bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of KF substitution on the ferroelectric phase transition of lead titanate single crystals studied by Brillouin light scattering
Authors: Shin Seonhyeop , Ko Jae-Hyeon , Tsukada Shinya , Akishige Yukikuni , Roleder Krystian , Rytz Daniel
Published: May 2015

The elastic properties of KF-substituted perovskite lead titanate ( PbTiO 3) were investigated by dielectric measurements and Brillouin light scattering. The ferroelectric phase transition occurred at substantially lower temperature due to KF substitution, which was attributed to the modification of the covalency in Pb – O and Ti – O bonds. The longitudinal acoustic (LA) mode of KF-substituted PbTiO 3 showed a frequency softening in the paraelectric phase, which was accompanied by increasing acoustic damping. This indicated that polarization fluctuations responsible for the acoustic anomalies were enhanced by KF substitution.
Toxic Effects of Ethyl Cinnamate on the Photosynthesis and Physiological Characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris Based on Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Jiao Yang , Ouyang Hui-Ling , Jiang Yu-Jiao , Kong Xiang-Zhen , He Wei , Liu Wen-Xiu , Yang Bin , Xu Fu-Liu
Published: May 2015

The toxic effects of ethyl cinnamate on the photosynthetic and physiological characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris were studied based on chlorophyll fluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. Parameters, including biomass, Fv/Fm (maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII), ФPSII (actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light), FDA, and PI staining fluorescence, were measured. The results showed the following: (1) The inhibition on biomass increased as the exposure concentration increased. 1 mg/L ethyl cinnamate was sufficient to reduce the total biomass of C. vulgaris. The 48‐h and 72‐h EC50 values were 2.07 mg/L (1.94–2.20) and 1.89 mg/L (1.82–1.97). (2) After 24 h of exposure to 2–4 mg/L ethyl cinnamate, the photosynthesis of C. vulgaris almost ceased, manifesting in ФPSII being close to zero. After 72 h of exposure to 4 mg/L ethyl cinnamate, the Fv/Fm of C. vulgaris dropped to zero. (3) Ethyl cinnamate also affected the cellular physiology of C. vulgaris, but these effects resulted in the inhibition of cell yield rather than cell death. Exposure to ethyl cinnamate resulted in decreased esterase activities in C. vulgaris, increased average cell size, and altered intensities of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Overall, esterase activity was the most sensitive variable.
Association ofPRPS1Mutations with Disease Phenotypes
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Patel Kunal , Mittal Jeenu , Chan Brandon , Yan Denise , Grati M’hamed , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: May 2015

Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase 1(PRPS1) codes for PRS-I enzyme that catalyzes the first step of nucleotide synthesis.PRPS1gene mutations have been implicated in a number of human diseases. Recently, new mutations inPRPS1have been identified that have been associated with novel phenotypes like diabetes insipidus expanding the spectrum ofPRPS1-related diseases. The purpose of this review is to evaluate current literature onPRPS1-related syndromes and summarize potential therapies. The overexpression ofPRPS1results in PRS-I superactivity resulting in purine overproduction. Patients with PRS-I superactivity demonstrate uric acid overproduction, hypotonia, ataxia, neurodevelopment abnormalities, and postlingual hearing impairment. On the other hand, decreased activity leads to X-linked nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness (DFNX-2), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-5 (CMTX5), and Arts syndrome depending on the residual activity of PRS-I. Mild PRS-I deficiency (DFNX-2) results in non-syndromic progressive hearing loss whereas moderate PRS-I deficiency (CMTX5) and severe PRS-I deficiency (Arts syndrome) present with peripheral or optic neuropathy, prelingual progressive sensorineural hearing loss, and central nervous system impairment. Currently, purine replacement via S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) supplementation in patients with Arts syndrome appears to improve their condition. This suggests that SAM supplementation can alleviate symptoms ofPRPS1deficient patients and open new avenues of therapeutic intervention.
Correlates of Protection for M Protein-Based Vaccines against Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Tsoi Shu Ki , Smeesters Pierre R. , Frost Hannah R. C. , Licciardi Paul , Steer Andrew C.
Published: May 2015

