bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibre Laser Cutting and Chemical Etching of AZ31 for Manufacturing Biodegradable Stents
Authors: Demir Ali Gökhan , Previtali Barbara , Biffi Carlo Alberto
Published: September 2013

The use of magnesium-alloy stents shows promise as a less intrusive solution for the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies as a result of the high biocompatibility of the material and its intrinsic dissolution in body fluids. However, in addition to requiring innovative solutions in material choice and design, these stents also require a greater understanding of the manufacturing process to achieve the desired quality with improved productivity. The present study demonstrates the manufacturing steps for the realisation of biodegradable stents in AZ31 magnesium alloy. These steps include laser microcutting with a Q-switched fibre laser for the generation of the stent mesh and subsequent chemical etching for the cleaning of kerf and surface finish. Specifically, for the laser microcutting step, inert and reactive gas cutting conditions were compared. The effect of chemical etching on the reduction in material thickness, as well as on spatter removal, was also evaluated. Prototype stents were produced, and the material composition and surface quality were characterised. The potentialities of combining nanosecond laser microcutting and chemical etching are shown and discussed.
Effect of Patency File on Transportation and Curve Straightening in Canal Preparation with ProTaper System
Authors: Hasheminia Seyed Mohsen , Farhadi Nastaran , Shokraneh Ali
Published: September 2013

The aim of thisex vivostudy was to evaluate the effect of using a patency file on apical transportation and curve straightening during canal instrumentation with the ProTaper rotary system. Seventy permanent mandibular first molars with mesiobuccal canals, measuring 18–23 mm in length and with a 25–40° curvature (according to the Schneider method), were selected. The working lengths were determined and the teeth were mounted and divided into two experimental groups: (A) prepared by the ProTaper system without using a patency file () and (B) prepared by the ProTaper system using a patency file (). Radiographs taken before and after the preparation were imported into Photoshop software and the apical transportation, and curve straightening were measured. Data were analyzed using independentt-test. Partial correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the initial curvature, transportation, and curve straightening (). Using a patency file during canal preparation significantly decreased both apical transportation and curve straightening (). There were significant relationships between the angle of curvature, transportation and curve straightening in pairs (). Apical patency is recommended during root canal preparation with the ProTaper rotary system.
Disease Activity Measures in Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Luca Nadia J. , Feldman Brian M.
Published: September 2013

Disease activity refers to potentially reversible aspects of a disease. Measurement of disease activity in paediatric rheumatic diseases is a critical component of patient care and clinical research. Disease activity measures are developed systematically, often involving consensus methods. To be useful, a disease activity measure must be feasible, valid, and interpretable. There are several challenges in quantifying disease activity in paediatric rheumatology; namely, the conditions are multidimensional, the level of activity must be valuated in the context of treatment being received, there is no gold standard for disease activity, and it is often difficult to incorporate the patient’s perspective of their disease activity. To date, core sets of response variables are defined for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, and juvenile dermatomyositis, as well as definitions for improvement in response to therapy. Several specific absolute disease activity measures also exist for each condition. Further work is required to determine the optimal disease activity measures in paediatric rheumatology.
Formulation Development and Stability Studies of Norfloxacin Extended-Release Matrix Tablets
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Renato , Mendes Cassiana , Klein Lilian , Sangoi Maximiliano da Silva , Bernardi Larissa Sakis , Silva Marcos Antônio Segatto
Published: September 2013

The aim of this research was to develop a new hydrophilic matrix system containing norfloxacin (NFX). Extended-release tablets are usually intended for once-a-day administration with benefits to the patient and lower discontinuation of the therapy. Formulations were developed with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or poly(ethylene oxide) as hydrophilic polymers, with different molecular weights (MWs) and concentrations (20 and 30%). The tablets were found to be stable (6 months at40±2°C and75±5% relative humidity), and the film-coating process is recommended to avoid NFX photodegradation. The dissolution profiles demonstrated an extended-release of NFX for all developed formulations. Dissolution curves analyzed using the Korsmeyer exponential equation showed that drug release was controlled by both drug diffusion and polymer relaxation or erosion mechanisms. A more erosion controlled system was obtained for the formulations containing lower MW and amount of polymer. With the increase in both MW and amount of polymer in the formulation, the gel layer became stronger, and the dissolution was more drug-diffusion dependent. Formulations containing intermediate MW polymers or high concentration (30%) of low MW polymers demonstrated a combination of extended and complete in vitro drug release. This way, these formulations could provide an increased bioavailability in vivo.
Factors Associated with the Use of Different Treatment Modalities among Patients with Upper Airway Diseases in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Koo Malcolm , Liang Kai-Li , Tsao Hsin , Yen Ting-Ting , Jiang Rong-San , Yeh Yueh-Chiao
Published: September 2013

