bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Microbial Keratitis after Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking
Authors: Shetty Rohit , Kaweri Luci , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Nagaraja Harsha , Arora Vishal , Kumar Rajesh S.
Published: September 2014

Purpose. To report the profile of microbial keratitis occurring after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients.Methods. A retrospective analysis of 2350 patients (1715 conventional CXL, 310 transepithelial CXL, and 325 accelerated CXL) over 7 years (from January 2007 to January 2014) of progressive keratoconus, who underwent CXL at a tertiary eye care centre, was performed. Clinical findings, treatment, and course of disease of four eyes that developed postprocedural moxifloxacin resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MXRSA) infectious keratitis are highlighted.Results. Four eyes that underwent CXL (0.0017%) had corneal infiltrates. All eyes that developed keratitis had conventional CXL. Corneal infiltrates were noted on the third postoperative day. Gram’s stain as well as culture reported MXRSA as the causative agent in all cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each case was positive for eubacterial genome. All patients were treated with fortified antibiotic eye drops, following which keratitis resolved over a 6-week period with scarring. All these patients were on long-term preoperative oral/topical steroids for chronic disorders (chronic vernal keratoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, and chronic eczema).Conclusion. The incidence of infectious keratitis after CXL is a rare complication (0.0017%). MXRSA is a potential organism for causing post-CXL keratitis and should be identified early and treated aggressively with fortified antibiotics.
Breast Cancer Presenting as Paraneoplastic Erythroderma: An Extremely Rare Case
Authors: Protopsaltis Ioannis , Drossou Aspasia , Katsantonis Ioannis , Roussos Nikolaos , Manoludaki Kassiani , Arvanitis Miltiadis , Papazafiropoulou Athanasia , Antonopoulos Stavros
Published: September 2014

The skin may exhibit the first clinical evidence of a systemic disease and may provide the first clues to a diagnosis in malignancies. Erythroderma is defined as generalized redness and scaling and it is a clinical manifestation of a variety of underlying diseases including, rarely, solid tumors. Breast cancer is associated with a variety of skin paraneoplastic manifestations like acanthosis nigricans, erythromelalgia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and scleroderma. However, in the literature, the correlation of erythroderma with breast cancer is quite infrequent. Here, we describe a case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with a paraneoplastic manifestation of erythroderma due to breast cancer.
Advanced Design of Separated Household Waste Collection Systems on the Base of GIS Modelling
Authors: Ladanyi Richard
Published: September 2014

The Hungarian waste management sector is under transformation now. The new (2012/CLXXXV) Law on the Waste applies requirements on the players of the waste market that will result in the reorganization of the whole waste management industrial sector. The aim of the system transformation is enhancing the proportion of separately treated waste in accordance with the EU directives. Emerging waste quantities to be separately treated means challenge for the existing logistic capacities (e.g., collector vehicles); thus evaluation of their actual efficiency and utilization seems to be useful in the course of the transformation. With this object in view, a new separated waste collection system planning approach and a software module were developed on the base of a geographic information system (GIS) platform. The software module was designed to help choose and localize the appropriate collection methods and define the logistically effective collector vehicle routes according to the settlement structures of urban environments.
The Influence of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation on Matrix Metalloproteinases in Patients Treated for Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Furenes Eline Bredal , Opstad Trine Baur , Solheim Svein , Lunde Ketil , Arnesen Harald , Seljeflot Ingebjørg
Published: September 2014

Background. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), regulated by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-9 (TIMP-1) and the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), contributes to plaque instability. Autologous stem cells from bone marrow (mBMC) treatment are suggested to reduce myocardial damage; however, limited data exists on the influence of mBMC on MMPs.Aim. We investigated the influence of mBMC on circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and EMMPRIN at different time points in patients included in the randomized Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (ASTAMI) trial (n=100). Gene expression analyses were additionally performed.Results. After 2-3 weeks we observed a more pronounced increase in MMP-9 levels in the mBMC group, compared to controls (P=0.030), whereas EMMPRIN levels were reduced from baseline to 2-3 weeks and 3 months in both groups (P<0.0001). Gene expression of both MMP-9 and EMMPRIN was reduced from baseline to 3 months. MMP-9 and EMMPRIN were significantly correlated to myocardial injury (CK:P=0.005andP<0.001, resp.) and infarct size (SPECT:P=0.018andP=0.008, resp.).Conclusion. The results indicate that the regulation of metalloproteinases is important during AMI, however, limited influenced by mBMC.
Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Dixon J. M.
Published: September 2014

Around 70% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor alpha positive and hence their development is highly dependent on estradiol. While the invention of endocrine therapies has revolusioned the treatment of the disease, resistance to therapy eventually occurs in a large number of patients. This paper seeks to illustrate and discuss the complexity and heterogeneity of the mechanisms which underlie resistance and the approaches proposed to combat them. It will also focus on the use and development of methods for predicting which patients are likely to develop resistance.
Thermal Analysis of ZPPR High Pu Content Stored Fuel
Authors: Solbrig Charles W. , Pope Chad L. , Andrus Jason P.
Published: September 2014