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is known to cause a broad spectrum of illness, from pharyngitis and impetigo, to autoimmune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease, and invasive diseases. It is a significant cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality worldwide, but no efficacious vaccine is currently available. Progress in GAS vaccine development has been hindered by a number of obstacles, including a lack of standardization in immunoassays and the need to define human correlates of protection. In this review, we have examined the current immunoassays used in both GAS and other organisms, and explored the various challenges in their implementation in order to propose potential future directions to identify a correlate of protection and facilitate the development of M protein-based vaccines, which are currently the main GAS vaccine candidates.
Inducing Herd Immunity against Seasonal Influenza in Long-Term Care Facilities through Employee Vaccination Coverage: A Transmission Dynamics Model
Authors: Wendelboe Aaron M. , Grafe Carl , McCumber Micah , Anderson Michael P.
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Vaccinating healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) may effectively induce herd immunity and protect residents against influenza-related morbidity and mortality. We used influenza surveillance data from all LTCFs in New Mexico to validate a transmission dynamics model developed to investigate herd immunity induction.Material and Methods. We adjusted a previously published transmission dynamics model and used surveillance data from an active system among 76 LTCFs in New Mexico during 2006-2007 for model validation. We used a deterministic compartmental model with a stochastic component for transmission between residents and HCWs in each facility in order to simulate the random variation expected in such populations.Results. When outbreaks were defined as a dichotomous variable, our model predicted that herd immunity could be induced. When defined as an attack rate, the model demonstrated a curvilinear trend, but insufficiently strong to induce herd immunity. The model was sensitive to changes in the contact parameterβbut was robust to changes in the visitor contact probability.Conclusions. These results further elucidate previous studies’ findings that herd immunity may not be induced by vaccinating HCWs in LTCFs; however, increased influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs reduces the probability of influenza infection among residents.
Pharmacological Isolation of Cognitive Components Influencing the Pupillary Light Reflex
Authors: Steinhauer Stuart R. , Condray Ruth , Pless Misha L.
Published: May 2015

Cognitive operations can be detected by reduction of the pupillary light response. Neurophysiological pathways mediating this reduction have not been distinguished. We utilized selective blockade of pupillary sphincter or dilator muscles to isolate parasympathetic or sympathetic activity during cognition, without modifying central processes. Pupil diameter was measured during the light reaction in 29 normal adults under three processing levels: No Task, during an easy task (Add 1), or a difficult task (Subtract 7). At three separate sessions, the pupil was treated with placebo, tropicamide (blocking the muscarinic sphincter receptor), or dapiprazole (blocking the adrenergic dilator receptor). With placebo, pupil diameter increased with increasing task difficulty. The light reaction was reduced only in the Subtract 7 condition. Dapiprazole (which decreased overall diameter) showed similar task-related changes in diameter and light reflex as for placebo. Following tropicamide (which increased overall diameter), there was a further increase in diameter only in the difficult task. Findings suggest two separate inhibitory components at the parasympathetic oculomotor center. Changes in baseline diameter are likely related to reticular activation. Inhibition of the light reaction in the difficult task is likely associated with cortical afferents. Sustained sympathetic activity also was present during the difficult task.
Heat Transfer Calculation on Plate-Type Fuel Assembly of High Flux Research Reactor
Authors: Gong Daxin , Huang Shanfang , Wang Guanbo , Wang Kan
Published: May 2015

Heat transfer characteristics of fuel assemblies for a high flux research reactor with a neutron trap are numerically investigated in this study. Single-phase turbulence flow is calculated by a commercial code, FLUENT, where the computational objective covers standard and control fuel assemblies. The simulation is carried out with an inlet coolant velocity varying from 4.5 m/s to 7.5 m/s in hot assemblies. The results indicate that the cladding temperature is always lower than the saturation temperature in the calculated ranges. The temperature rise in the control fuel assembly is smaller than that of the standard fuel assembly. Additionally, the assembly with a hot spot is specially studied, and the safety of the research reactor is also approved.
Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Determination of Two Recently FDA Approved TKIs in Human Plasma Using Diode Array Detection
Authors: Fouad Marwa , Helvenstein Maxime , Blankert Bertrand
Published: May 2015

Generally, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have narrow therapeutic window and large interpatient variability compared to intrapatient variability. In order to support its therapeutic drug monitoring, two fast and accurate methods were developed for the determination of recently FDA approved anticancer tyrosine kinase inhibitors, afatinib and ibrutinib, in human plasma using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to PDA detection. Diclofenac sodium was used as internal standard. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 analytical column using a mobile phase combining ammonium formate buffer and acetonitrile at a constant flow rate of 0.4 mL/min using gradient elution mode. AµSPE (solid phase extraction) procedure, using Oasis MCXµElution plates, was processed and it gave satisfying and reproducible results in terms of extraction yields. Additionally, the methods were successfully validated using the accuracy profiles approach (β= 95% and acceptance limits = ±15%) over the ranges 5–250 ng/mL for afatinib and from 5 to 400 ng/mL for ibrutinib in human plasma.
Antiherpes Activity and Skin/Mucosa Distribution of Flavonoids fromAchyrocline satureioidesExtract Incorporated into Topical Nanoemulsions
Authors: Bidone Juliana , Argenta Débora Fretes , Kratz Jadel , Pettenuzzo Letícia Ferreira , Horn Ana Paula , Koester Letícia Scherer , Bassani Valquíria Linck , Simões Claudia Maria Oliveira , Teixeira Helder Ferreira
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the inhibitory effects ofAchyrocline satureioidesextract (ASE) incorporated into a topical nanoemulsion on Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1/KOS strain) replication, as well as the distribution of the main ASE flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, and 3-O-methylquercetin) in porcine skin and mucosa. The ASE-loaded nanoemulsion showed more pronounced effects against HSV-1 replication when compared to the ASE or pure quercetin, as determined by the viral plaque number reduction assay. All flavonoids were detected in the skin epidermis (2.2 µg/cm2) and the mucosa upper layers (3.0 µg/cm2) from ASE-loaded nanoemulsion until 8 h after topical application. A higher amount of flavonoids was detected when these tissues were impaired, especially in deeper mucosa layers (up to 7-fold). Flavonoids were detected in the receptor fluid only when the mucosa was injured. Such results were supported by confocal microscopy images. Overall, these findings suggest that the tested ASE-loaded nanoemulsion has potential to be used topically for herpes infections.
Optimization of Multiband White-Light Illuminants for Specified Color Temperatures
Authors: Soltic Snjezana , Chalmers Andrew Neil
Published: May 2015

