<0.001), was found between the two devices. RNFLT was significantly different between MS eyes with history of ON (mean RFNLT (SD) 72.21 μm (15.83 μm)), MS eyes without history of ON 93.03 μm (14.25 μm), and HC 99.07 μm (7.23 μm) (P<0.001).Conclusions. The measurements between different generation of OCT machines are not interchangeable, which should be taken into account if comparing results between different machines and switching OCT machine in longitudinal studies.
Benign Cystic Mesothelioma: A Rare Cause for Scrotal Swelling
Authors: Aber A. , Tahir A. , Arumuham V. , Smith G. , Almpanis S.
Published: May 2012

Benign cystic mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is a rare occurrence. It usually presents with painless gradual swelling in the scrotum. These types of benign mesotheliomas typically occur in the peritoneum and usually affect young to middle-aged patients. We present in this case an unusual case of benign cystic mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis in a 77-year-old male patient.
Existence and Stability of Iterative Algorithm for a System of Random Set‐Valued Variational Inclusion Problems Involving (A, m, η)‐Generalized Monotone Operators
Authors: Suwannawit Jittiporn , Petrot Narin
Published: May 2012

We introduce and study a class of a system of random set‐valued variational inclusion problems. Some conditions for the existence of solutions of such problems are provided, when the operators are contained in the classes of generalized monotone operators, so‐called (A, m, η)‐monotone operator. Further,
the stability of the iterative algorithm for finding a solution of the considered problem is also discussed.
Chronic Treatment with Squid Phosphatidylserine Activates Glucose Uptake and Ameliorates TMT-Induced Cognitive Deficit in Rats via Activation of Cholinergic Systems
Authors: Park Hyun-Jung , Lee Seung Youn , Shim Hyun Soo , Kim Jin Su , Kim Kyung Soo , Shim Insop
Published: May 2012

The present study examined the effects of squid phosphatidylserine (Squid-PS) on the learning and memory function and the neural activity in rats with TMT-induced memory deficits. The rats were administered saline or squid derived Squid-PS (Squid-PS 50 mg kg−1,p.o.) daily for 21 days. The cognitive improving efficacy of Squid-PS on the amnesic rats, which was induced by TMT, was investigated by assessing the passive avoidance task and by performing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) immunohistochemistry. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose and performed a positron emission tomography (PET) scan was also performed. In the passive avoidance test, the control group which were injected with TMT showed a markedly lower latency time than the non-treated normal group (P<0.05). However, treatment of Squid-PS significantly recovered the impairment of memory compared to the control group (P<0.05). Consistent with the behavioral data, Squid-PS significantly alleviated the loss of ChAT immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampal CA3 compared to that of the control group (P<0.01). Also, Squid-PS significantly increased the AchE positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3. In the PET analysis, Squid-PS treatment increased the glucose uptake more than twofold in the frontal lobe and the hippocampus (P<0.05, resp.). These results suggest that Squid-PS may be useful for improving the cognitive function via regulation of cholinergic enzyme activity and neural activity.
Cucurbitacin B Causes Increased Radiation Sensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells via G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Duangmano Suwit , Sae-lim Phorntip , Suksamrarn Apichart , Patmasiriwat Pimpicha , Domann Frederick E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose. To explore the effects of cucurbitacin B on the radiation survival of human breast cancer cells and to elucidate the cellular mechanism of radiosensitization if any.Materials and Methods. Human breast carcinoma cell lines were treated with cucurbitacin B before irradiation with 0–10 Gy ofC137sgamma rays. The effect of cucurbitacin B on cell-survival following irradiation was evaluated by colony-forming assay. Cell cycle distributions were investigated using flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and western blots were performed to investigate the expression of cell cycle checkpoints.Results.Cucurbitacin B inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Only MDA-MB-231 and MCF7:5C cells but not SKBR-3 cells were radiosensitized by cucurbitacin B. Flow cytometric analysis for DNA content indicated that cucurbitacin B resulted in G2/M arrest in MDA-MB-231 and MCF7:5C but not SKBR-3 cells. Moreover, Real-time PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated upregulated p21 expression before irradiation, a likely cause of the cell cycle arrest.Conclusion. Taken together, these findings suggest that cucurbitacin B causes radiosensitization of some breast cancer cells, and that cucurbitacin B induced G2/M arrest is an important mechanism. Therefore, combinations of cucurbitacin B with radiotherapy may be appropriate for experimental breast cancer treatment.