The Zero Power Physics Reactor (ZPPR) operated from April 18, 1969, until 1990. ZPPR operated at low power for testing nuclear reactor designs. This paper examines the temperature of Pu content ZPPR fuel while it is in storage. Heat is generated in the fuel due to Pu and Am decay and is a concern for possible cladding damage. Damage to the cladding could lead to fuel hydriding and oxidizing. A series of computer simulations were made to determine the range of temperatures potentially occuring in the ZPPR fuel. The maximum calculated fuel temperature is 292°C (558°F). Conservative assumptions in the model intentionally overestimate temperatures. The stored fuel temperatures are dependent on the distribution of fuel in the surrounding storage compartments, the heat generation rate of the fuel, and the orientation of fuel. Direct fuel temperatures could not be measured but storage bin doors, storage sleeve doors, and storage canister temperatures were measured. Comparison of these three temperatures to the calculations indicates that the temperatures calculated with conservative assumptions are, as expected, higher than the actual temperatures. The maximum calculated fuel temperature with the most conservative assumptions is significantly below the fuel failure criterion of 600°C (1,112°F).
Optimal Pricing and Ordering Policy for Two Echelon Varying Production Inventory System
Authors: Pal Brojeswar , Sana Shib Sankar , Chaudhuri Kripasindhu
Published: September 2014

The paper proposes a two-stage supply chain model for price sensitive demand in imperfect production system while manufacturer and supplier are the members of the chain. The supplier screens the raw materials first and supplies good materials to the manufacturer at a constant rate. The production rate varies randomly within a finite interval. The inventory cycle of the manufacturer starts with shortages and production and it finishes with shortages again, in which shortages are partially backlogged. We consider a mixture of LIFO (last in, first out) and FIFO (first in, first out) dispatching policies to fill the backlogged demand. Thus, the objective of the proposed paper is to determine the optimal ordering lot-size and selling price of the manufacturer such that the per unit average integrated expected profit of the supply chain model is maximized. A numerical example is provided to analyze and illustrate the behavior and application of the model. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the key parameters are presented to test feasibility of the model.
Heuristic Evaluation on Mobile Interfaces: A New Checklist
Authors: Yáñez Gómez Rosa , Cascado Caballero Daniel , Sevillano José-Luis
Published: September 2014

The rapid evolution and adoption of mobile devices raise new usability challenges, given their limitations (in screen size, battery life, etc.) as well as the specific requirements of this new interaction. Traditional evaluation techniques need to be adapted in order for these requirements to be met. Heuristic evaluation (HE), an Inspection Method based on evaluation conducted by experts over a real system or prototype, is based on checklists which are desktop-centred and do not adequately detect mobile-specific usability issues. In this paper, we propose a compilation of heuristic evaluation checklists taken from the existing bibliography but readapted to new mobile interfaces. Selecting and rearranging these heuristic guidelines offer a tool which works well not just for evaluation but also as a best-practices checklist. The result is a comprehensive checklist which is experimentally evaluated as a design tool. This experimental evaluation involved two software engineers without any specific knowledge about usability, a group of ten users who compared the usability of a first prototype designed without our heuristics, and a second one after applying the proposed checklist. The results of this experiment show the usefulness of the proposed checklist for avoiding usability gaps even with nontrained developers.
Achievement of Early Compressive Strength in Concrete UsingSporosarcina pasteuriiBacteria as an Admixture
Authors: Chidara Rakesh , Nagulagama Rahul , Yadav Smitha
Published: September 2014

Often it is observed, attainment of early compressive strength in concrete is a challenge. Researchers have tried various admixtures to achieve the objective. This work addresses the issue of achieving early compressive strength in concrete using a bacterium calledSporosarcina pasteurii. The bacterium is characterised with the ability to precipitate calcium carbonate in the presence of any carbonate source and is known for its resistive capacity in extreme temperature and pressure zones. To establish the objective of gain in early strength around 192 concrete cubes were tested at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days and the results compared with controlled concrete. The bacterium was used in combination of chemicals and the dosage proportions were altered to achieve the desired M20 compressive strength at 28 days.
The Impact of Extracellular Vesicle-Encapsulated Circulating MicroRNAs in Lung Cancer Research
Authors: Fujita Yu , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro , Takeshita Fumitaka
Published: September 2014

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Biomarkers for lung cancer have raised great expectations in their clinical applications for early diagnosis, survival, and therapeutic responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of short endogenous noncoding RNAs, play critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and the development of various types of cancers. Current studies have shown that miRNAs are present in the extracellular spaces, packaged into various membrane-bound vesicles. Tumor-specific circulating miRNAs have been developed as early diagnostic biomarkers for lung cancer. Remarkably, some studies have succeeded in discovering circulating miRNAs with prognostic or predictive significance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are recognized as novel tools for cell-cell communication and as biomarkers for various diseases. Their vesicle composition and miRNA content have the ability to transfer biological information to recipient cells and play an important role in cancer metastasis and prognosis. This review provides an in-depth summary of current findings on circulating miRNAs in lung cancer patients used as diagnostic biomarkers. We also discuss the role of EV miRNAs in cell-cell communication and explore the effectiveness of these contents as predictive biomarkers for cancer malignancy.
Minimizing Design Costs of an FIR Filter Using a Novel Coefficient Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Ming-Chih , Chen Tsung-Ting
Published: September 2014