Rhinitis is a common upper airway disease and can have great impact on patients' quality of life. Factors associated with the use of common treatment modalities among 279 Taiwanese rhinitis patients from the outpatient department of otolaryngology in a medical center were investigated using a cross-sectional survey study. Results from multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for etiologies of rhinitis, revealed that males were associated with surgical intervention (OR = 2.11,P=0.009). Lower educational level was associated with oral (OR = 2.31,P=0.024) and topical medications (OR = 2.50,P=0.005). Poor or fair general health status was associated with topical medications (OR = 4.47,P=0.001), whereas very good or excellent general health status was inversely associated with surgical intervention (OR = 0.32,P=0.002). Smoking was associated with the use of nasal irrigation (OR = 2.72,P=0.003). Worse disease-specific quality of life was associated with oral medications (OR = 2.46,P=0.010) and traditional Chinese medicine (OR = 5.43,P<0.001). In conclusion, the use of different treatment modalities for rhinitis was associated with different combinations of independent factors.
Hybrid Mesh for Nasal Airflow Studies
Authors: Zubair Mohammed , Abdullah Mohammed Zulkifly , Ahmad Kamarul Arifin
Published: September 2013

The accuracy of the numerical result is closely related to mesh density as well as its distribution. Mesh plays a very significant role in the outcome of numerical simulation. Many nasal airflow studies have employed unstructured mesh and more recently hybrid mesh scheme has been utilized considering the complexity of anatomical architecture. The objective of this study is to compare the results of hybrid mesh with unstructured mesh and study its effect on the flow parameters inside the nasal cavity. A three-dimensional nasal cavity model is reconstructed based on computed tomographic images of a healthy Malaysian adult nose. Navier-Stokes equation for steady airflow is solved numerically to examine inspiratory nasal flow. The pressure drop obtained using the unstructured computational grid is about 22.6 Pa for a flow rate of 20 L/min, whereas the hybrid mesh resulted in 17.8 Pa for the same flow rate. The maximum velocity obtained at the nasal valve using unstructured grid is 4.18 m/s and that with hybrid mesh is around 4.76 m/s. Hybrid mesh reported lower grid convergence index (GCI) than the unstructured mesh. Significant differences between unstructured mesh and hybrid mesh are determined highlighting the usefulness of hybrid mesh for nasal airflow studies.
An EPQ Model with Unit Production Cost and Set-Up Cost as Functions of Production Rate
Authors: Afshar-Nadjafi Behrouz
Published: September 2013

Extensive research has been devoted to economic production quantity (EPQ) problem. However, no attention has been paid to problems where unit production and set-up costs must be considered as functions of production rate. In this paper, we address the problem of determining the optimal production quantity and rate of production in which unit production and set-up costs are assumed to be continuous functions of production rate. Based on the traditional economic production quantity (EPQ) formula, the cost function associated with this model is proved to be nonconvex and a procedure is proposed to solve this problem. Finally, utility of the model is presented using some numerical examples and the results are analyzed.
Common Fixed Point Theorems in Fuzzy Metric Spaces Satisfying -Contractive Condition with Common Limit Range Property
Authors: Chauhan Sunny , Khan M. Alamgir , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: September 2013

The objective of this paper is to emphasize the role of “common limit range property” to ascertain the existence of common fixed point in fuzzy metric spaces. Some illustrative examples are furnished which demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses and degree of utility of our results. We derive a fixed point theorem for four finite families of self-mappings which can be utilized to derive common fixed point theorems involving any finite number of mappings. As an application to our main result, we prove an integral-type fixed point theorem in fuzzy metric space. Our results improve and extend a host of previously known results including the ones contained in Imdad et al. (2012).
Inhibitory Effect of Matrine on Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption for the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Su , Kan Quan-Cheng , Xu Yuming , Zhang Guang-Xian , Zhu Lin
Published: September 2013

Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a primary characteristic of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae Flave, has been recently found to suppress clinical EAE and CNS inflammation. However, whether this effect of MAT is through protecting the integrity and function of the BBB is not known. In the present study, we show that MAT treatment had a therapeutic effect comparable to dexamethasone (DEX) in EAE rats, with reduced Evans Blue extravasation, increased expression of collagen IV, the major component of the basement membrane, and the structure of tight junction (TJ) adaptor protein Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Furthermore, MAT treatment attenuated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 (MMP-9/-2), while it increased the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 (TIMP-1/-2). Our findings demonstrate that MAT reduces BBB leakage by strengthening basement membrane, inhibiting activities of MMP-2 and -9, and upregulating their inhibitors. Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism underlying the effect of MAT, a natural compound that could be a novel therapy for MS.
Investigating the Effect of Aspirin on Mercury Toxicity
Authors: Polat Fatih , Dal Tarık
Published: September 2013

The effect of aspirin on the toxicology of mercury was investigated by using fish. The variations between blood parameters of the fish, which were made exposed directly to mercury solutions prepared at certain concentrations (500 μg/L, 250 μg/L, 125 μg/L, 62.5 μg/L, and 31.25 μg/L), and blood parameters of the fish, which were made exposed to mercury at the same concentrations after they had been interacting with aspirin, were investigated. At the end of the study, increases in blood parameters were observed depending on the increases in mercury concentration. Statistically significant variations were observed in blood parameters of the fish, which were made exposed to mercury at the same concentrations after they had been interacting with aspirin, compared to blood parameters of the fish, which were made exposed directly to mercury (). It was found that aspirin has caused significant increases in especially the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotranspherase and significant decreases in cortisol and glucose levels among to blood parameters. It was concluded that aspirin alters the toxic effect of mercury.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New Phthalazine Urea and Thiourea Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Authors: Berber Nurcan , Arslan Mustafa , Yavuz Emre , Bilen Cigdem , Gencer Nahit
Published: September 2013