Corrigendum to “Cucurbitacin B Causes Increased Radiation Sensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells via G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest”
High-Added Value Materials Production from OMW: A Technical and Economical Optimization
Authors: Arvaniti E. C. , Zagklis D. P. , Papadakis V. G. , Paraskeva C. A.
Published: May 2012

The extraction of olive oil generates huge quantities of solids and of high organic wastewaters with toxic constituents that have a great impact on land and water environments. Based on a membrane process, authors proposed an alternative method for treatment of olive mill wastewaters (OMWs). In the present paper, a technoeconomic analysis for the implementation of the proposed method in the entire Region of Western Greece (RWG) is presented. This paper takes into account fixed and operational costs, costs for the infrastructure, equipment, land, maintenance, and so forth, considering the treatment of 50,000 tons per harvesting period in the area of RWG. The study showed that the establishment of only one central treatment manufacture could reduce the uncontrolled disposal of OMW. Exploitation of the isolated fractions as manure in fertilizers (nutrients components) or as components in ecological herbicides (phenolics) can depreciate the total cost in a period of about five years.
Statistical Optimization of Operational Parameters for Enhanced Naphthalene Degradation by Photocatalyst
Authors: Zhou Aijuan , Peng Jing , Chen Zhaobo , Du Jingwen , Guo Zechong , Ren Nanqi , Wang Aijie
Published: May 2012

The optimization of operational parameters for enhanced naphthalene degradation by TiO2/Fe3O4-SiO2(TFS) photocatalyst was conducted using statistical experimental design and analysis. Central composite design method of response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to investigate the optimum value of the selected factors for achieving maximum naphthalene degradation. Experimental results showed that irradiation time, pH, and TFS photocatalyst loading had significant influence on naphthalene degradation and the maximum degradation rate of 97.39% was predicted when the operational parameters were irradiation time 97.1 min, pH 2.1, and catalyst loading 0.962 g/L, respectively. The results were further verified by repeated experiments under optimal conditions. The excellent correlation between predicted and measured values further confirmed the validity and practicability of this statistical optimum strategy.
Thermodynamics of the Classical Planar Ferromagnet Close to the Zero-Temperature Critical Point: A Many-Body Approach
Authors: Campana L. S. , Cavallo A. , De Cesare L. , Esposito U. , Naddeo A.
Published: May 2012

We explore the low-temperature thermodynamic properties and crossovers of ad-dimensional classical planar Heisenberg ferromagnet in a longitudinal magnetic field close to its field-induced zero-temperature critical point by employing the two-time Green’s function formalism in classical statistical mechanics. By means of a classical Callen-like method for the magnetization and the Tyablikov-like decoupling procedure, we obtain, for anyd, a low-temperature critical scenario which is quite similar to the one found for the quantum counterpart. Remarkably, ford>2the discrimination between the two cases is found to be related to the different values of the shift exponent which governs the behavior of the critical line in the vicinity of the zero-temperature critical point. The observation of different values of the shift-exponent and of the related critical exponents along thermodynamic paths within the typical V-shaped region in the phase diagram may be interpreted as a signature of emerging quantum critical fluctuations.
Station Black-Out Analysis with MELCOR 1.8.6 Code for Atucha 2 Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Bonelli Analia , Mazzantini Oscar , Sonnenkalb Martin , Caputo Marcelo , García Juan Matias , Zanocco Pablo , Gimenez Marcelo
Published: May 2012

A description of the results for a Station Black-Out analysis for Atucha 2 Nuclear Power Plant is presented here. Calculations were performed with MELCOR 1.8.6 YV3165 Code. Atucha 2 is a pressurized heavy water reactor, cooled and moderated with heavy water, by two separate systems, presently under final construction in Argentina. The initiating event is loss of power, accompanied by the failure of four out of four diesel generators. All remaining plant safety systems are supposed to be available. It is assumed that during the Station Black-Out sequence the first pressurizer safety valve fails stuck open after 3 cycles of water release, respectively, 17 cycles in total. During the transient, the water in the fuel channels evaporates first while the moderator tank is still partially full. The moderator tank inventory acts as a temporary heat sink for the decay heat, which is evacuated through conduction and radiation heat transfer, delaying core degradation. This feature, together with the large volume of the steel filler pieces in the lower plenum and a high primary system volume to thermal power ratio, derives in a very slow transient in which RPV failure time is four to five times larger than that of other German PWRs.
Polyphenols: Key Issues Involved in Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cimino Sebastiano , Sortino Giuseppe , Favilla Vincenzo , Castelli Tommaso , Madonia Massimo , Sansalone Salvatore , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: May 2012

Prostate cancer is is the most common solid neoplasm and it is now recognized as one of the most important medical problems facing the male population. Due to its long latency and its identifiable preneoplastic lesions, prostate cancer is an ideal target tumor for chemoprevention. Different compounds are available and certainly polyphenols represent those with efficacy against prostate cancer. This review take a look at activity and properties of major polyphenolic substances, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, resveratrol and the flavonoids quercetin and genistein. Although the current studies are limited, mechanisms of action of polyphenols added with the lack of side effects show a a start for future strategies in prostate chemoprevention.
Reticulon Protein-1C: A New Hope in the Treatment of Different Neuronal Diseases
Authors: Di Sano Federica , Piacentini Mauro
Published: May 2012