This paper describes an effective approach for the optimization of multiband spectra to produce prospective white-light spectra having specific color temperatures. The optimization process employs a genetic algorithm known as differential evolution, which aims to minimize the color rendering differences between a prospective white-light spectrum and its corresponding reference illuminant. Color rendering is assessed by calculating the CIEDE2000 color difference (ΔE00) for 14 CIE test colors under the two sources. Optimized white-light spectra were matched to three CIE standard illuminants, that is, A (2856 K), D50 (5003 K), and D65 (6504 K). Optimal solutions for three- and four-band 25 and 50 nm Gaussian spectra are presented and analyzed, together with mixed 4-LED spectra that were optimized in the same way. In all cases, the simulated sources were shown to provide color rendering of such quality that ΔE00av ≤ 2.24 units. Such white-light sources would likely find wide acceptance in numerous lighting applications.
Sevoflurane Induces DNA Damage Whereas Isoflurane Leads to Higher Antioxidative Status in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Rocha Thalita L. A. , Dias-Junior Carlos A. , Possomato-Vieira Jose S. , Gonçalves-Rizzi Victor H. , Nogueira Flávia R. , de Souza Kátina M. , Braz Leandro G. , Braz Mariana G.
Published: May 2015

Taking into account that there are controversial antioxidative effects of inhalational anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane and absence of comparison of genotoxicity of both anesthetics in animal model, the aim of this study was to compare DNA damage and antioxidant status in Wistar rats exposed to a single time to isoflurane or sevoflurane. The alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) was performed in order to evaluate DNA damage in whole blood cells of control animals (unexposed;n= 6) and those exposed to 2% isoflurane (n= 6) or 4% sevoflurane (n= 6) for 120 min. Plasma antioxidant status was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. There was no statistically significant difference between isoflurane and sevoflurane groups regarding hemodynamic and temperature variables (P> 0.05). Sevoflurane significantly increased DNA damage compared to unexposed animals (P= 0.02). In addition, Wistar rats anesthetized with isoflurane showed higher antioxidative status (MTT) than control group (P= 0.019). There were no significant differences in DNA damage or antioxidant status between isoflurane and sevoflurane groups (P> 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that, in contrast to sevoflurane exposure, isoflurane increases systemic antioxidative status, protecting cells from DNA damage in rats.
Histology and Morphology of the Brain Subarachnoid Trabeculae
Authors: Saboori Parisa , Sadegh Ali
Published: May 2015

The interface between the brain and the skull consists of three fibrous tissue layers, dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater, known as the meninges, and strands of collagen tissues connecting the arachnoid to the pia mater, known as trabeculae. The space between the arachnoid and the pia mater is filled with cerebrospinal fluid which stabilizes the shape and position of the brain during head movements or impacts. The histology and architecture of the subarachnoid space trabeculae in the brain are not well established in the literature. The only recognized fact about the trabeculae is that they are made of collagen fibers surrounded by fibroblast cells and they have pillar- and veil-like structures. In this work the histology and the architecture of the brain trabeculae were studied, via a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments using cadaveric and animal tissue. In the cadaveric study fluorescence and bright field microscopy were employed while scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used for the animal studies. The results of this study reveal that the trabeculae are collagen based type I, and their architecture is in the form of tree-shaped rods, pillars, and plates and, in some regions, they have a complex network morphology.
Synthesis of a Polyimide Porous Porphyrin Polymer for Selective CO2Capture
Authors: Neti Venkata S. Pavan K. , Wang Jun , Deng Shuguang , Echegoyen Luis
Published: May 2015

A new microporous porphyrin-based imide linked polymer, PyP, was synthesized in anm-cresol/isoquinoline mixture between a porphyrin and a naphthalene tetra-carboxylic dianhydride. The resultant amorphous polymer demonstrates a moderate surface area (SBET= 428 m2 g−1) and CO2adsorption ability (3.5 wt%) and a CO2/CH4selectivity of 5.6 at 273 K/1 bar.
Outcomes and Risk Factors Associated withClostridium difficileDiarrhea in Hospitalized Adult Patients
Authors: Larentis Daniela Zilio , Rosa Regis Goulart , dos Santos Rodrigo Pires , Goldani Luciano Zubaran
Published: May 2015