A new series of phthalazine substituted urea and thiourea derivatives were synthesized, and their inhibitory effects on the activity of purified human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs I and II) were evaluated. 2H‐Indazolo[2,1‐b]phthalazine‐trione derivative (1) was prepared with 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde, dimedone, and phthalhydrazide in the presence of TFA in DMF, and nitro group was reduced to amine derivative (2) with SnCl2·2H2O. The compound was reacted with isocyanates and isothiocyanates to get the final products (3a–p). The results showed that all the synthesized compounds inhibited the CA isoenzymes activity. 3a (IC50 = 6.40 µM for hCA I and 6.13 µM for hCA II) has the most inhibitory effect. The synthesized compounds are very bulky to be able to bind near the zinc ion, and they much more probably bind as the coumarin derivatives.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Reduces the Severity of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis and Increases the Formation of Anti-Inflammatory Lipid Mediators
Authors: Köhnke Thomas , Gomolka Beate , Bilal Süleyman , Zhou Xiangzhi , Sun Yanping , Rothe Michael , Baumgart Daniel C. , Weylandt Karsten H.
Published: September 2013

The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in inflammatory bowel disease is controversial, as they have been implicated in disease aggravation. Different from other cyclooxygenase inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) enhances the formation of anti-inflammatory and proresolution lipoxins derived from arachidonic acid as well as resolvins from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this study, we examined the effect of ASA on murine dextran sodium sulfate colitis. A mouse magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol and post mortem assessment were used to assess disease severity, and lipid metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry. Decreased colitis activity was demonstrated by phenotype and MRI assessment in mice treated with ASA, and confirmed in postmortem analysis. Analysis of lipid mediators showed sustained formation of lipoxin A4 and an increase of DHA-derived 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17-HDHA) after treatment with ASA. Furthermore,in vitroexperiments in RAW264.7 murine macrophages demonstrated significantly increased phagocytosis activity after incubation with 17-HDHA, supporting its proresolution effect. These results show a protective effect of ASA in a murine colitis model and could give a rationale for a careful reassessment of ASA therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and particularly ulcerative colitis, possibly combined with DHA supplementation.
Semisolid Metal Processing Techniques for Nondendritic Feedstock Production
Authors: Mohammed M. N. , Omar M. Z. , Salleh M. S. , Alhawari K. S. , Kapranos P.
Published: September 2013

Semisolid metal (SSM) processing or thixoforming is widely known as a technology that involves the formation of metal alloys between solidus and liquidus temperatures. For the procedure to operate successfully, the microstructure of the starting material must consist of solid near‐globular grains surrounded by a liquid matrix and a wide solidus‐to‐liquidus transition area. Currently, this process is industrially successful, generating a variety of products with high quality parts in various industrial sectors. Throughout the years since its inception, a number of technologies to produce the appropriate globular microstructure have been developed and applied worldwide. The main aim of this paper is to classify the presently available SSM technologies and present a comprehensive review of the potential mechanisms that lead to microstructural alterations during the preparation of feedstock materials for SSM processing.
On Generalized Derivations in Nearrings
Authors: Khan Mohd Rais , Hasnain Mohd Mueenul
Published: September 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate some results of nearrings satisfying certain identities involving generalized derivations. Furthermore, we give some examples to demonstrate the restrictions imposed on the hypothesis of various results which are not superfluous.
Finite Element Residual Stress Analysis of Planetary Gear Tooth
Authors: Wang Jungang , Wang Yong , Huo Zhipu
Published: September 2013

A method to simulate residual stress field of planetary gear is proposed. In this method, the finite element model of planetary gear is established and divided to tooth zone and profile zone, whose different temperature field is set. The gear's residual stress simulation is realized by the thermal compression stress generated by the temperature difference. Based on the simulation, the finite element model of planetary gear train is established, the dynamic meshing process is simulated, and influence of residual stress on equivalent stress of addendum, pitch circle, and dedendum of internal and external meshing planetary gear tooth profile is analyzed, according to non-linear contact theory, thermodynamic theory, and finite element theory. The results show that the equivalent stresses of planetary gear at both meshing and nonmeshing surface are significantly and differently reduced by residual stress. The study benefits fatigue cracking analysis and dynamic optimization design of planetary gear train.
An Experimental Investigation into Chosen Parameters of Diesel‐Water Emulsion on Combustion Processes
Authors: Arokiasamy Remigious Pradeep Kumar , Kandasamy Annamalai , Selvi Rajaram Premkartikkumar
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of mixing water with diesel to make an emulsified fuel considering the needs for the vehicle performance and its cleanest possible operation. The test fuels chosen for the investigation are termed Emulsion 1 (EM1) and Emulsion 2 (EM2). EM1 is prepared in the ratio of 91/8/1 which represents 91% diesel, 8% water, 0.5% surfactant (Span 20), and 0.5% cosurfactant (Tween 20) with continuous stirring. EM2 has a composition of 94% diesel, 5% water, 0.5% Span 20, and 0.5% Tween 20. The stability of the emulsified fuel is checked for 8 hours. The performance and emission characteristics of EM1 and EM2 are compared with diesel fuel. The emission parameters such as hydrocarbon emission, carbon monoxide (CO) emission, smoke opacity, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission have been measured. To compare the difference in performance characteristics between diesel fuel and emulsified fuel, brake thermal efficiency has been taken into account as a measure. Appreciable reductions of emission parameters have been obtained, and hence the investigation assures that this research could be further extended to biodiesel fuel as it produces more NOx than diesel fuel.
Iterative Reweighted Noninteger Norm Regularizing SVM for Gene Expression Data Classification
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Li Shuang Cheng , Luo Xionglin
Published: September 2013

