bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Activities and Chemical Characterization ofCordia verbenaceaDC. as Tool to Validate the Ethnobiological Usage
Authors: Matias Edinardo Fagner Ferreira , Alves Erivânia Ferreira , Santos Beatriz Sousa , Sobral de Souza Celestina Elba , Alencar Ferreira João Victor de , Santos de Lavor Anne Karyzia Lima , Figueredo Fernando Gomes , Ferreira de Lima Luciene , Vieira dos Santos Francisco Antônio , Neves Peixoto Flórido Sampaio , Viana Colares Aracélio , Augusti Boligon Aline , Saraiva Rogério de Aquino , Athayde Margareth Linde , da Rocha João Batista Teixeira , Alencar Menezes Irwin Rose , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , da Costa José Galberto Martins
Published: June 2013

Knowledge of medicinal plants is often the only therapeutic resource of many communities and ethnic groups. “Erva-baleeira”,Cordia verbenaceaDC., is one of the species of plants currently exploited for the purpose of producing a phytotherapeutic product extracted from its leaves. In Brazil, its major distribution is in the region of the Atlantic Forest and similar vegetation. The crude extract is utilized in popular cultures in the form of hydroalcoholic, decoctions and infusions, mainly as antimicrobial, antiinflammatory and analgesic agents. The aim of the present study was to establish a chemical and comparative profile of the experimental antibacterial activity and resistance modifying activity with ethnopharmacological reports. Phytochemical prospecting and HPLC analysis of the extract and fractions were in agreement with the literature with regard to the presence of secondary metabolites (tannins and flavonoids). The extract and fraction tested did not show clinically relevant antibacterial activity, but a synergistic effect was observed when combined with antibiotic, potentiating the antibacterial effect of aminoglycosides. We conclude that tests of antibacterial activity and modulating the resistance presented in this work results confirm the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological information, serving as a parameter in the search for new alternatives for the treatment of diseases.
Response of Maize Seedlings to Cadmium Application after Different Time Intervals
Authors: Hussain Iqbal , Akhtar Shamim , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan , Rasheed Rizwan , Siddiqi Ejaz Hussain , Ibrahim Muhammad
Published: June 2013

Present study was conducted to appraise the inhibitory effects of cadmium applied at different time intervals on various growth and biochemical parameters in two maize lines, Maize-TargetedMutagenesis 1 and 2 (MTM-1 and MTM-2). Twenty-day-old seedlings were exposed to 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg CdCl2kg−1sand. Both maize lines exhibited significant perturbations in important biochemical attributes being employed for screening the crops for cadmium tolerance. The results showed that a higher concentration of cadmium (12 mg CdCl2kg−1) considerably reduced the plant growth in line MTM-1 on the 5th, 10th, and 15th day after the treatment. In contrast, irrespective of exposure time, the plant biomass and leaf area did not show inhibitory effects of cadmium, specifically at 3 mg CdCl2kg−1in line MTM-2. In addition, MTM-2 was found to be more tolerant than line MTM-1 in terms of lower levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, and relative membrane permeability (RMP). Moreover, H2O2, MDA, RMP, and anthocyanin increased at all levels of cadmium in both lines, but a significant decline was observed in photosynthetic pigments, total free amino acids, and proline contents in all treatments particularly on the 10th and 15th day after treatment.
Conceptualizing and Treating Comorbid Chronic Pain and PTSD
Authors: Bosco Michelle A. , Gallinati Jessica L. , Clark Michael E.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to review the rationale for concurrent, evidence-based treatment of chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To meet this end, we review pertinent definitions and extant theories related to the two conditions and their correlations with each other. We then synthesize theoretical components into a proposal of a comprehensive conceptual framework for understanding the relationship and clinical complexity of overlapping chronic pain and PTSD. We conclude with an example of an integrated treatment model designed specifically to address a fundamental factor associated with pain and PTSD: avoidance.
Scleral Rupture Secondary to Idiopathic Non-Necrotizing Scleritis in a Dog
Authors: Best Lori J. , Newman Shelley J. , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H.
Published: June 2013