Background. The epidemiology ofClostridium difficileinfection has changed over time. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the characteristics of patients at risk of infection and factors associated with poor prognosis.Objective. To evaluate factors associated withC. difficileinfection and with poor prognosis in those with documentedC. difficilecolitis.Methods. A retrospective case-control study of 75 patients with documentedC. difficilecolitis and 75 controls with hospital-acquired diarrhea of other causes. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated withC. difficileinfection among patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea.Results. Previous antibiotic treatment (odds ratio (OR), 13.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40–126.90), abdominal distension (OR, 3.85; 95% CI, 1.35–10.98), and fecal leukocytes (OR, 8.79; 95% CI, 1.41–54.61) are considered as predictors ofC. difficilecolitis; anorexia was negatively associated withC. difficileinfection (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.66). Enteral tube feeding was independently associated with a composite outcome that included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, and treatment failure (OR, 3.75; 95%CI, 1.24–11.29).Conclusions. Previous antibiotic use and presence of fecal leukocytes in patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea are associated withC. difficilecolitis and enteral tube support with complications associated withC. difficilecolitis.
Ceramides in Alzheimer’s Disease: Key Mediators of Neuronal Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress and AβAccumulation
Authors: Jazvinšćak Jembrek Maja , Hof Patrick R. , Šimić Goran
Published: May 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by extracellular deposits of amyloidβ-peptides (Aβ) and intracellular deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau (phospho-tau) protein. Ceramides, the major molecules of sphingolipid metabolism and lipid second messengers, have been associated with AD progression and pathology via Aβgeneration. Enhanced levels of ceramides directly increase Aβthrough stabilization ofβ-secretase, the key enzyme in the amyloidogenic processing of Aβprecursor protein (APP). As a positive feedback loop, the generated oligomeric and fibrillar Aβinduces a further increase in ceramide levels by activating sphingomyelinases that catalyze the catabolic breakdown of sphingomyelin to ceramide. Evidence also supports important role of ceramides in neuronal apoptosis. Ceramides may initiate a cascade of biochemical alterations, which ultimately leads to neuronal death by diverse mechanisms, including depolarization and permeabilization of mitochondria, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 depletion, and caspase-3 activation, mainly by modulating intracellular signalling, particularly along the pathways related to Akt/PKB kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This review summarizes recent findings related to the role of ceramides in oxidative stress-driven neuronal apoptosis and interplay with Aβin the cascade of events ending in neuronal degeneration.
Finite-Time Consensus Algorithm for Multiple Nonholonomic Disturbed Systems with Its Application
Authors: Shi Shang , Yu Xin , Liu Guohai
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with the problem of finite-time consensus of multiple nonholonomic disturbed systems. To accomplish this problem, the multiple nonholonomic systems are transformed into two multiple subsystems, and these two multiple subsystems are studied, respectively. For these two multiple subsystems, the terminal sliding mode (TSM) algorithms are designed, respectively, which achieve the finite-time reaching of sliding surface. Next, a switching control strategy is proposed to guarantee the finite-time consensus of all the states for multiple nonholonomic systems with disturbances. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed consensus algorithms with application to multiple nonholonomic mobile robots.
LPV Observer-Based Strategy for Rejection of Periodic Disturbances with Time-Varying Frequency
Authors: Ramos G. A. , Costa-Castelló Ramon , Cortés-Romero John
Published: May 2015

Rejection of periodic disturbances is an important issue in control theory and engineering applications. Conventional strategies like repetitive control and resonant control can deal adequately with this problem but they fail when the frequency of the disturbance varies with time. This paper proposes a Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) resonant observer-based control for periodic signal rejection which is able to deal with the changes in frequency of the disturbance signal. The observer includes, in an embedded way, an internal model of the disturbance that is based on its harmonic decomposition. In this way, the frequency of the disturbance signal constitutes a parameter that can be adjusted according to the variations of the signal. The resulting disturbance estimation is then used by a control law that cancels the periodic disturbance term while controlling a specified tracking task. The proposed scheme lets the control designer address the disturbance estimation and tracking problems separately. Experimental results, on a mechatronic test bed, show that the proposed LPV resonant observer-based control successfully rejects periodic disturbances under varying frequency conditions.
Algorithm Development for the Optimum Rainfall Estimation Using Polarimetric Variables in Korea
Authors: You Cheol-Hwan , Lee Dong-In
Published: May 2015

In this study, to get an optimum rainfall estimation using polarimetric variables observed from Bislsan radar which is the first polarimetric radar in Korea, rainfall cases for 84 hours caused by different conditions, which are Changma front and typhoon, Changma front only, and typhoon only, occurred in 2011, were analyzed. And rainfall algorithms were developed by using long period drop size distributions with six different raindrop axis ratio relations. The combination of the relations betweenRandZ,ZDR,RandKDP,ZDR, andRandKDPwith different rainfall intensity would be an optimum rainfall algorithm if the reference of rainfall would be defined correctly. In the case the reference is not defined adequately, the relation betweenRandZ,ZDR,KDP,AHandRandZ,KDP,AHcan be used as a representative rainfall relation. Particularly if the qualifiedZDRis not available, the relation betweenRandZ,KDP,AHcan be used as an optimum rainfall relation in Korea.
In-Flight Self-Alignment Method Aided by Geomagnetism for Moving Basement of Guided Munitions
Authors: Zhang Shuang-biao , Li Xing-cheng , Su Zhong
Published: May 2015