Reticulons (RTNs) are a group of membrane proteins localized on the ER and known to regulate ER structure and functions. Several studies have suggested that RTNs are involved in different important cellular functions such as changes in calcium homeostasis, ER-stress-mediated cell death, and autophagy. RTNs have been demonstrated to exert a cancer specific proapoptotic function via the interaction or the modulation of specific proteins. Reticulons have also been implicated in different signaling pathways which are at the basis of the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper we discuss the accumulating evidence identifying RTN-1C protein as a promising target in the treatment of different pathologies such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders.
A Bayesian Framework for Functional Mapping through Joint Modeling of Longitudinal and Time-to-Event Data
Authors: Das Kiranmoy , Li Runze , Huang Zhongwen , Gai Junyi , Wu Rongling
Published: May 2012

The most powerful and comprehensive approach of study in modern biology is to understand the whole process of development and all events of importance to development which occur in the process. As a consequence, joint modeling of developmental processes and events has become one of the most demanding tasks in statistical research. Here, we propose a joint modeling framework for functional mapping of specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) which controls developmental processes and the timing of development and their causal correlation over time. The joint model contains two submodels, one for a developmental process, known as a longitudinal trait, and the other for a developmental event, known as the time to event, which are connected through a QTL mapping framework. A nonparametric approach is used to model the mean and covariance function of the longitudinal trait while the traditional Cox proportional hazard (PH) model is used to model the event time. The joint model is applied to map QTLs that control whole-plant vegetative biomass growth and time to first flower in soybeans. Results show that this model should be broadly useful for detecting genes controlling physiological and pathological processes and other events of interest in biomedicine.
Inflammatory Disturbances in Preeclampsia: Relationship between Maternal and Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Catarino Cristina , Santos-Silva Alice , Belo Luís , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Rocha Susana , Patrício Belmiro , Quintanilha Alexandre , Rebelo Irene
Published: May 2012

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the main causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. PE is associated with an inflammatory state and with oxidative stress, in maternal circulation. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in maternal and umbilical cord blood (UCB), in normal and PE pregnancies. We measured acute-phase proteins (CRP and α1-antitrypsin), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), leukocyte activation (elastase, lactoferrin, sL-selectin, sVCAM, sPECAM), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and uric acid levels. We studied 42 healthy pregnant women, 46 PE women, and their neonates. The concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, α1-antitrypsin, CRP, sVCAM, uric acid, and TBARS were significantly higher, and sL-selectin was significantly lower in PE pregnant women as compared with normotensive pregnant women. In newborns uric acid, α1-antitrypsin, and CRP values were significantly higher in PE; leukocyte count, sL-selectin, lactoferrin, and the ratio elastase/α1-antitrypsin were significantly lower. Our data suggest that PE pregnancy is associated with an enhanced maternal inflammatory condition, which is reflected in fetal circulation. This enhanced inflammatory state seems to be related to endothelial dysfunction and increased cytokine synthesis, rather than with neutrophil activation.
Anesthetic Considerations in Hepatectomies under Hepatic Vascular Control
Authors: Tympa Aliki , Theodoraki Kassiani , Tsaroucha Athanassia , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Vassiliou Ioannis , Smyrniotis Vassilios
Published: May 2012

Background. Hazards of liver surgery have been attenuated by the evolution in methods of hepatic vascular control and the anesthetic management. In this paper, the anesthetic considerations during hepatic vascular occlusion techniques were reviewed. Methods. A Medline literature search using the terms “anesthetic,” “anesthesia,” “liver,” “hepatectomy,” “inflow,” “outflow occlusion,” “Pringle,” “hemodynamic,” “air embolism,” “blood loss,” “transfusion,” “ischemia-reperfusion,” “preconditioning,” was performed. Results. Task-orientated anesthetic management, according to the performed method of hepatic vascular occlusion, ameliorates the surgical outcome and improves the morbidity and mortality rates, following liver surgery. Conclusions. Hepatic vascular occlusion techniques share common anesthetic considerations in terms of preoperative assessment, monitoring, induction, and maintenance of anesthesia. On the other hand, the hemodynamic management, the prevention of vascular air embolism, blood transfusion, and liver injury are plausible when the anesthetic plan is scheduled according to the method of hepatic vascular occlusion performed.
Multidimensional Sensor Data Analysis in Cyber-Physical System: An Atypical Cube Approach
Authors: Tang Lu-An , Yu Xiao , Kim Sangkyum , Han Jiawei , Peng Wen-Chih , Sun Yizhou , Leung Alice , La Porta Thomas
Published: May 2012