Background. Canine granulomatous scleritis is an uncommon disease that can be classified as necrotizing or non-necrotizing. Clinical signs associated with scleritis are typically severe, resulting in pain and loss of vision, and response to treatment is often poor. Necrotizing scleritis has been previously associated with scleral rupture.Case Presentation. A 10-year-old male castrated Chihuahua was presented for periocular pain, tissue swelling adjacent to the limbus superiorly, chemosis, mild corneal edema and neovascularization adjacent to the superotemporal limbus in the right eye. The left eye was within clinically normal limits. Surgical exploration of the right eye revealed a scleral rupture at the inferonasal aspect of the globe. Histopathology revealed a non-necrotizing granulomatous scleritis with no infectious organisms visualized. Infectious disease testing and special histopathologic staining did not reveal an underlying infectious etiology.Conclusion. Granulomatous scleritis is a painful and vision-threatening disease that needs to be treated early and aggressively in order to avoid loss of vision or loss of the eye. Globe rupture secondary to severe non-necrotizing scleritis is an uncommon, but detrimental, clinical manifestation of this disease. This is the first case report of scleral rupture secondary to severe non-necrotizing scleritis and therefore represents a unique and interesting disease manifestation.
Prevention of Cascaded Events of Distance Relay Zone Three Using Logic Controls
Authors: Henna Mohamed Younes E. , Nagy Sayed A.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a new method to prevent cascaded events caused by zone 3 elements of distance relays due to transmission line overload by using logic controls. A proposed adaptive distance relay algorithm provides a new concept to distinguish between actual faults and flow transfers and secures time to perform remedial controls by a defense system during cascaded events. Maloperation of distance relay is a very critical situation, leading to more operation of other distance relays and finally partial or total blackout. Logic controls are used to insure the operating decision through observing the system parameters and compare it with a setting already being input to the system. When distance relay is activated and the logic controls find that the system is healthy (unfaulted) and that the activation resulted from transmission line overload not real fault, the operation signal will be blocked to protect the system from maloperation.
The Haiti Breast Cancer Initiative: Initial Findings and Analysis of Barriers-to-Care Delaying Patient Presentation
Authors: Sharma Ketan , Costas Ainhoa , Damuse Ruth , Hamiltong-Pierre Jean , Pyda Jordan , Ong Cecilia T. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Meara John G.
Published: June 2013

Background.In Haiti, breast cancer patients present at such advanced stages that even modern therapies offer modest survival benefit. Identifying the personal, sociocultural, and economic barriers-to-care delaying patient presentation is crucial to controlling disease.Methods.Patients presenting to the Hôpital Bon Sauveur in Cange were prospectively accrued. Delay was defined as 12 weeks or longer from initial sign/symptom discovery to presentation, as durations greater than this cutoff correlate with reduced survival. A matched case-control analysis with multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors predicting delay.Results.OfN=123patients accrued, 90 (73%) reported symptom-presentation duration and formed the basis of this study: 52 patients presented within 12 weeks of symptoms, while 38 patients waited longer than 12 weeks. On logistic regression, lower education status (OR = 5.6,P=0.03), failure to initially recognize mass as important (OR = 13.0,P<0.01), and fear of treatment cost (OR = 8.3,P=0.03) were shown to independently predict delayed patient presentation.Conclusion.To reduce stage at presentation, future interventions must educate patients on the recognition of initial breast cancer signs and symptoms and address cost concerns by providing care free of charge and/or advertising that existing care is already free.
Neglected Primary Omental Pregnancy after Laparoscopic and Medical Treatment: A Difficult Diagnosis?
Authors: Martelli Federica , De Carolis Caterina , Parisi Carmelo , Piccione Emilio
Published: June 2013

The following case report describes a rare case of omental pregnancy in a fertile 34-year-old woman at 5 + 3 weeks of gestation who presented with abdominal pain. Clinical examination, vital signs, and laboratory values were within normal limits, so the woman was hospitalized and monitored. Laparoscopic exploration was performed according to the preoperative diagnosis of tubal pregnancy, but it showed normal pelvic organs. In view of the growth of theβ-HCG value, a medical approach was attempted, without success. Due to hemodynamic instability, an emergency laparotomy was performed, and it showed an omental pregnancy, confirmed at the pathological examination.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Some Non-Sedating Antihistamines Using Erythrosine B
Authors: El-Kommos Michael E. , El-Gizawy Samia M. , Atia Noha N. , Hosny Noha M.
Published: June 2013