This work presents a novel coefficient optimization algorithm to reduce the area and improve the performance of finite impulse response (FIR) filter designs. Two basic architectures are commonly used in filters—direct and transposed. The coefficients of a filter can be encoded in the fewest possible nonzero bits using canonic signed digit (CSD) expressions. The proposed optimization algorithm can share common subexpressions (CS) and reduce the number of replicate operations that involve the CSD coefficients of filters with a transposed architecture. The effectiveness of the algorithm is confirmed by using filters with the collision detection multiple access (CDMA) standard, the 121‐tap high‐pass band, and 105‐ and 325‐tap low‐pass bands as benchmarks. For example, the proposed algorithm used in the optimization of 105‐tap filter has a 30.44% smaller combinational logic area and a 16.69% better throughput/area than those of the best design that has been developed to date. Experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm outperforms earlier designs.
Mode of Action of Lactoperoxidase as Related to Its Antimicrobial Activity: A Review
Authors: Bafort F. , Parisi O. , Perraudin J.-P. , Jijakli M. H.
Published: September 2014

Lactoperoxidase is a member of the family of the mammalian heme peroxidases which have a broad spectrum of activity. Their best known effect is their antimicrobial activity that arouses much interest inin vivoandin vitroapplications. In this context, the proper use of lactoperoxidase needs a good understanding of its mode of action, of the factors that favor or limit its activity, and of the features and properties of the active molecules. The first part of this review describes briefly the classification of mammalian peroxidases and their role in the human immune system and in host cell damage. The second part summarizes present knowledge on the mode of action of lactoperoxidase, with special focus on the characteristics to be taken into account forin vitroorin vivoantimicrobial use. The last part looks upon the characteristics of the active molecule produced by lactoperoxidase in the presence of thiocyanate and/or iodide with implication(s) on its antimicrobial activity.
Model of Break-Bone Fever via Beta-Derivatives
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: September 2014

Using the new derivative called beta-derivative, we modelled the well-known infectious disease called break-bone fever or the dengue fever. We presented the endemic equilibrium points under certain conditions of the physical parameters included in the model. We made use of an iteration method to solve the extended model. To show the efficiency of the method used, we have presented in detail the stability and the convergence of the method for solving the system (2). We presented the uniqueness of the special solution of system (2) and finally the numerical simulations were presented for various values of beta.
Bandwidth-Aware Scheduling of Workflow Application on Multiple Grid Sites
Authors: Prajapati Harshadkumar B. , Shah Vipul A.
Published: September 2014

Bandwidth-aware workflow scheduling is required to improve the performance of a workflow application in a multisite Grid environment, as the data movement cost between two low-bandwidth sites can adversely affect the makespan of the application. Pegasus WMS, an open-source and freely available WMS, cannot fully utilize its workflow mapping capability due to unavailability of integration of any bandwidth monitoring infrastructure in it. This paper develops the integration of Network Weather Service (NWS) in Pegasus WMS to enable the bandwidth-aware mapping of scientific workflows. Our work demonstrates the applicability of the integration of NWS by making existing Heft site-selector of Pegasus WMS bandwidth aware. Furthermore, this paper proposes and implements a new workflow scheduling algorithm—Level based Highest Input and Processing Weight First. The results of the performed experiments indicate that the bandwidth-aware workflow scheduling algorithms perform better than bandwidth-unaware algorithms: Random and Heft of Pegasus WMS. Moreover, our proposed workflow scheduling algorithm performs better than the bandwidth-aware Heft algorithms. Thus, the proposed bandwidth-aware workflow scheduling enhances capability of Pegasus WMS and can increase performance of workflow applications.
Antibiotic Types and Handling Practices in Disease Management among Pig Farms in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Osei Sekyere John
Published: September 2014

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is affected by the type of antibiotics used and how they are handled. The types of antibiotics used by 110 pig farms in the Ashanti region and the handling practices of the farmers during disease management were assessed. Injectable tetracycline, sulphadimidine, benzylpenicillin, and dihydrostreptomycin containing antibiotics were overly used by the farmers especially in the management of diarrhea, rashes, and coughs. Unsafe storage and disposal practices observed among the farms reflected the abysmal knowledge on appropriate use of antibiotics. Misdiagnosis and inadequate protection during antibiotic handling in the farms increased the risk of antibiotic resistance development and spread. The factors affecting antibiotic resistance development and spread are rife in pig farms in Ashanti region and appropriate education and veterinary interventions are needed to prevent resistant bacteria from becoming endemic in pork and pig farm communities.
Walking along the Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 Route: A Key Pathway to Understand the Control and Regulation of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Cell-Lineage Formation during Lung Development and Repair after Injury
Authors: El Agha Elie , Bellusci Saverio
Published: September 2014