Support vector machine is an effective classification and regression method that uses machine learning theory to maximize the predictive accuracy while avoiding overfitting of data.L2regularization has been commonly used. If the training dataset contains many noise variables,L1regularization SVM will provide a better performance. However, bothL1andL2are not the optimal regularization method when handing a large number of redundant values and only a small amount of data points is useful for machine learning. We have therefore proposed an adaptive learning algorithm using the iterative reweightedp-norm regularization support vector machine for 0 <p≤ 2. A simulated data set was created to evaluate the algorithm. It was shown that apvalue of 0.8 was able to produce better feature selection rate with high accuracy. Four cancer data sets from public data banks were used also for the evaluation. All four evaluations show that the new adaptive algorithm was able to achieve the optimal prediction error using apvalue less thanL1norm. Moreover, we observe that the proposedLppenalty is more robust to noise variables than theL1andL2penalties.
Nonlinear Multivariate Calibration of Shelf Life of Preserved Eggs (Pidan) by Near Infrared Spectroscopy: Stacked Least Squares Support Vector Machine with Ensemble Preprocessing
Authors: Xu Lu , Yan Si-Min , Cai Chen-Bo , Yu Xiao-Ping , Jiang Jian-Hui , Wu Hai-Long , Yu Ru-Qin
Published: September 2013

This paper aims at developing a rapid and nondestructive method for analyzing the shelf life of preserved eggs (pidan) by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and nonlinear multivariate calibration. A major concern with a nonlinear model is that the noncomposition-correlated spectral variations among pidan objects of different batches and production dates would unnecessarily increase model complexity and cause overfitting and degradation of prediction. To reduce the negative influence of unwanted spectral variations, stacked least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) with an ensemble of 62 commonly used preprocessing methods is proposed to automatically optimize data preprocessing and develop the nonlinear model. The analysis results indicate that stacked LS-SVM can obtain stable calibration model, and the prediction accuracy is improved compared with models with single-preprocessing methods. Since LS-SVM is much faster than its ordinary counterparts, stacked LS-SVM with ensemble preprocessing can be performed within an acceptable computational time. When the objects and spectral variations are very complex, the proposed method can provide a useful tool for data preprocessing and nonlinear multivariate calibration.
Path Transmissibility Analysis Considering Two Types of Correlations in Hydropower Stations
Authors: Zhi Baoping , Ma Zhenyue
Published: September 2013

A new vibration model is built by introducing the head-cover vibration transfer path based on a previous analysis of the vertical vibration model for hydropower station units and powerhouses. This research focuses on disturbance- and parameter-related transfer paths in a practical situation. In a complex situation, the application of the stochastic perturbation method is expanded using an algebra synthesis method the Hadamard product, and theoretical analyses, and numerical simulations of transfer paths in the new vibration model are carried out through the expanded perturbation method. The path transfer force, the path transmissibility, and the path disturbance ranges in the frequency domain are provided. The results indicate that the methods proposed in this study can efficiently reduce the disturbance range and can accurately analyze the transfer paths of hydraulic-source vertical vibration in hydropower stations.
Effects of Anesthesia and Species on the Uptake or Binding of Radioligands In Vivo in the Göttingen Minipig
Authors: Alstrup Aage K. O. , Landau Anne M. , Holden James E. , Jakobsen Steen , Schacht Anna C. , Audrain Helene , Wegener Gregers , Hansen Axel K. , Gjedde Albert , Doudet Doris J.
Published: September 2013