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) is an integration of distributed sensor networks with computational devices. CPS claims many promising applications, such as traffic observation, battlefield surveillance, and sensor-network-based monitoring. One important topic in CPS research is about the atypical event analysis, that is, retrieving the events from massive sensor data and analyzing them with spatial, temporal, and other multidimensional information. Many traditional methods are not feasible for such analysis since they cannot describe the complex atypical events. In this paper, we propose a novel model of atypical cluster to effectively represent such events and efficiently retrieve them from massive data. The basic cluster is designed to summarize an individual event, and the macrocluster is used to integrate the information from multiple events. To facilitate scalable, flexible, and online analysis, the atypical cube is constructed, and a guided clustering algorithm is proposed to retrieve significant clusters in an efficient manner. We conduct experiments on real sensor datasets with the size of more than 50 GB; the results show that the proposed method can provide more accurate information with only 15% to 20% time cost of the baselines.
Robust Fault-Tolerant Control for Uncertain Networked Control Systems with State-Delay and Random Data Packet Dropout
Authors: Qi Xiaomei , Zhang Chengjin , Gu Jason
Published: May 2012

A robust fault-tolerant controller design problem for networked control system (NCS) with random packet dropout in both sensor-to-controller link and controller-to-actuator link is investigated. A novel stochastic NCS model with state-delay, model uncertainty, disturbance, probabilistic sensor failure, and actuator failure is proposed. The random packet dropout, sensor failures, and actuator failures are characterized by a binary random variable. The sufficient condition for asymptotical mean-square stability of NCS is derived and the closed-loop NCS satisfiesH∞performance constraints caused by the random packet dropout and disturbance. The fault-tolerant controller is designed by solving a linear matrix inequality. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Mucin Production and Mucous Cell Metaplasia in Otitis Media
Authors: Lin Jizhen , Caye-Thomasen Per , Tono Tetsuya , Zhang Quan-An , Nakamura Yoshihisa , Feng Ling , Huang Jianmin , Ye Shengnan , Hu Xiaohua , Kerschner Joseph E.
Published: May 2012

Otitis media (OM) with mucoid effusion, characterized by mucous cell metaplasia/hyperplasia in the middle ear cleft and thick fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity, is a subtype of OM which frequently leads to chronic OM in young children. Multiple factors are involved in the developmental process of OM with mucoid effusion, especially disorders of mucin production resulting from middle ear bacterial infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In this review, we will focus on several aspects of this disorder by analyzing the cellular and molecular events such as mucin production and mucous cell differentiation in the middle ear mucosa with OM. In addition, infectious agents, mucin production triggers, and relevant signaling pathways will be discussed.
Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils againstStreptococcus mutansand their Antiproliferative Effects
Authors: Galvão Lívia Câmara de Carvalho , Furletti Vivian Fernandes , Bersan Salete Meyre Fernandes , da Cunha Marcos Guilherme , Ruiz Ana Lúcia Tasca Góis , Carvalho João Ernesto de , Sartoratto Adilson , Rehder Vera Lúcia Garcia , Figueira Glyn Mara , Teixeira Duarte Marta Cristina , Ikegaki Masarahu , de Alencar Severino Matias , Rosalen Pedro Luiz
Published: May 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oils (EOs) againstStreptococcus mutansbiofilm by chemically characterizing their fractions responsible for biological and antiproliferative activity. Twenty EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to the antimicrobial assay (minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations) againstS. mutansUA159. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for phytochemical analyses. EOs were selected according to predetermined criteria and fractionated using dry column; the resulting fractions were assessed by MIC and MBC, selected as active fractions, and evaluated againstS. mutansbiofilm. Biofilms formed were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Selected EOs and their selected active fractions were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and seven human tumor cell lines. MIC and MBC values obtained for EO and their active fractions showed strong antimicrobial activity. Chemical analyses mainly showed the presence of terpenes. The selected active fractions inhibitedS. mutansbiofilm formation (P<0.05) did not affect glycolytic pH drop and were inactive against keratinocytes, normal cell line. In conclusion, EO showed activity at low concentrations, and their selected active fractions were also effective against biofilm formed byS. mutansand human tumor cell lines.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Case Report of a Paradoxical Reaction with Heavy Marijuana Use
Authors: Cox Benjamin , Chhabra Akansha , Adler Michael , Simmons Justin , Randlett Diana
Published: May 2012

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare constellation of clinical findings that includes a history of chronic heavy marijuana use, severe abdominal pain, unrelenting nausea, and intractable vomiting. A striking component of this history includes the use of hot showers or long baths that help to alleviate these symptoms. This is an underrecognized syndrome that can lead to expensive and unrevealing workups and can leave patients self-medicating their nausea and vomiting with the very substance that is causing their symptoms. Long-term treatment of CHS is abstinence from marijuana use—but the acute symptomatic treatment of CHS has been a struggle for many clinicians. Many standard medications used for the symptomatic treatment of CHS (including ondansetron, promethazine, and morphine) have repeatedly been shown to be ineffective. Here we present the use of lorazepam as an agent that successfully and safely treats the tenacious symptoms of CHS. Additionally, we build upon existing hypotheses for the pathogenesis of CHS to try to explain why a substance that has been used for thousands of years is only now beginning to cause this paradoxical hyperemesis syndrome.
Coarse-Grained Simulation of Myosin-V Movement
Authors: Katsimitsoulia Zoe , Taylor William R.
Published: May 2012