Basic research on embryonic lung development offers unique opportunities to make important discoveries that will impact human health. Developmental biologists interested in the molecular control of branching morphogenesis have intensively studied the developing lung, with its complex and seemingly stereotyped ramified structure. However, it is also an organ that is linked to a vast array of clinical problems in humans such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies and emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, and cancer in adults. Epithelial stem/progenitor cells reside in niches where they interact with specific extracellular matrices as well as with mesenchymal cells; the latter are still poorly characterized. Interactions of epithelial stem/progenitor cells with their microenvironments are usually instructive, controlling quiescence versus activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. During the past 18 years,Fgf10has emerged not only as a marker for the distal lung mesenchyme during early lung development, but also as a key player in branching morphogenesis and a critical component of the niche for epithelial stem cells. In this paper, we will present the current knowledge regarding the lineage tree in the lung, with special emphasis on cell-lineage decisions in the lung mesenchyme and the role of Fgf10 in this context.
Importance of pH Homeostasis in Metabolic Health and Diseases: Crucial Role of Membrane Proton Transport
Authors: Aoi Wataru , Marunaka Yoshinori
Published: September 2014

Protons dissociated from organic acids in cells are partly buffered. If not, they are transported to the extracellular fluid through the plasma membrane and buffered in circulation or excreted in urine and expiration gas. Several transporters including monocarboxylate transporters and Na+/H+exchanger play an important role in uptake and output of protons across plasma membranes in cells of metabolic tissues including skeletal muscle and the liver. They also contribute to maintenance of the physiological pH of body fluid. Therefore, impairment of these transporters causes dysfunction of cells, diseases, and a decrease in physical performance associated with abnormal pH. Additionally, it is known that fluid pH in the interstitial space of metabolic tissues is easily changed due to little pH buffering capacitance in interstitial fluids and a reduction in the interstitial fluid pH may mediate the onset of insulin resistance unlike blood containing pH buffers such as Hb (hemoglobin) and albumin. In contrast, habitual exercise and dietary intervention regulate expression/activity of transporters and maintain body fluid pH, which could partly explain the positive effect of healthy lifestyle on disease prognosis.
How Microgravity Changes Galectin-3 in Thyroid Follicles
Authors: Albi Elisabetta , Curcio Francesco , Lazzarini Andrea , Floridi Alessandro , Cataldi Samuela , Lazzarini Remo , Loreti Elisabetta , Ferri Ivana , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco Saverio
Published: September 2014

After long-term exposure to real microgravity thyroid glandin vivoundergoes specific changes, follicles are made up of larger thyrocytes that produce more cAMP and express more thyrotropin-receptor, caveolin-1, and sphingomyelinase and sphingomyelin-synthase; parafollicular spaces lose C cells with consequent reduction of calcitonin production. Here we studied four immunohistochemical tumor markers (HBME-1, MIB-1, CK19, and Galectin-3) in thyroid of mice housed in the Mouse Drawer System and maintained for 90 days in the International Space Station. Results showed that MIB-1 proliferative index and CK19 are negative whereas HBME-1 and Galectin-3 are overexpressed. The positivity of Galectin-3 deserves attention not only for its expression but also and especially for its localization. Our results highlighted that, in microgravity conditions, Galectin-3 leaves thyrocytes and diffuses in colloid. It is possible that the gravity force contributes to the maintenance of the distribution of the molecules in both basal membrane side and apical membrane side and that the microgravity facilitates slippage of Galectin-3 in colloid probably due to membrane remodelling-microgravity induced.
Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Matrix Implantation Promotes Angiogenesis following Surgical Brain Trauma
Authors: Huang Kuo-Feng , Hsu Wei-Cherng , Hsiao Jong-Kai , Chen Gunng-Shinng , Wang Jia-Yi
Published: September 2014

Surgical brain injury (SBI) is unavoidable during many neurosurgical procedures intrinsically linked to postoperative neurological deficits. We have previously demonstrated that implantation of collagen glycosaminoglycan (CG) following surgical brain injury could significantly promote functional recovery and neurogenesis. In this study we further hypothesized that this scaffold may provide a microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis to favor neurogenesis and subsequent functional recovery. Using the rodent model of surgical brain injury as we previously established, we divided Sprague-Dawley male rats (weighting 300–350 g) into three groups: (1) sham (2) surgical injury with a lesion (L), and (3) L with CG matrix implantation (L + CG). Our results demonstrated that L + CG group showed a statistically significant increase in the density of vascular endothelial cells and blood vessels over time. In addition, tissue concentrations of angiogenic growth factors (such as VEGF, FGF2, and PDGF) significantly increased in L + CG group. These results suggest that implantation of a CG scaffold can promote vascularization accompanied by neurogenesis. This opens prospects for use of CG scaffolds in conditions such as brain injury including trauma and ischemia.
Planarians Sense Simulated Microgravity and Hypergravity
Authors: Adell Teresa , Saló Emili , van Loon Jack J. W. A. , Auletta Gennaro
Published: September 2014