Progress in neuroscience research often involves animals, as no adequate alternatives exist to animal models of living systems. However, both the physiological characteristics of the species used and the effects of anesthesia raise questions of common concern. Here, we demonstrate the confounding influences of these effects on tracer binding in positron emission tomography (PET). We determined the effects of two routinely used anesthetics (isoflurane and propofol) on the binding of two tracers of monoamine function, [C11]SCH23390, a tracer of the dopamine D1 and D5 receptors, and the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, [C11]yohimbine, in Göttingen minipigs. The kinetics of SCH23390 in the pigs differed from those of our earlier studies in primates. With two different graphical analyses of uptake of SCH23390, the initial clearance values of this tracer were higher with isoflurane than with propofol anesthesia, indicative of differences in blood flow, whereas no significant differences were observed for the volumes of distribution of yohimbine. The study underscores the importance of differences of anesthesia and species when the properties of radioligands are evaluated under different circumstances that may affect blood flow and tracer uptake. These differences must be considered in the choice of a particular animal species and mode of anesthesia for a particular application.
Blockade of Adrenal Medulla-Derived Epinephrine Potentiates Bee Venom-Induced Antinociception in the Mouse Formalin Test: Involvement of Peripheralβ-Adrenoceptors
Authors: Kang Suk-Yun , Roh Dae-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Woo , Han Ho-Jae , Beitz Alvin J. , Lee Jang-Hern
Published: September 2013

The injection of diluted bee venom (DBV) into an acupoint has been used traditionally in eastern medicine to treat a variety of inflammatory chronic pain conditions. We have previously shown that DBV had a potent antinociceptive efficacy in several rodent pain models. However, the peripheral mechanisms underlying DBV-induced antinociception remain unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the role of peripheral epinephrine on the DBV-induced antinociceptive effect in the mouse formalin assay. Adrenalectomy significantly enhanced the antinociceptive effect of DBV during the late phase of the formalin test, while chemical sympathectomy had no effect. Intraperitoneal injection of epinephrine blocked this adrenalectomy-induced enhancement of the DBV-induced antinociceptive effect. Moreover, injection of a phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) inhibitor enhanced the DBV-induced antinociceptive effect. Administration of nonselectiveβ-adrenergic antagonists also significantly potentiated this DBV-induced antinociception, in a manner similar to adrenalectomy. These results demonstrate that the antinociceptive effect of DBV treatment can be significantly enhanced by modulation of adrenal medulla-derived epinephrine and this effect is mediated by peripheralβ-adrenoceptors. Thus, DBV acupoint stimulation in combination with inhibition of peripheralβ-adrenoceptors could be a potentially novel strategy for the management of inflammatory pain.
General Error Analysis in the Relationship between Free Thyroxine and Thyrotropin and Its Clinical Relevance
Authors: Goede Simon L. , Leow Melvin Khee-Shing
Published: September 2013

Background. This treatise investigates error sources in measurements applicable to the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) system of analysis for homeostatic set point computation. The hypothalamus-pituitary transfer characteristic (HP curve) describes the relationship between plasma free thyroxine [FT4] and thyrotropin [TSH].Objective. We define the origin, types, causes, and effects of errors that are commonly encountered in TFT measurements and examine how we can interpret these to construct a reliable HP function for set point establishment.Design and Methods. The error sources in the clinical measurement procedures are identified and analyzed in relation to the constructed HP model.Results. The main sources of measurement and interpretation uncertainties are (1) diurnal variations in [TSH], (2) TFT measurement variations influenced by timing of thyroid medications, (3) error sensitivity in ranges of [TSH] and [FT4] (laboratory assay dependent), (4) rounding/truncation of decimals in [FT4] which in turn amplify curve fitting errors in the [TSH] domain in the lower [FT4] range, (5) memory effects (rate-independent hysteresis effect).Conclusions. When the main uncertainties in thyroid function tests (TFT) are identified and analyzed, we can find the most acceptable model space with which we can construct the best HP function and the related set point area.
Modeling of the Renal Kinetics of the AT1 Receptor Specific PET Radioligand [11C]KR31173
Authors: Gulaldi Nedim C. M. , Xia Jinsong , Feng Tao , Hong Kelvin , Mathews William B. , Ruben Dawn , Kamel Ihab R. , Tsui Benjamin M. W. , Szabo Zsolt
Published: September 2013

Purpose. The radioligand [11C]KR31173 has been introduced for PET imaging of the angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1R). The purpose of the present project was to employ and validate a compartmental model for quantification of the kinetics of this radioligand in a porcine model of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion (IR).Procedures. Ten domestic pigs were included in the study: five controls and five experimental animals with IR of the left kidney. To achieve IR, acute ischemia was created with a balloon inserted into the left renal artery and inflated for 60 minutes. Reperfusion was achieved by deflation and removal of the balloon. Blood chemistries, urine specific gravity and PH values, and circulating hormones of the renin angiotensin system were measured and PET imaging was performed one week after IR. Cortical time-activity curves obtained from a 90 min [11C]KR31173 dynamic PET study were processed with a compartmental model that included two tissue compartments connected in parallel. Radioligand binding quantified by radioligand retention (80 min value to maximum value ratio) was compared to the binding parameters derived from the compartmental model. A binding ratio was calculated asDVR=DVS/DVNS, whereDVSandDVNSrepresented the distribution volumes of specific binding and nonspecific binding. Receptor binding was also determined by autoradiographyin vitro.Results. Correlations between rate constants and binding parameters derived by the convolution and deconvolution curve fittings were significant(r>0.9). Also significant was the correlation between the retention parameter derived from the tissue activity curve (Yret) and the retention parameter derived from the impulse response function (fret). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between these two retention parameters and DVR. Measurements with PET showed no significant changes in the radioligand binding parameters caused by IR, and thesein vivofindings were confirmed by autoradiography performedin vitro.Conclusions. Correlations between various binding parameters support the concept of the parallel connectivity compartmental model. If an arterial input function cannot be obtained, simple radioligand retention may be adequate for estimation ofin vivoradioligand binding.
Comparative Analyses of theβ-Tubulin Gene and Molecular Modeling Reveal Molecular Insight into the Colchicine Resistance in Kinetoplastids Organisms
Authors: Luis Luis , Serrano María Luisa , Hidalgo Mariana , Mendoza-León Alexis
Published: September 2013