We describe the development of a hierarchic modelling method applied to simulating the processive movement of the myosin-V molecular motor protein along an actin filament track. In the hierarchic model, three different levels of protein structure resolution are represented: secondary structure, domain, and protein, with the level of detail changing according to the degree of interaction among the molecules. The integrity of the system is maintained using a tree of spatially organised bounding volumes and distance constraints. Although applied to an actin-myosin system, the hierarchic framework is general enough so that it may easily be adapted to a number of other large biomolecular systems containing in the order of 100 proteins. We compared the simulation results with biophysical data, and despite the lack of atomic detail in our model, we find good agreement and can even suggest some refinements to the current model of myosin-V motion.
Structural Health Monitoring of Steel Pipes under Different Boundary Conditions and Choice of Signal Processing Techniques
Authors: Ahmad Rais , Kundu Tribikram
Published: May 2012

Guided wave technique is an efficient method for monitoring structural integrity by detecting and forecasting possible damages in distributed pipe networks. Efficient detection depends on appropriate selection of guided wave modes as well as signal processing techniques. Fourier analysis and wavelet analysis are two popular signal processing techniques that provide a flexible set of tools for solving various fundamental problems in science and engineering. In this paper, effective ways of using Fourier and Wavelet analyses on guided wave signals for detecting defects in steel pipes are discussed for different boundary conditions. This research investigates the effectiveness of Fourier transforms and Wavelet analysis in detecting defects in steel pipes. Cylindrical Guided waves are generated by piezo-electric transducers and propagated through the pipe wall boundaries in a pitch-catch system. Fourier transforms of received signals give information regarding the propagating guided wave modes which helps in detecting defects by selecting appropriate modes that are affected by the presence of defects. Continuous wavelet coefficients are found to be sensitive to defects. Several types of mother wavelet functions such as Daubechies, Symlet, and Meyer have been used for the continuous wavelet transform to investigate the most suitable wavelet function for defect detection. This research also investigates the effect of different boundary conditions on wavelet transforms for different mother wavelet functions.
Multiple Thromboses in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus after Splenectomy
Authors: Yang Deng-Ho
Published: May 2012

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder presenting with arterial or venous thrombus and a history of fetal loss. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment is important to prevent multiple organ failures. Here, we described a woman with a two-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus with severe nephrotic syndrome, manifested multiple thrombi over the portal vein and the inferior vena cava, combined with acute renal infarction. The patient underwent splenectomy 10 months ago. Initially, she received anticoagulant treatment and low-dose glucocorticoid, but multiple organ failure progressed. After emergency plasma exchange followed by glucocorticoid pulse therapy, the patient recovered.
Geography Influences Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Weight Status of Adolescents
Authors: Downs Shauna M. , Fraser Shawn N. , Storey Kate E. , Forbes Laura E. , Spence John C. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Raine Kim D. , Hanning Rhona M. , McCargar Linda J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in the dietary intakes, physical activity levels and weight status of a large sample of Canadian youth in both 2005 and 2008.Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study of rural and urban adolescents (n=10,023) in Alberta was conducted in both 2005 and 2008 using a web-based survey.Results. There was an overall positive change in nutrient intakes between 2005 and 2008; however, rural residents generally had a poorer nutrient profile than urban residents (P<.001). They consumed less fibre and a greater percent energy from saturated fat. The mean physical activity scores increased among rural youth between 2005 and 2008 (P<.001), while remaining unchanged among urban youth. Residence was significantly related to weight status in 2005 (P=.017), but not in 2008.Conclusion. Although there were small improvements in nutrient intakes from 2005 to 2008, several differences in the lifestyle behaviours of adolescents living in rural and urban areas were found. The results of this study emphasize the importance of making policy and program recommendations to support healthy lifestyle behaviours within the context of the environments in which adolescents live.
Protective Effect of Pulp Oil Extracted fromCanarium odontophyllumMiq. Fruit on Blood Lipids, Lipid Peroxidation, and Antioxidant Status in Healthy Rabbits
Authors: Shakirin Faridah Hanim , Azlan Azrina , Ismail Amin , Amom Zulkhairi , Cheng Yuon Lau
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper was to compare the effects of pulp and kernel oils ofCanarium odontophyllumMiq. (CO) on lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress of healthy rabbits. The oils are rich in SFAs and MUFAs (mainly palmitic and oleic acids). The pulp oil is rich in polyphenols. Male New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were fed for 4 weeks on a normal diet containing pulp (NP) or kernel oil (NK) of CO while corn oil was used as control (NC). Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-c and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured in this paper. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidise), thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARSs), and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) were also evaluated. Supplementation of CO pulp oil resulted in favorable changes in blood lipid and lipid peroxidation (increased HDL-C, reduced LDL-C, TG, TBARS levels) with enhancement of SOD, GPx, and plasma TAS levels. Meanwhile, supplementation of kernel oil caused lowering of plasma TC and LDL-C as well as enhancement of SOD and TAS levels. These changes showed that oils of CO could be beneficial in improving lipid profile and antioxidant status as when using part of normal diet. The oils can be used as alternative to present vegetable oil.
AnIn VitroEvaluation of Leakage of Two Etch and Rinse and Two Self-Etch Adhesives after Thermocycling
Authors: Geerts Sabine , Bolette Amandine , Seidel Laurence , Guéders Audrey
Published: May 2012