Planarians are flatworms, which belong to the phylumPlatyhelminthes.They have been a classical subject of study due to their amazing regenerative ability, which relies on the existence of adult totipotent stem cells. Nowadays they are an emerging model system in the field of developmental, regenerative, and stem cell biology. In this study we analyze the effect of a simulated microgravity and a hypergravity environment during the process of planarian regeneration and embryogenesis. We demonstrate that simulated microgravity by means of the random positioning machine (RPM) set at a speed of 60 °/s but not at 10 °/s produces the dead of planarians. Under hypergravity of 3 g and 4 g in a large diameter centrifuge (LDC) planarians can regenerate missing tissues, although a decrease in the proliferation rate is observed. Under 8 g hypergravity small planarian fragments are not able to regenerate. Moreover, we found an effect of gravity alterations in the rate of planarian scission, which is its asexual mode of reproduction. No apparent effects of altered gravity were found during the embryonic development.
A Comparison of Antegrade Percutaneous and Laparoscopic Approaches in the Treatment of Proximal Ureteral Stones
Authors: Topaloglu Hikmet , Karakoyunlu Nihat , Sari Sercan , Ozok Hakki Ugur , Sagnak Levent , Ersoy Hamit
Published: September 2014

Purpose. To compare the effectiveness and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) and percutaneous antegrade ureteroscopy (PAU) in which we use semirigid ureteroscopy in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones.Methods. Fifty-eight patients with large, impacted stones who had a history of failed shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and, retrograde ureterorenoscopy (URS) were included in the study between April 2007 and April 2014. Thirty-seven PAU and twenty-one RLU procedures were applied. Stone-free rates, operation times, duration of hospital stay, and follow-up duration were analyzed.Results. Overall stone-free rate was 100% for both groups. There was no significant difference between both groups with respect to postoperative duration of hospital stay and urinary leakage of more than 2 days. PAU group had a greater amount of blood loss (mean hemoglobin drops for PAU group and RLU group were 1.6 ± 1.1 g/dL versus 0.5 ± 0.3 g/dL, resp.;P=0.022). RLU group had longer operation time (for PAU group and RLU group 80.1 ± 44.6 min versus 102.1 ± 45.5 min, resp.;P=0.039).Conclusions. Both PAU and RLU appear to be comparable in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones when the history is notable for a failed retrograde approach or SWL. The decision should be based on surgical expertise and availability of surgical equipment.
In SilicoAntitubercular Activity Analysis of Benzofuran and Naphthofuran Derivatives
Authors: Karunakar Prashantha , Girija Chamarahalli Ramakrishnaiyer , Krishnamurthy Venkatappa , Krishna Venkatarangaiah , Shivakumar Kunigal Venugopal
Published: September 2014

For the human health,Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) is the deadliest enemy since decades due to its multidrug resistant strains. During latent stage of tuberculosis infection, MTB consumes nitrate as the alternate mechanism of respiration in the absence of oxygen, thus increasing its survival and virulence. NarL is a nitrate/nitrite response transcriptional regulatory protein of two-component signal transduction system which regulates nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase for MTB adaptation to anaerobic condition. Phosphorylation by sensor kinase (NarX) is the primary mechanism behind the activation of NarL although many response regulators get activated by small molecule phospho-donors in the absence of sensor kinase. Usingin silicoapproach, the molecular docking of benzofuran and naphthofuran derivatives and dynamic study of benzofuran derivative were performed. It was observed that compound Ethyl 5-bromo-3-ethoxycarbonylamino-1-benzofuran-2-carboxylate could be stabilized at the active site for over 10 ns of simulation. Here we suggest that derivatives of benzofuran moiety can lead to developing novel antituberculosis drugs.
Aptamers as Both Drugs and Drug-Carriers
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md.
Published: September 2014

Aptamers are short nucleic acid oligos. They may serve as both drugs and drug-carriers. Their use as diagnostic tools is also evident. They can be generated using various experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques. The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment which uses iterative screening of nucleic acid libraries is a popular experimental technique. Theory inspired methodology entropy-based seed-and-grow strategy that designs aptamer templates to bind specifically to targets is another one. Aptamers are predicted to be highly useful in producing general drugs and theranostic drugs occasionally for certain diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and so on. They bind to various targets like lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, small organic compounds, and even entire organisms. Aptamers may also serve as drug-carriers or nanoparticles helping drugs to get released in specific target regions. Due to better target specific physical binding properties aptamers cause less off-target toxicity effects. Therefore, search for aptamer based drugs, drug-carriers, and even diagnostic tools is expanding fast. The biophysical properties in relation to the target specific binding phenomena of aptamers, energetics behind the aptamer transport of drugs, and the consequent biological implications will be discussed. This review will open up avenues leading to novel drug discovery and drug delivery.
An Energy-Efficient Data Collection Method for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Ha Ilkyu , Djuraev Mamurjon , Ahn Byoungchul
Published: September 2014