Differential susceptibility to microtubule agents has been demonstrated between mammalian cells and kinetoplastid organisms such asLeishmania spp. andTrypanosoma spp. The aims of this study were to identify and characterize the architecture of the putative colchicine binding site ofLeishmania spp. and investigate the molecular basis of colchicine resistance. We cloned and sequenced theβ-tubulin gene ofLeishmania (Viannia) guyanensisand established the theoretical 3D model of the protein, using the crystallographic structure of the bovine protein as template. We identified mutations on theLeishmania  β-tubulin gene sequences on regions related to the putative colchicine-binding pocket, which generate amino acid substitutions and changes in the topology of this region, blocking the access of colchicine. The same mutations were found in theβ-tubulin sequence of kinetoplastid organisms such asTrypanosoma cruzi,T. brucei, andT. evansi. Using molecular modelling approaches, we demonstrated that conformational changes include an elongation and torsion of anα-helix structure and displacement to the inside of the pocket of oneβ-sheet that hinders access of colchicine. We propose that kinetoplastid organisms show resistance to colchicine due to amino acids substitutions that generate structural changes in the putative colchicine-binding domain, which prevent colchicine access.
Carbon Based PV: n-Si(100)/DLC Structure for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Ghosh D. , Ghosh B. , Ghosh Anindita , Hussain S. , Bhar R. , Pal A. K.
Published: September 2013

Diamond-like carbon films were electrodeposited on n-Si substrate to realize an n-Si/DLC PV structure. The films thus obtained were characterized by FESEM, XPS, FTIR, and Raman studies. Solar cell characteristics were also investigated critically. Maximum efficiency of 3.7% was obtained for the best n-Si(100)/DLC structure. Carrier life time was obtained from Voc decay measurement. It was observed that photoinduced charge separation in n-Si(100)/DLC structure was associated with an increase in the dielectric constant and a decrease in the device resistance. The process, being reproducible, cheap, and scalable, involving significantly less process steps, is likely to usher a new hope to the current competitive scenario of PV technology.
Total 4EBP1 Is Elevated in Liver of Rats in Response to Low Sulfur Amino Acid Intake
Authors: Sikalidis Angelos K. , Mazor Kevin M. , Kang Minji , Liu Hongyun , Stipanuk Martha H.
Published: September 2013

Translation initiation is known to be regulated by the binding of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) by binding proteins (4EBPs), and there is evidence that amino acid deprivation and other cellular stresses upregulate 4EBP1 expression. To pursue the question of whether diets limited in an essential amino acid lead to induction of 4EBP1 expression in vivo, diets that varied in methionine and cystine content were fed to rats for 7 days, and 4EBP1 mRNA and protein levels and 4EBP1 phosphorylation state were determined. Total 4EBP1 mRNA and protein abundance increased in liver of rats with severely deficient intakes of sulfur amino acids (0.23% or 0.11% methionine without cystine) but not in animals with a less restricted intake of sulfur amino acids (0.11% methionine plus 0.35% cystine) but a similarly restricted intake of total diet (53 to 62% of control). The amount of 4EBP1 binding activity (α+βforms) was elevated in liver of rats fed sulfur amino acid-deficient diets, whereas the hyperphosphorylation of 4EBP1 was not affected by dietary treatment. Results suggest that changes in total 4EBP1 expression should be considered when examining mechanisms that attenuate protein synthesis during amino acid deficiency states.
Ethnomedicinal Practices for Treating Liver Disorders of Local Communities in the Southern Regions of Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun , Song Mi-Jang
Published: September 2013

This study aims to analyze and record ethnomedicinal practices for treating liver disorders of residents living in local communities in the southern regions of Korea. Data was collected using participant observations and in-depth interviews, as the informants also become investigators themselves through attending informal meetings, open and group discussions, and overt observations with semistructured questionnaires. In this study, ethnomedicinal practices for liver ailments were recorded by 1,543 informants (362 men, 1,181 women) at 160 sites. The kinds of liver disorders treated by ethnomedicinal practices were liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, fatigue recovery, hangovers, and liver-related ailments. The category with the highest degree of consensus from the informants was jaundice (0.95), and the lowest degree of consensus was for liver cancer and liver cirrhosis (0.61). According to fidelity levels, 28 species resulted in fidelity levels of 100%. The internetwork analysis was first applied for the interpretation of ethnomedicinal knowledge of a community, although it has been strictly used until now for social science in the analysis of social trends and phenomena through the interrelationship of specific components.
Methanol Adsorption on Graphene
Authors: Schröder Elsebeth
Published: September 2013