Due to power-after-launch mode of guided munitions of high rolling speed, initial attitude of munitions cannot be determined accurately, and this makes it difficult for navigation and control system to work effectively and validly. An in-flight self-alignment method aided by geomagnetism that includes a fast in-flight coarse alignment method and an in-flight alignment model based on Kalman theory is proposed in this paper. Firstly a fast in-flight coarse alignment method is developed by using gyros, magnetic sensors, and trajectory angles. Then, an in-flight alignment model is derived by investigation of the measurement errors and attitude errors, which regards attitude errors as state variables and geomagnetic components in navigation frame as observed variables. Finally, fight data of a spinning projectile is used to verify the performance of the in-flight self-alignment method. The satisfying results show that (1) the precision of coarse alignment can attain below 5°; (2) the attitude errors by in-flight alignment model converge to 24′ at early of the latter half of the flight; (3) the in-flight alignment model based on Kalman theory has better adaptability, and show satisfying performance.
Autoserum: An Optimal Supplement for Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Liver-Injured Rats
Authors: Zhang Qinglin , Sun Xun , Ding Jianxun , He Ping , Liu Yujia , Cheng Hongjing , Zhou Changlin , Meng Xiangwei
Published: May 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source for the clinical cell therapy of liver injury. Although the use of adult serum, platelet lysate, or cord blood serum solves some of the problems caused by fetal bovine serum (FBS), the allogeneic immune response, contamination, and donor-to-donor and donor-to-receptor differences still obstruct the application of MSCs. In this study, the influences of autoserum from liver-injured rats (LIRs) and allogeneic serum from healthy rats on the isolation and culture of bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) were examined and compared to FBS. The results showed that BMSCs cultured with autoserum or allogeneic serum exhibited better MSC-specific morphology, lower rate of cell senescent, and higher proliferation kinetics than those with FBS. In addition, autoserum promoted the osteogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs as allogeneic serum did. Although there were no significant differences in proliferation activity, immunophenotypic characterization, and differentiation potential between BMSCs cultured with autoserum and those with allogeneic serum, the potential adverse immunological reactions in patients with allogeneic material transplantation must be considered. We therefore believe that the autoserum from liver-injured patients may be a better choice for MSC expansion to meet the needs of liver injury therapy.
Effects of a Dietary Supplement with Barley Sprout Extract on Blood Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Byun A Ri , Chun Hyejin , Lee Jin , Lee Sang Wha , Lee Hong Soo , Shim Kyung Won
Published: May 2015

Objective. Barley sprout (Hordeum vulgareL.) contains 4.97% fat, 52.6% polysaccharide, and 34.1% protein along with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenolic compounds. Hexacosanol is one such compound from the barley leaf that might improve cholesterol metabolism by decreasing cholesterol synthesis.Method. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of barley sprout extract on serum lipid metabolism in healthy volunteers(n=51). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one group consumed a single capsule of barley leaf extract daily (n=25, 42.48 ± 13.58 years) and the other consumed placebo capsules (n=26, 40.54 ± 11.1 years) for 12 weeks.Results. After 12 weeks, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein- (LDL-) cholesterol were not lower in the barley sprout extract group compared to the placebo group (p=0.415andp=0.351, resp.) and no differences in clinical or laboratory findings were observed between both groups.Conclusion. Our study failed to show significant lipid-lowering effects of barley sprout extract, possibly due to dosage, duration of therapy, and small sample size. Despite our nonsignificant findings, barley sprout has a possibility as a functional health food; therefore future research is needed.
A Potential Solution to Minimally Invasive Device for Oral Surgery: Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes in Rat
Authors: Ou Keng-Liang , Lin Li-Hsiang , Chiang Hsi-Jen , Cheng Han-Yi , Chen Shyuan-Yow , Huang Chiung-Fang
Published: May 2015

The objective of the present research was to investigate the thermal injury in the brain after minimally invasive electrosurgery using instruments with copper‐doped diamond‐like carbon (DLC‐Cu) surface coating. The surface morphologies of DLC‐Cu thin films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Three‐dimensional brain models were reconstructed using magnetic resonance imaging to simulate the electrosurgical operation. In adult rats, a monopolar electrosurgical instrument coated with the DLC‐Cu thin film was used to generate lesions in the brain. Animals were sacrificed for evaluations on postoperative days 0, 2, 7, and 28. Data indicated that the temperature decreased significantly when minimally invasive electrosurgical instruments with nanostructure DLC‐Cu thin films were used and continued to decrease with increasing film thickness. On the other hand, the DLC‐Cu‐treated device created a relatively small thermal injury area and lateral thermal effect in the brain tissues. These results indicated that the DLC‐Cu thin film minimized excessive thermal injury and uniformly distributed the temperature in the brain. Taken together, our study results suggest that the DLC‐Cu film on copper electrode substrates is an effective means for improving the performance of electrosurgical instruments.
Insufficient Discriminatory Power of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Dendrograms to Determine the Clonality of Multi-Drug-ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiIsolates from an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Rim John Hoon , Lee Yangsoon , Hong Sung Kuk , Park Yongjung , Kim MyungSook , D’Souza Roshan , Park Eun Suk , Yong Dongeun , Lee Kyungwon
Published: May 2015

While pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is recognized as the gold standard method for clonality analysis, MALDI-TOF MS has recently been spotlighted as an alternative tool for species identification. Herein, we compared the dendrograms of multi-drug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiisolates by using MALDI-TOF MS with those by using PFGE. We used direct colony and protein extraction methods for MALDI-TOF MS dendrograms. The isolates with identical PFGE patterns were grouped into different branches in MALDI-TOF MS dendrograms. Among the isolates that were classified as very close isolates in MALDI-TOF MS dendrogram, PFGE band patterns visually showed complete differences. We numeralized similarity among isolates by measuring distance levels. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient values were 0.449 and 0.297 between MALDI-TOF MS dendrogram using direct colony and protein extraction method versus PFGE, respectively. This study is the first paper focusing solely on the dendrogram function of MALDI-TOF MS compared with PFGE. Although MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool to identify species in a rapid manner, our results showed that MALDI-TOF MS dendrograms could not substitute PFGE for MDRAcinetobacter baumanniiclonality analysis.
Evaluation of Serum Cytokines Levels and the Role of Cannabidiol Treatment in Animal Model of Asthma
Authors: Vuolo Francieli , Petronilho Fabricia , Sonai Beatriz , Ritter Cristiane , Hallak Jaime E. C. , Zuardi Antonio Waldo , Crippa José A. , Dal-Pizzol Felipe
Published: May 2015

Asthma represents a public health problem and traditionally is classified as an atopic disease, where the allergen can induce clinical airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible obstruction of airways. Studies have demonstrated the presence of T‐helper 2 lymphocytes in the lung of patients with asthma. These cells are involved in cytokine production that regulates immunoglobulin synthesis. Recognizing that T cell interaction with antigens/allergens is key to the development of inflammatory diseases, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in this setting. Asthma was induced in 8‐week‐old Wistar rats by ovalbumin (OVA). In the last 2 days of OVA challenge animals received CBD (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and were killed 24 hours after. The levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α were determinate in the serum. CBD treatment was able to decrease the serum levels of all analyzed cytokines except for IL‐10 levels. CBD seems to be a potential new drug to modulate inflammatory response in asthma.
Parkinson’s Disease and Home Healthcare Use and Expenditures among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Metzger Aaron , Tworek Cindy , Wei Wenhui , Pan Xiaoyun , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: May 2015

This study estimated excess home healthcare use and expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries (age ≥ 65 years) with Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to those without PD and analyzed the extent to which predisposing, enabling, need factors, personal health choice, and external environment contribute to the excess home healthcare use and expenditures among individuals with PD. A retrospective, observational, cohort study design using Medicare 5% sample claims for years 2006-2007 was used for this study. Logistic regressions and Ordinary Least Squares regressions were used to assess the association of PD with home health use and expenditures, respectively. Postregression nonlinear and linear decomposition techniques were used to understand the extent to which differences in home healthcare use and expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries with and without PD can be explained by individual-level factors. Elderly Medicare beneficiaries with PD had higher home health use and expenditures compared to those without PD. 27.5% and 18% of the gap in home health use and expenditures, respectively, were explained by differences in characteristics between the PD and no PD groups. A large portion of the differences in home healthcare use and expenditures remained unexplained.
Herbal SGR Formula Prevents Acute Ethanol-Induced Liver Steatosis via Inhibition of Lipogenesis and Enhancement Fatty Acid Oxidation in Mice
Authors: Qiu Ping , Li Xiang , Kong De-song , Li Huan-zhou , Niu Cong-cong , Pan Su-hua
Published: May 2015

Our previous study indicated that herbal SGR formula partially attenuates ethanol-induced fatty liver, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, mice were pretreated with SGR (100 and 200 mg/kg/d bw) for 30 d before being exposed to ethanol (4.8 g/kg bw). The biochemical indices and histopathological changes were examined to evaluate the protective effects and to explore potential mechanisms by investigating the adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-α(PPAR-α), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and so forth. Results showed that SGR pretreatment markedly inhibited acute ethanol-induced liver steatosis, significantly reduced serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) level, and improved classic histopathological changes. SGR suppressed the protein expression of hepatic SREBP-1c and TNF-αand increased adiponectin, PPAR-α, and AMPK phosphorylation in the liver. Meanwhile, acute toxicity tests showed that no death or toxic side effects within 14 days were observed upon oral administration of the extracts at a dose of 16 g/kg body wt. These results demonstrate that SGR could protect against acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis without any toxic side effects. Therefore, our studies provide novel molecular insights into the hepatoprotective effect of SGR formula, which may be exploited as a therapeutic agent for ethanol-induced hepatosteatosis.
Physical Activity in Hemodialysis Patients Measured by Triaxial Accelerometer
Authors: Gomes Edimar Pedrosa , Reboredo Maycon Moura , Carvalho Erich Vidal , Teixeira Daniel Rodrigues , Carvalho Laís Fernanda Caldi d’Ornellas , Filho Gilberto Francisco Ferreira , Oliveira Julio César Abreu de , Sanders-Pinheiro Helady , Chebli Júlio Maria Fonseca , Paula Rogério Baumgratz de , Pinheiro Bruno do Valle
Published: May 2015