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), some sensor nodes transmit their acquired data to a far distant base station directly or by linking several relay nodes. WSNs might not be able to operate if a sensor node completely consumes its battery power and does not perform its designated operation. Semiconductor technology drives sensor networks to collect video and audio data as well as environmental data. Therefore, energy is one of the most important resources in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), and clustering is proposed to reduce energy consumption. When a mobile sink is used, a lot of energy is saved, and the lifetime of the network can be extended because the sensor nodes do not need to transmit multimedia data to a far distant base station. We propose an energy-efficient data collection method to extend the lifetime of networks that use a mobile sink. By using the neighborhood density clustering method and defining an optimal path for the mobile sink, the proposed method extends the life of the WMSN. Simulation results show that the proposed method increases the lifetime of WMSNs by up to 15 rounds, compared with LEACH. And data collection time is decreased owing to the predefined path for the mobile sink.
Electrospun Fibres of Polyhydroxybutyrate Synthesized byRalstonia eutrophafrom Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Irorere Victor U. , Bagheriasl Soroosh , Blevins Mark , Kwiecień Iwona , Stamboulis Artemis , Radecka Iza
Published: September 2014

The properties of PHB may be affected by the carbon source used in its production and this may affect nanofibres made from this polymer by electrospinning. In this study, P(3-HB) was produced from glucose, rapeseed oil, and olive oil byRalstonia eutrophaH16. Cell growth and polymer production were higher in olive or rapeseed oil supplemented media compared to glucose supplemented media. FT-IR,1H-,13C-NMR, and ESI/MSnconfirmed that the synthesized polymers were P(3-HB). SEM micrograph showed the formation of nanofibres from P(3-HB) samples with the fibre diameters dependent on the source of the carbon used in polymer synthesis and the concentration of the polymer in the electrospinning solution. GPC showed that P(3-HB) from glucose (G-PHB) had a higher molecular weight (7.35×105 gmol−1) compared to P(3-HB) from rapeseed (R-PHB) and olive (O-PHB) oil. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the crystallinity of the electrospun polymers reduces with decreasing polymer concentration with R-PHB having lower crystallinity at all concentrations used. These observation shows that more PHB yield can be obtained using either rapeseed or olive oil compared to glucose with glucose producing polymers of higher molecular weight. It also show that electrospinning could be used to reduce the crystallinity of PHB fibres.
Vehicle Impact Analysis of Flexible Barriers Supported by Different Shaped Posts in Sloping Ground
Authors: Lee Dong W. , Ahn Jae S. , Woo Kwang S.
Published: September 2014

A roadside guardrail may be constructed near slopes. The desired safety behavior is ensured not only by the guardrail structure itself, but also by the interaction between soil and guardrail post. In the case of horizontal ground, the elastic Winkler spring model and the p- y curve approach can be used to estimate the soil-post interaction by the finite element method. However, it is difficult to apply those models with the sloping ground cases unless sufficient experimental data are given through the single post impact tests. This paper evaluates, using LS-DYNA software, the vehicle impact performance of flexible barriers made of steel W-Beam guardrails in sloping ground that are also supported over three different types of post configurations. The dynamic performance is tested in terms of maximum deflection, absorbing impact energy, and occupant risk index according to post types.
Carbon Ion Therapy for Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Demizu Yusuke , Fujii Osamu , Iwata Hiromitsu , Fuwa Nobukazu
Published: September 2014

Carbon ion therapy is a type of radiotherapies that can deliver high-dose radiation to a tumor while minimizing the dose delivered to the organs at risk; this profile differs from that of photon radiotherapy. Moreover, carbon ions are classified as high-linear energy transfer radiation and are expected to be effective for even photon-resistant tumors. Recently, high-precision radiotherapy modalities such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), proton therapy, and carbon ion therapy have been used for patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, and the results are promising, as, for carbon ion therapy, local control and overall survival rates at 5 years are 80–90% and 40–50%, respectively. Carbon ion therapy may be theoretically superior to SBRT and proton therapy, but the literature that is currently available does not show a statistically significant difference among these treatments. Carbon ion therapy demonstrates a better dose distribution than both SBRT and proton therapy in most cases of early-stage lung cancer. Therefore, carbon ion therapy may be safer for treating patients with adverse conditions such as large tumors, central tumors, and poor pulmonary function. Furthermore, carbon ion therapy may also be suitable for dose escalation and hypofractionation.
Molecular Identification and Quantification of Tetracycline and Erythromycin Resistance Genes in Spanish and Italian Retail Cheeses
Authors: Flórez Ana Belén , Alegría Ángel , Rossi Franca , Delgado Susana , Felis Giovanna E. , Torriani Sandra , Mayo Baltasar
Published: September 2014