The adsorption energies and orientation of methanol on graphene are determined from first‐principles density functional calculations. We employ the well‐tested vdW‐DF method that seamlessly includes dispersion interactions with all of the more close‐ranged interactions that result in
bonds like the covalent and hydrogen bonds. The adsorption of a single methanol molecule and small methanol clusters on graphene is studied at various coverages. Adsorption in clusters or at high coverages (less than a monolayer) is found to be preferable, with the methanol C‐O axis approximately parallel to the plane of graphene. The adsorption energies calculated with vdW‐DF are compared with previous DFT‐D and MP2‐based calculations for single methanol adsorption on flakes of graphene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). For the high coverage adsorption energies, we also find reasonably good agreement with previous desorption measurements.
Surgical Management of Penile and Preputial Neoplasms in Equine with Special Reference to Partial Phallectomy
Authors: Rizk Awad , Mosbah Esam , Karrouf Gamal , Abou Alsoud Mohamed
Published: September 2013

Penile and preputial neoplasia in horses occurs infrequently and represents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The present study was carried out on a total number of 21 equids (14 stallions and 7 donkeys) suffered from different penile and preputial neoplasia. Diagnosis of neoplasms was based up on history of the case, clinical examination as well as histopathological evaluation. Animals with penile and preputial neoplasms were underwent local excision and partial phallectomy with a slightly modified version of the techniques described by William’s. The diagnosed neoplasms were penile and preputial squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs; ); sarcoid (); a-fibrosarcoma; and a melanoma. Local excision was curative in all cases except 5 stallions with SCCs. These stallions had extensive damage of the glans penis, free part of the penis and the inner lamina of the internal fold of the prepuce, and they underwent a partial phallectomy with successful outcome. Follow-up information was obtained by visit and telephone inquiries. In conclusion, penile and preputial neoplasms are commonly encountered in elderly male horses and SCCs are the most common type affecting male external genitalia. Partial phallectomy is effective for management of equine neoplasia if they are confined to the glans and body of the penis and there is no proximal spread or involvement to regional lymph nodes.
3D-Culture System for Heart Regeneration and Cardiac Medicine
Authors: Kawaguchi Nanako , Hatta Kota , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: September 2013

3D cultures have gained attention in the field of regenerative medicine for their usefulness asin vitromodel of solid tissues. Bottom-up technology to generate artificial tissues or organs is prospective and an attractive approach that will expand as the field of regenerative medicine becomes more translational. We have characterized c-kit positive cardiac stem cells after long-term cultures and established a 3D-nanoculture system using collagen scaffolds. By combining informatics-based studies, including proteomic analyses and microarrays, we sought to generate methods that modeled cardiac regeneration which can ultimately be used to build artificial hearts. Here, we describe the use of biodegradable beads or 3D cultures to study cardiac regeneration. We summarize recent work that demonstrates that, by using a combination of molecular analyses with 3D cultures, it is possible to evaluate concise mechanisms of solid tissue stem cell biology.
Suppression of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Improves Angiogenic Responses to Ischemia in Diabetic Mouse Hindlimb Ischemia Model
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Ko Young-Guk , Kim Sun Hwa , Chung Ji Hyung , Hwang Ki-Chul , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo
Published: September 2013

Background. The role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) for the impaired angiogenic response in diabetic patients is not well known. We investigated the impact of RAGE suppression by soluble RAGE (sRAGE) on the angiogenic response in a diabetic hindlimb ischemia mouse model. Materials and Methods. Hindlimb ischemia model was prepared by ligation of femoral artery in diabetic and nondiabetic mice. Ischemia-induced angiogenic response was evaluated by laser-Doppler perfusion imaging, muscle capillary density, and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and high-mobility group box (HMGB)-1. Results. Diabetic mice showed attenuated recovery of ischemic limb perfusion on laser-Doppler perfusion imaging compared with nondiabetic mice. The treatment with sRAGE significantly improved blood flow in the ischemic limbs of diabetic mice. The expression levels of VEGF and HMGB-1 in the limb muscle tissues of diabetic mice were lower than in those of nondiabetic mice. The treatment with sRAGE significantly increased the VEGF and HMGB-1 protein expression in the ischemic limb muscle tissues in the diabetic mice. Conclusion. The suppression of RAGE by sRAGE administration improved angiogenic response to ischemia in diabetic mice and was associated with increased HMGB-1 and VEGF levels in muscle tissues.
Preparation and Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets via Water-Based Exfoliation and Reduction Methods
Authors: Loryuenyong Vorrada , Totepvimarn Krit , Eimburanapravat Passakorn , Boonchompoo Wanchai , Buasri Achanai
Published: September 2013