Our experiment evaluated the microleakage in resin composite restorations bonded to dental tissues with different adhesive systems. 40 class V cavities were prepared on the facial and lingual surfaces of each tooth with coronal margins in enamel and apical margins in cementum (root dentin). The teeth were restored with Z100 resin composite bonded with different adhesive systems: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP), a 3-step Etch and Rinse adhesive, Adper Scotchbond 1 XT (SB1), a 2-step Etch and Rinse adhesive, AdheSE One (ADSE-1), a 1-step Self-Etch adhesive, and AdheSE (ADSE), a 2-step Self-Etch adhesive. Teeth were thermocycled and immersed in 50% silver nitrate solution. When both interfaces were considered, SBMP has exhibited significantly less microleakage than other adhesive systems (resp., for SB1, ADSE-1 and ADSE, , and ). When enamel and dentin interfaces were evaluated separately, (1) for the Self-Etch adhesives, microleakage was found greater at enamel than at dentin interfaces (for ADSE, and for ADSE-1, ); (2) for the Etch and Rinse adhesive systems, there was no significant difference between enamel and dentin interfaces; (3) SBMP was found significantly better than other adhesives both at enamel and dentin interfaces. In our experiment Etch and Rinse adhesives remain better than Self-Etch adhesives at enamel interface. In addition, there was no statistical difference between 1-step (ADSE-1) and 2-step (ADSE) Self-Etch adhesives.
Erlang′s Fixed‐Point Approximation for Performance Analysis of HetNets
Authors: Song Guozhi , Wu Jigang , Schormans John , Cuthbert Laurie
Published: May 2012

We consider the analytic modelling of wireless systems with multiple access technologies in the perspective of teletraffic engineering and provide a framework for the performance analysis and evaluation of a wireless HetNet (heterogeneous network) system with both cellular and WLAN access technologies. In particular, an approach with Erlang′s fixed‐point approximation to calculate the new call blocking and handover call dropping probabilities in such systems is introduced. The model is versatile enough to cover not only cellular/WLAN HetNet systems but other wireless HetNets with difference access technologies in general.
Enhancement of Radiotherapeutic Efficacy by Paclitaxel‐Loaded pH‐Sensitive Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Jung Joohee , Kim Min Sang , Park Sung-Jin , Chung Hye Kyung , Choi Jinhyang , Park Jaesook , Jin Dong-Hoon , Song Si Yeol , Park Heon Joo , Lee Doo Sung , Jeong Seong-Yun , Choi Eun Kyung
Published: May 2012

Radiotherapy (RT) is a major modality for cancer treatment, but its efficacy is often compromised by the resistance caused by tumor‐specific microenvironment including acidosis and hypoxia. For an effective RT, concurrent administration of radiosensitizer with RT has been emphasized. However, most anticancer agents enhancing radiotherapeutic efficacy have obstacles such as poor solubility and severe toxicity. Paclitaxel (PTX), a well‐known radiosensitizer, is insoluble in water and needs toxic solvent like Cremophor EL. Nanomaterials in drug delivery systems have been utilized for improving the drawbacks of anti‐cancer drugs. Solubilization, tumor accumulation, and toxicity attenuation of drug by nanomaterials are suitable for enhancement of radiotherapeutic efficacy. In this study, PTX was incorporated into pH‐sensitive block copolymer micelle (psm‐PTX), polyethylene glycol‐graft‐poly(β‐amino ester), and preclinically evaluated for its effect on RT. The size of psm‐PTX was 125.7 ± 4.4 nm at pH 7.4. psm‐PTX released PTX rapidly in the acidic condition (pH 6.5), while it was reasonably stable in the physiologic condition (pH 7.4). The clonogenic assay showed that psm‐PTX greatly sensitized human non‐small‐cell lung cancer A549 cells to radiation. In the xenograft tumor model, the combination of psm‐PTX and radiation significantly delayed the tumor growth. These results demonstrated the feasibility of psm‐PTX to enhance the chemoradiotherapeutic efficacy.
Generalised Interval‐Valued Fuzzy Soft Set
Authors: Alkhazaleh Shawkat , Salleh Abdul Razak
Published: May 2012