Large antibiotic resistance gene pools in the microbiota of foods may ultimately pose a risk for human health. This study reports the identification and quantification of tetracycline- and erythromycin-resistant populations, resistance genes, and gene diversity in traditional Spanish and Italian cheeses, via culturing, conventional PCR, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The numbers of resistant bacteria varied widely among the antibiotics and the different cheese varieties; in some cheeses, all the bacterial populations seemed to be resistant. Up to eight antibiotic resistance genes were sought by gene-specific PCR, six with respect to tetracycline, that is,tet(K),tet(L),tet(M),tet(O),tet(S), andtet(W), and two with respect to erythromycin, that is,erm(B) anderm(F). The most common resistance genes in the analysed cheeses weretet(S),tet(W),tet(M), anderm(B). The copy numbers of these genes, as quantified by qPCR, ranged widely between cheeses (from 4.94 to10.18log⁡10/g). DGGE analysis revealed distinct banding profiles and two polymorphic nucleotide positions fortet(W)-carrying cheeses, though the similarity of the sequences suggests thistet(W) to have a monophyletic origin. Traditional cheeses would therefore appear to act as reservoirs for large numbers of many types of antibiotic resistance determinants.
Effect of Vacuum Frying on Changes in Quality Attributes of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Bulb Slices
Authors: Maity Tanushree , Bawa A. S. , Raju P. S.
Published: September 2014

The effect of frying temperatures and durations on the quality of vacuum fried jackfruit (JF) chips was evaluated. Moisture content and breaking force of JF chips decreased with increase in frying temperature and time during vacuum frying whereas the oil content increased. The frying time for JF chips was found to be 30, 25, and 20 minutes at 80, 90, and 100°C, respectively. JF chips fried at higher temperature resulted in maximum shrinkage (48%). The lightness in terms of hunterL*value decreased significantly (P<0.05) during frying. Sensory evaluation showed maximum acceptability for JF chips fried at 90°C for 25 min. Frying under vacuum at lower temperatures was found to retain bioactive compounds such as total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total carotenoids in JF chips. Almost 90% of carotenoids were lost from the samples after 30 min of frying at 100°C.
Evaluation of Rhubarb Supplementation in Stages 3 and 4 of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khan Irfan A. , Nasiruddin Mohammad , Haque Shahzad F. , Khan Rahat A.
Published: September 2014

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rhubarb supplementation in patients of chronic kidney disease.Material and Methods. This study was a prospective comparative study conducted in patients of chronic kidney disease (stages 3 & 4) attending Renal Clinic of Department of Medicine, JN Medical College & Hospital, AMU, Aligarh. Patients were randomly divided into two interventional groups. Group I (Control) was given conservative management while Group II (Rhubarb) received conservative management along with Rhubarb capsule (350 mg, thrice daily) for 12 weeks. Haemogram and renal function tests were measured at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment.Results. There was progressive improvement in clinical features in both the groups after 12 weeks of treatment but Rhubarb group showed more marked improvement as compared to control group. Both groups showed gradual improvement in the biochemical parameters as compared to their pretreated values which was more marked in Rhubarb supplemented group. There was reduction in blood glucose, blood urea, serum creatinine, and 24 hour total urine protein (TUP). There was increase in haemoglobin, 24 hour total urine volume (TUV), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). There was no statistical difference in two groups with respect to side effects(P>0.05).Conclusion. Rhubarb supplementation improved the therapeutic effect of conservative management in stage 3 and stage 4 patients of chronic kidney disease.
Adaptive Algorithm for the Quality Control of Braided Sleeving
Authors: Pipan Miha , Kos Andrej , Herakovic Niko
Published: September 2014

We describe the development and application of a robot vision based adaptive algorithm for the quality control of the braided sleeving of high pressure hydraulic pipes. With our approach, we can successfully overcome the limitations, such as low reliability and repeatability of braided quality, which result from the visual observation of the braided pipe surface. The braids to be analyzed come in different dimensions, colors, and braiding densities with different types of errors to be detected, as presented in this paper. Therefore, our machine vision system, consisting of a mathematical algorithm for the automatic adaptation to different types of braids and dimensions of pipes, enables the accurate quality control of braided pipe sleevings and offers the potential to be used in the production of braiding lines of pipes. The principles of the measuring method and the required equipment are given in the paper, also containing the mathematical adaptive algorithm formulation. The paper describes the experiments conducted to verify the accuracy of the algorithm. The developed machine vision adaptive control system was successfully tested and is ready for the implementation in industrial applications, thus eliminating human subjectivity.
The Effect of Adopting New Storage Methods for Extending Product Validity Periods on Manufacturers Expected Inventory Costs
Authors: Chen Po-Yu
Published: September 2014