Different factors can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle among hemodialysis (HD) patients, including the period they spend on dialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of physical activities in daily life in this population by using an accurate triaxial accelerometer and to correlate these characteristics with physiological variables. Nineteen HD patients were evaluated using the DynaPort accelerometer and compared to nineteen control individuals, regarding the time spent in different activities and positions of daily life and the number of steps taken. HD patients were more sedentary than control individuals, spending less time walking or standing and spending more time lying down. The sedentary behavior was more pronounced on dialysis days. According to the number of steps taken per day, 47.4% of hemodialysis patients were classified as sedentary against 10.5% in control group. Hemoglobin level, lower extremity muscle strength, and physical functioning of SF-36 questionnaire correlated significantly with the walking time and active time. Looking accurately at the patterns of activity in daily life, HDs patients are more sedentary, especially on dialysis days. These patients should be motivated to enhance the physical activity.
Development of Activity-Related Muscle Fatigue during Robot-Mediated Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Octavia Johanna Renny , Feys Peter , Coninx Karin
Published: May 2015

Robot-assisted rehabilitation facilitates high-intensity training of the impaired upper limb in neurological rehabilitation. It has been clinically observed that persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have difficulties in sustaining the training intensity during a session due to the development of activity-related muscle fatigue. An experimental observational pilot study was conducted to examine whether or not the muscle fatigue develops in MS patients during one session of robot-assisted training within a virtual learning environment. Six MS patients with upper limb impairment (motricity index ranging from 50 to 91/100) and six healthy persons completed five training bouts of three minutes each performing lifting tasks, while EMG signals of anterior deltoid and lower trapezius muscles were measured and their subjective perceptions on muscle fatigue were registered. Decreased performance and higher subjective fatigue perception were present in the MS group. Increased mean EMG amplitudes and subjective perception levels on muscle fatigue were observed in both groups. Muscle fatigue development during 15′ training has been demonstrated in the arm of MS patients, which influences the sustainability of training intensity in MS patients. To optimize the training performance, adaptivity based on the detection of MS patient’s muscle fatigue could be provided by means of training program adjustment.
The Effect of Phospholipids (Surfactant) on Adhesion and Biomechanical Properties of Tendon: A Rat Achilles Tendon Repair Model
Authors: Dabak T. Kursat , Sertkaya Omer , Acar Nuray , Donmez B. Ozgur , Ustunel Ismail
Published: May 2015

Adhesion of the tendon is a major challenge for the orthopedic surgeon during tendon repair. Manipulation of biological environment is one of the concepts to prevent adhesion. Lots of biochemicals have been studied for this purpose. We aimed to determine the effect of phospholipids on adhesion and biomechanical properties of tendon in an animal tendon repair model. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Achilles tendons of rats were cut and repaired. Phospholipids were applied at two different dosages. Tendon adhesion was determined histopathologically and biomechanical test was performed. At macroscopic evaluation of adhesion, there are statistically significant differences between multiple-dose phospholipid injection group and Control group and also hyaluronic acid group and Control group (p<0.008). At microscopic evaluation of adhesion, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.008). Ultimate strength was highest at hyaluronic acid injection group and lowest at multiple-dose phospholipid injection group. Single-dose phospholipids (surfactant) application may have a beneficial effect on the tendon adhesion. Although multiple applications of phospholipids seem the most effective regime to reduce the tendon adhesion among groups, it deteriorated the biomechanical properties of tendon.
Intelligent Surveillance Robot with Obstacle Avoidance Capabilities Using Neural Network
Authors: Budiharto Widodo
Published: May 2015

For specific purpose, vision-based surveillance robot that can be run autonomously and able to acquire images from its dynamic environment is very important, for example, in rescuing disaster victims in Indonesia. In this paper, we propose architecture for intelligent surveillance robot that is able to avoid obstacles using 3 ultrasonic distance sensors based on backpropagation neural network and a camera for face recognition. 2.4 GHz transmitter for transmitting video is used by the operator/user to direct the robot to the desired area. Results show the effectiveness of our method and we evaluate the performance of the system.
Modulation of Insulin Sensitivity of Hepatocytes by the Pharmacological Downregulation of Phospholipase D
Authors: Babenko Nataliya A. , Kharchenko Vitalina S.
Published: May 2015