We introduce the concept of generalised interval‐valued fuzzy soft set and its operations and study some of their properties. We give applications of this theory in solving a decision making problem. We also introduce a similarity measure of two generalised interval‐valued fuzzy soft sets and discuss its application in a medical diagnosis problem: fuzzy set; soft set; fuzzy soft set; generalised fuzzy soft set; generalised interval‐valued fuzzy soft set; interval‐valued fuzzy set; interval‐valued fuzzy soft set.
An Inductive Link-Based Wireless Power Transfer System for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Adeeb M. A. , Islam A. B. , Haider M. R. , Tulip F. S. , Ericson M. N. , Islam S. K.
Published: May 2012

A wireless power transfer system using an inductive link has been demonstrated for implantable sensor applications. The system is composed of two primary blocks: an inductive power transfer unit and a backward data communication unit. The inductive link performs two functions: coupling the required power from a wireless power supply system enabling battery-less, long-term implant operation and providing a backward data transmission path. The backward data communication unit transmits the data to an outside reader using FSK modulation scheme via the inductive link. To demonstrate the operation of the inductive link, a board-level design has been implemented with high link efficiency. Test results from a fabricated sensor system, composed of a hybrid implementation of custom-integrated circuits and board-level discrete components, are presented demonstrating power transmission of 125 mW with a 12.5% power link transmission efficiency. Simultaneous backward data communication involving a digital pulse rate of up to 10 kbps was also observed.
Prescription Pattern of Chinese Herbal Products for Breast Cancer in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lai Jung-Nien , Wu Chien-Tung , Wang Jung-Der
Published: May 2012

Background. Chinese herbal products (CHPs) given as a therapy for symptom relief have gained widespread popularity among women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the utilization of CHP among women with breast cancer in Taiwan.Methods. The usage, frequency of services, and CHP prescribed for breast cancer among women with breast cancer were evaluated, recruited from a randomly sampled cohort of 1,000,000 beneficiaries from the National Health Insurance Research Database. The logistic regression method was employed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for utilization of CHP.Results. 81.5 percent (N=2,236) of women with breast cancer utilized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and 18% of them sought TCM with the intent of treating their breast cancer. Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san (Augmented Rambling Powder) was the most frequently prescribed formula for treating breast cancer. Among the top 10 most frequently prescribed CHP for treating breast cancer, seven contained dang qui (Angelica sinensis-radix) and six contained ren shen (Panax ginseng-radix), which are reported to have potential beneficial synergistic effects on breast cancer cells.Conclusion. CHP containing dang qui (Angelica sinensis-radix) or ren shen (Panax ginseng-radix) are the most frequently prescribed for breast cancer and their effects should be taken into account by healthcare providers.
BRASERO: A Resource for Benchmarking RNA Secondary Structure Comparison Algorithms
Authors: Allali Julien , Saule Cédric , Chauve Cédric , d’Aubenton-Carafa Yves , Denise Alain , Drevet Christine , Ferraro Pascal , Gautheret Daniel , Herrbach Claire , Leclerc Fabrice , de Monte Antoine , Ouangraoua Aida , Sagot Marie-France , Termier Michel , Thermes Claude , Touzet Hélène
Published: May 2012

The pairwise comparison of RNA secondary structures is a fundamental problem, with direct application in mining databases for annotating putative noncoding RNA candidates in newly sequenced genomes. An increasing number of software tools are available for comparing RNA secondary structures, based on different models (such as ordered trees or forests, arc annotated sequences, and multilevel trees) and computational principles (edit distance, alignment). We describe here the website BRASERO that offers tools for evaluating such software tools on real and synthetic datasets.
Voltammetric Determination of Homocysteine Using Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Paste Electrode in the Presence of Chlorpromazine as a Mediator
Authors: Gholami-Orimi Fathali , Taleshi Farshad , Biparva Pourya , Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Beitollahi Hadi , Ebrahimi Hamid R. , Shamshiri Mohamad , Bagheri Hasan , Fouladgar Masoud , Taherkhani Ali
Published: May 2012

We propose chlorpromazine (CHP) as a new mediator for the rapid, sensitive, and highly selective voltammetric determination of homocysteine (Hcy) using multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrode (MWCNTPE). The experimental results showed that the carbon nanotube paste electrode has a highly electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of Hcy in the presence of CHP as a mediator. Cyclic voltammetry, double potential step chronoamperometry, and square wave voltammetry (SWV) are used to investigate the suitability of CHP at the surface of MWCNTPE as a mediator for the electrocatalytic oxidation of Hcy in aqueous solutions. The kinetic parameters of the system, including electron transfer coefficient, and catalytic rate constant were also determined using the electrochemical approaches. In addition, SWV was used for quantitative analysis. SWV showed wide linear dynamic range (0.1–210.0 μM Hcy) with a detection limit of 0.08 μM Hcy. Finally, this method was also examined as a selective, simple, and precise electrochemical sensor for the determination of Hcy in real samples.
Uniqueness Theorems on Entire Functions and Their Difference Operators or Shifts
Authors: Chen Baoqin , Chen Zongxuan , Li Sheng
Published: May 2012