The validness of the expiration dates (validity period) that manufacturers provide on food product labels is a crucial food safety problem. Governments must study how to use their authority by implementing fair awards and punishments to prompt manufacturers into adopting rigorous considerations, such as the effect of adopting new storage methods for extending product validity periods on expected costs. Assuming that a manufacturer sells fresh food or drugs, this manufacturer must respond to current stochastic demands at each unit of time to determine the purchase amount of products for sale. If this decision maker is capable and an opportunity arises, new packaging methods (e.g., aluminum foil packaging, vacuum packaging, high-temperature sterilization after glass packaging, or packaging with various degrees of dryness) or storage methods (i.e., adding desiccants or various antioxidants) can be chosen to extend the validity periods of products. To minimize expected costs, this decision maker must be aware of the processing costs of new storage methods, inventory standards, inventory cycle lengths, and changes in relationships between factors such as stochastic demand functions in a cycle. Based on these changes in relationships, this study established a mathematical model as a basis for discussing the aforementioned topics.
On the Feasibility of Utilizing Allogeneic Bone Blocks for Atrophic Maxillary Augmentation
Authors: Monje Alberto , Pikos Michael A. , Chan Hsun-Liang , Suarez Fernando , Gargallo-Albiol Jordi , Hernández-Alfaro Federico , Galindo-Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom-Lay
Published: September 2014

Purpose. This systematic review was aimed at assessing the feasibility by means of survival rate, histologic analysis, and causes of failure of allogeneic block grafts for augmenting the atrophic maxilla.Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted by one reviewer in several databases. Articles were included in this systematic review if they were human clinical trials in which outcomes of allogeneic bone block grafts were studied by means of survival rate. In addition other factors were extracted in order to assess their influence upon graft failure.Results. Fifteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and subsequently were analyzed in this systematic review. A total of 361 block grafts could be followed 4 to 9 months after the surgery, of which 9 (2.4%) failed within 1 month to 2 months after the surgery. Additionally, a weighed mean 4.79 mm (95% CI: 4.51–5.08) horizontal bone gain was computed from 119 grafted sites in 5 studies. Regarding implant cumulative survival rate, the weighed mean was 96.9% (95% CI: 92.8–98.7%), computed from 228 implants over a mean follow-up period of 23.9 months. Histologic analysis showed that allogeneic block grafts behave differently in the early stages of healing when compared to autogenous block grafts.Conclusion. Atrophied maxillary reconstruction with allogeneic bone block grafts represents a reliable option as shown by low block graft failure rate, minimal resorption, and high implant survival rate.
The Influence of StandardizedValeriana officinalisExtract on the CYP3A1 Gene Expression by Nuclear Receptors inIn VivoModel
Authors: Bogacz Anna , Mrozikiewicz Przemyslaw M. , Karasiewicz Monika , Bartkowiak-Wieczorek Joanna , Majchrzycki Marian , Mikolajczak Przemyslaw L. , Ozarowski Marcin , Grzeskowiak Edmund
Published: September 2014

Valeriana officinalisis one of the most popular medicinal plants commonly used as a sedative and sleep aid. It is suggested that its pharmacologically active compounds derived from the root may modulate the CYP3A4 gene expression by activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) or constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and lead to pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of valerian on the expression level of CYP3A1 (homologue to human CYP3A4) as well as nuclear receptors PXR, CAR, RXR, GR, and HNF-4α. Male Wistar rats were given standardized valerian extract (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 3 and 10 days. The expression in liver tissue was analyzed by using real-time PCR. Our result showed a decrease of CYP3A1 expression level by 35% (P=0.248) and 37% (P<0.001), respectively. Moreover,Valerianaexhibited statistically significant reduction in RXR (approximately 28%) only after 3-day treatment. We also demonstrated a decrease in the amount HNF-4αby 22% (P=0.005) and 32% (P=0.012), respectively. In case of CAR, the increase of expression level by 46% (P=0.023) was noted. These findings suggest thatValeriana officinalisextract can decrease the CYP3A4 expression and therefore may lead to interactions with synthetic drugs metabolized by this enzyme.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Microbiological Shelf-Life and Quality of Fruits Pretreated with Ascorbic Acid or SnCl2
Authors: Argyri Anthoula A. , Tassou Chrysoula C. , Samaras Fotios , Mallidis Constantinos , Chorianopoulos Nikos
Published: September 2014

In the current study, the processing conditions required for the inactivation ofPaenibacillus polymyxaand relevant spoilage microorganisms by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on apricot, peach, and pear pieces in sucrose (22°Brix) solution were assessed. Accordingly, the shelf-life was determined by evaluating both the microbiological quality and the sensory characteristics (taste, odor, color, and texture) during refrigerated storage after HHP treatment. The microbiological shelf-life of apricots, peaches, and pears was prolonged in the HHP-treated products in comparison with the untreated ones. In all HHP-treated packages for apricots, peaches, and pears, all populations were below the detection limit of the method (1 log CFU/g) and no growth of microorganisms was observed until the end of storage. Overall, no differences of theL*,a*, orb*value among the untreated and the HHP-treated fruit products were observed up to the time at which the unpressurized product was characterized as spoiled. HHP treatment had no remarkable effect on the firmness of the apricots, peaches, and pears. With regard to the sensory assessment, the panelists marked better scores to HHP-treated products compared to their respective controls, according to taste and total evaluation during storage of fruit products.