Background. The role of phospholipase D (PLD) as a positive modulator of glucose uptake activation by insulin in muscle and adipose cells has been demonstrated. The role of PLD in the regulation of glucose metabolism by insulin in the primary hepatocytes has been determined in this study.Methods. For this purpose, we studied effects of inhibitors of PLD on glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis stimulation by insulin. To determine the PLD activity, the method based on determination of products of transphosphatidylation reaction, phosphatidylethanol or phosphatidylbutanol, was used.Results. Inhibition of PLD by a general antagonist (1-butanol) or specific inhibitor, halopemide, or N-hexanoylsphingosine, or by cellular ceramides accumulated in doxorubicin-treated hepatocytes decreased insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism. Doxorubicin-induced hepatocytes resistance to insulin action could be abolished by inhibition of ceramide production. Halopemide could nullify this effect. Addition of propranolol, as well as inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) (wortmannin, LY294002) or suppressors of Akt phosphorylation/activity, luteolin-7-O-glucoside or apigenin-7-O-glucoside, to the culture media could block cell response to insulin action.Conclusion. PLD plays an important role in the insulin signaling in the hepatocytes. PLD is activated downstream of PI3-kinase and Akt and is highly sensitive to ceramide content in the liver cells.
Impulse Force Balance for Ultrashort Duration Hypersonic Test Facilities
Authors: Singh P. , Menezes V. , Irimpan K. J. , Hosseini H.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the measurement of side force, pitching, and yawing moments on a model, using an accelerometer force balance, in a short duration hypersonic shock tunnel. The test model is a blunt-nosed, flapped delta wing, mounted on a support sting through a force balance. The flexible rubber bushes constituting the balance allow the model to float freely on the sting during the test. The accelerometers were located in the model to record accelerations in the directions of interest. The model was tested in shock tunnel at Mach 8 at different angles of incidence with the freestream. Dynamic calibration of the test assembly was carried out for the acquisition of impulse response functions for the above components of force and moments, using an impulse hammer. The convolution technique was applied to derive the impulse response functions. The accelerometer outputs from the model in the hypersonic freestream were processed using the respective impulse response functions to derive the unknown aerodynamic force and moments. The newly adopted convolution technique has been found very effective for data reduction from accelerometer force balances developed for shock tunnel applications.
Dynamic Deposition of Nanocopper Film on the β‐SiCp Surface by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ming Hu , Yunlong Zhang , Lin Shan , Lili Tang , Jing Gao , Xiaoxue Ren , Peiling Ding
Published: May 2015

The uniform nanocopper film was deposited on the surface of micron β‐SiC particle by magnetron sputtering technology successfully. The surface morphology and phase constitution of the β‐SiC particle with nanocopper film were analyzed and dynamic deposition behavior was investigated in detail. The concept of dynamic deposition was put forward to interpret formation mechanism of copper nanofilm on the surface of β‐SiC particles.
Ultrastructural Comparison of Processing of Protein and Pigment in the Ink Gland of Four Species of Sea Hares
Authors: Prince Jeffrey S. , Johnson Paul Micah
Published: May 2015

The ink glands of four sea hare species (Aplysia californica,A. parvula,A. juliana, andDolabrifera dolabrifera) were compared to determine where ink protein is synthesized, how it is incorporated into protein storage vesicles, and the degree of variation in the structure of the ink gland. Ink protein was synthesized in RER cells and stored in amber and white vesicles. Lack of competent RER cells in the ink gland ofD. dolabriferawas correlated with the absence of ink protein. Ink protein had similar characteristics in all threeAplysiaspecies but, again, it was absent inD. dolabrifera. Its uptake involved pinocytosis by protein vesicle cell membranes. Granulate cells showed little variation in structure among the four species, the opposite was the case for RER cells. The conversion of the red algal pigment, phycoerythrin, to phycoerythrobilin (PEB) occurs in the digestive gland but the change of PEB to aplysioviolin (APV), the form of pigment released by the ink gland, occurs in the ink gland itself by both granulate cells and pigment vesicles. The literature describes five types of vesicles based upon color and contents in the ink gland of these four species. We report only three types of vesicle: colored (purple), protein (white and amber), and transparent (includes clear vesicles).
Anesthetic Management for Laser Excision of Ball-Valving Laryngeal Masses
Authors: Bruins Benjamin B. , Mirza Natasha , Gomez Ernest , Atkins Joshua H.
Published: May 2015

A 47-year-old obese woman with GERD and COPD presents for CO2-laser excision of bilateral vocal fold masses. She had a history of progressive hoarseness and difficulty in breathing. Nasopharyngeal laryngoscopy revealed large, mobile, bilateral vocal cord polyps that demonstrated dynamic occlusion of the glottis. We describe the airway and anesthetic management of this patient with a topicalized C-MAC video laryngoscopic intubation using a 4.5 mm Xomed Laser Shield II endotracheal tube. We examine the challenges of anesthetic management unique to the combined circumstances of a ball-valve lesion and the need for a narrow-bore laser compatible endotracheal tube.
Outer Synchronization of Simple Firefly Discrete Models in Coupled Networks
Authors: Arellano-Delgado A. , Cruz-Hernández C. , López Gutiérrez R. M. , Posadas-Castillo C.
Published: May 2015

Synchronization is one of the most important emerging collective behaviors in nature, which results from the interaction in groups of organisms. In this paper, network synchronization of discrete-time dynamical systems is studied. In particular, network synchronization with fireflies oscillators like nodes is achieved by using complex systems theory. Different cases of interest on network synchronization are studied, including for a large number of fireflies oscillators; we consider synchronization in small-world networks and outer synchronization among different coupled networks topologies; for all presented cases, we provide appropriate ranges of values for coupling strength and extensive numerical simulations are included. In addition, for illustrative purposes, we show the effectiveness of network synchronization by means of experimental implementation of coupled nine electronics fireflies in different topologies.