This research studied the synthesis of graphene oxide and graphene via a low-cost manufacturing method. The process started with the chemical oxidation of commercial graphite powder into graphite oxide by modified Hummer’s method, followed by the exfoliation of graphite oxide in distilled water using the ultrasound frequency from a laboratory ultrasonic bath. Finally, the oxygen functional groups on exfoliated graphite oxide or graphene oxide were eliminated by stirring in hot distilled water at 95°C, as a replacement for highly toxic and dangerously unstable hydrazine. The results assured that stirring in hot distilled water could give the product of graphene or reduced graphene oxide. The samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM methods.
Internal Hernia in a Liver Transplant Recipien: A Case Report
Authors: Hayashi Hironori , Takamura Hiroyuki , Ohbatake Yoshinao , Shoji Masatoshi , Nakanuma Shin-ichi , Nakagawara Hisatoshi , Miyashita Tomoharu , Tajima Hidehiro , Kitagawa Hirohisa , Tani Takashi , Shimizu Koichi , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: September 2013

Biliary complications have great importance for liver transplant recipients because of affecting long-term prognosis. In rare situations, an internal hernia of the Roux-en-Y loop cause graft injury. A 42-year-old woman with a history of living donor liver transplantation 6 years ago presented with prolonged graft injury during the past 6 months. She suddenly developed ileus of the small bowel with internal hernia through the defect of the mesentery around the Roux-en-Y limb of the hepaticojejunostomy. Emergent surgery was performed to reduce the hernia and volvulus; also the mesenteric rent was closed with interrupted suture of silk. Internal hernia of the small bowel after liver transplantation is rare but causes graft injury due to associated biliary complications and rapid deterioration of patient’s condition.
Laboratory Study on the Potential EOR Use of HPAM/VES Hybrid in High‐Temperature and High‐Salinity Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zhu Dingwei , Zhang Jichao , Han Yugui , Wang Hongyan , Feng Yujun
Published: September 2013

Polymer flooding represents one of the most efficient processes to enhance oil recovery, and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is a widely used oil‐displacement agent, but its poor thermal stability, salt tolerance, and mechanical degradation impeded its use in high‐temperature and high‐salinity oil reservoirs. In this work, a novel viscoelastic surfactant, erucyl dimethyl amidobetaine (EDAB), with improved thermal stability and salinity tolerance, was complexed with HPAM to overcome the deficiencies of HPAM. The HPAM/EDAB hybrid samples were studied in comparison with HPAM and EDAB in synthetic brine regarding their rheological behaviors and core flooding experiments under simulated high‐temperature and high‐salinity oil reservoir conditions (T: 85°C; total dissolved solids: 32,868 mg/L; [Ca2+] + [Mg2+]: 873 mg/L). It was found that the HPAM/EDAB hybrids exhibited much better heat‐ and salinity‐tolerance and long‐term thermal stability than HPAM. Core flooding tests showed that the oil recovery factors of HPAM/EDAB hybrids are between those of HPAM and EDAB. These results are attributed to the synergistic effect between HPAM and EDAB in the hybrid.
Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention
Authors: Pandel Ruža , Poljšak Borut , Godic Aleksandar , Dahmane Raja
Published: September 2013

Photoaging of the skin depends primarily on the degree of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and on an amount of melanin in the skin (skin phototype). In addition to direct or indirect DNA damage, UVR activates cell surface receptors of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin, which leads to a breakdown of collagen in the extracellular matrix and a shutdown of new collagen synthesis. It is hypothesized that dermal collagen breakdown is followed by imperfect repair that yields a deficit in the structural integrity of the skin, formation of a solar scar, and ultimately clinically visible skin atrophy and wrinkles. Many studies confirmed that acute exposure of human skin to UVR leads to oxidation of cellular biomolecules that could be prevented by prior antioxidant treatment and to depletion of endogenous antioxidants. Skin has a network of all major endogenous enzymatic and nonenzymatic protective antioxidants, but their role in protecting cells against oxidative damage generated by UV radiation has not been elucidated. It seems that skin’s antioxidative defence is also influenced by vitamins and nutritive factors and that combination of different antioxidants simultaneously provides synergistic effect.
Global Solutions for an -Component System of Activator-Inhibitor Type
Authors: Abdelmalek S. , Gouadria A. , Youkana A.
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with a reaction-diffusion system with fractional reactions modeling -substances into interaction following activator-inhibitor's scheme. The existence of global solutions is obtained via a judicious Lyapunov functional that generalizes the one introduced by Masuda and Takahashi.
A Rare Case of Suppurative Aspergillosis of the Thyroid
Authors: Thada Nikhil Dinaker , Prasad Sampath Chandra , Alva Bhasker , Pokharel Monika , Prasad Kishore Chandra
Published: September 2013

Suppurative fungal infection of the thyroid is an extremely rare condition even more so in an immunocompetent patient. Fungal infections of the thyroid usually occur in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies, recipients of bone marrow and solid organ allografts on immunosuppression, and patients with AIDS. A 65-year-old male presented with swelling in the front of the neck for 2 years. Examination revealed a  cm non-tender, firm swelling of the right lobe of the thyroid. The patient was taken up for a subtotal thyroidectomy. Intra-operatively, an abscess cavity with pus was found in the right lobe of the thyroid. Histopathology revealed features of fungal abscess and staining demonstrated fungal hyphae characteristic ofAspergillusssp.