We study the uniqueness problems on entire functions and their difference operators or shifts. Our main result is a difference analogue of a result of Jank‐Mues‐Volkmann, which is concerned with the uniqueness of the entire function sharing one finite value with its derivatives. Two relative results are proved, and examples are provided for our results.
Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcome of HIV-Associated Immune Thrombocytopenia in the HAART Era
Authors: Ambler Kimberley L. S. , Vickars Linda M. , Leger Chantal S. , Foltz Lynda M. , Montaner Julio S. G. , Harris Marianne , Dias Lima Viviane , Leitch Heather A.
Published: May 2012

The characteristics of HIV-associated ITP were documented prior to the HAART era, and the optimal treatment beyond HAART is unknown. We performed a review of patients with HIV-associated ITP and at least one platelet count <20 × 109/L since January 1996. Of 5290 patients in the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS database, 31 (0.6%) had an ITP diagnosis and platelet count <20 × 109/L. Initial ITP treatment included IVIG,n=12; steroids,n=10; anti-RhD,n=8; HAART,n=3. Sixteen patients achieved response and nine patients achieved complete response according to the International Working Group criteria. Median time to response was 14 days. Platelet response was not significantly associated with treatment received, but complete response was lower in patients with a history of injection drug use. Complications of ITP treatment occurred in two patients and there were four unrelated deaths. At a median followup of 48 months, 22 patients (71%) required secondary ITP treatment. This is to our knowledge the largest series of severe HIV-associated ITP reported in the HAART era. Although most patients achieved a safe platelet count with primary ITP treatment, nearly all required retreatment for ITP recurrence. New approaches to the treatment of severe ITP in this population are needed.
Robust Output Model Predictive Control of an Unstable Rijke Tube
Authors: Jarmolowitz Fabian , Groß-Weege Christopher , Lammersen Thomas , Abel Dirk
Published: May 2012

This work investigates the active control of an unstable Rijke tube using robust output model predictive control (RMPC). As internal model a polytopic linear system with constraints is assumed to account for uncertainties. For guaranteed stability, a linear state feedback controller is designed using linear matrix inequalities and used within a feedback formulation of the model predictive controller. For state estimation a robust gain-scheduled observer is developed. It is shown that the proposed RMPC ensures robust stability under constraints over the considered operating range.
Remaining Energy-Level-Based Transmission Power Control for Energy-Harvesting WSNs
Authors: Dai Guojun , Qiu Jian , Liu Peng , Lin Bing , Zhang Song
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a transmission power control scheme based on the remaining energy level and the energy-harvesting status of individual sensor nodes to extend the overall lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and balance the energy usage. Ambient energy harvesting has been introduced as a promising technique to solve the energy constraint problem of WSNs. However, considering the tiny equipment and the inherent low and unbalanced harvesting capability due to environmental issues, there is still a long distance from perfectly solving the problem. In this paper, a wind and solar power joint-harvested WSN system has been demonstrated, which uses ultracapacitor as energy storage. By analyzing the power recharging, leakage, and energy consumption rate, a novel energy-level-based transmission power control scheme (EL-TPC) is produced. In EL-TPC scheme, the transmission power is classified into various levels according to the remaining energy level. By adapting the nodes' operation pattern, hierarchical network architecture can be formed, which prioritizes the use of high energy level, fast charging nodes to save the energy of uncharged nodes. The simulation and demonstration results show that EL-TPC scheme can significantly balance the energy consumption and extend the entire network lifetime.
Nonlinear Fluid Models for Biofluid Flow in Constricted BloodVessels under Body Accelerations: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sankar D. S. , Nagar Atulya K.
Published: May 2012

Pulsatile flow of blood in constricted narrow arteries under periodic body acceleration is analyzed, modeling blood as non‐Newtonian fluid models with yield stress such as (i) Herschel‐Bulkley fluid model and (ii) Casson fluid model. The expressions for various flow quantities obtained by Sankar and Ismail (2010) for Herschel‐Bulkley fluid model and Nagarani and Sarojamma (2008), in an improved form, for Casson fluid model are used to compute the data for comparing these fluid models. It is found that the plug core radius and wall shear stress are lower for H‐B fluid model than those of the Casson fluid model. It is also noted that the plug flow velocity and flow rate are considerably higher for H‐B fluid than those of the Casson fluid model. The estimates of the mean velocity and mean flow rate are considerably higher for H‐B fluid model than those of the Casson fluid model.