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of cetirizine (I), ebastine (II), fexofenadine (III), ketotifen (IV), and loratadine (V) based on ion-pair complex formation with erythrosine B. The pink color of the produced complex was measured at 550 nm without solvent extraction. Appropriate conditions were established by studying the color reaction between erythrosine B and the studied drugs to obtain the maximum sensitivity. Beer-Lambert's law is obeyed in the concentration ranges 1–7, 1–8, and 1–6 g/mL for (I, IV), (II, III), and (V), respectively. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The suggested method is applicable for the determination of the five investigated drugs in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms with excellent recoveries.
Assessment of Myometrial Concentrations of Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptors in the Lower Uterine Segment of Full-Term Pregnancies in Presence or Absence of Labour
Authors: Arruda Joana Soares de , Araujo Júnior Edward , Simões Manuel de Jesus , Kulay Júnior Luiz
Published: June 2013

Objective. To assess the concentration of progesterone (PRs) and oestrogen (ORs) receptors of myometrium of full-term pregnant women in the myometrium of lower segment of the uterus in relationship with presence or absence of labour.Methods. This was a cross-sectional prospective study with 21 pregnant women, being 6 in labour (Group I) and 15 without labour (Group II). The biopsy of myometrium was realized during caesarian section, and the excised tissue was stained using immunohistochemical techniques for the quantification of the receptors, and with the aid of image-analysis software, the numbers of receptors for each hormone were determined spectrophotometrically. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the pregnant women in each study group with respect to the numbers of ORs and PRs. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the concentration of ORs and PRs in each group separately.Results. The mean of gestational age was 39 weeks, (range, 37 to 41 weeks). The medians of PRs and ORs in pregnant women in labour (Group I) were 29.3 (range, 24.6–30.2) and 32.3 (range, 22.9–49.0), respectively. The medians of PRs and ORs in pregnant women without labour (Group II) were 43.6 (range, 23.6–70) and 43.9 (range, 18.3–62.6), respectively. We did not observe significant differences of the number of ORs and PRs in both groups ( and 0.37, resp.). The number of ORs was statistically more than that of PRs in Group II (Zcalculated = 16.00).Conclusion. The concentrations of PRs and ORs were similar in the myometrium of the lower uterine segment of pregnant women during and without labour, but the concentration of ORs was more than that of PRs in the myometrium of the lower uterine segment of pregnant women without labour.
Breakage of Needle during Intracavernosal Injection and Use of Portable Ultrasound Guidance for Removal
Authors: Hsiao Wayland , Lian Fei , Goodgame Brooks , Ritenour Chad W. M. , Angell Jordan , Master Viraj A.
Published: June 2013

Purpose. Intracavernosal self-injection (ICI) was first described in 1982, and remains a viable therapy for erectile dysfunction. However, intracorporal needle breakage can be a rare complication of therapy. We report a rare complication of intracorporal needle breakage and a retention of a 30-gauge needle in a 42-year-old paraplegic man. We discuss our experience in using portable high-frequency ultrasound intraoperatively to visualize and guide removal of a retained ICI needle.Materials and Methods. Review of case and ultrasound technique are presented.Results. Using intraoperative ultrasound imaging, the retained intracorporal needle was successfully removed from the patient's penis without any complications. Follow-up ultrasonography and X-ray confirmed complete removal of the needle.Conclusions. We report on the successful implementation and use of a portable high-frequency ultrasound probe to visualize a retained intracorporal needle inside the penis and its use to guide removal. Given the rapid proliferation of portable ultrasound machines in the operating room and out in the field, we expect these imaging techniques to become routine, especially in urological emergencies.
Seismic Design Value Evaluation Based on Checking Records and Site Geological Conditions Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kerh Tienfuan , Lin Yutang , Saunders Rob
Published: June 2013

This study proposes an improved computational neural network model that uses three seismic parameters (i.e., local magnitude, epicentral distance, and epicenter depth) and two geological conditions (i.e., shear wave velocity and standard penetration test value) as the inputs for predicting peak ground acceleration—the key element for evaluating earthquake response. Initial comparison results show that a neural network model with three neurons in the hidden layer can achieve relatively better performance based on the evaluation index of correlation coefficient or mean square error. This study further develops a new weight-based neural network model for estimating peak ground acceleration at unchecked sites. Four locations identified to have higher estimated peak ground accelerations than that of the seismic design value in the 24 subdivision zones are investigated in Taiwan. Finally, this study develops a new equation for the relationship of horizontal peak ground acceleration and focal distance by the curve fitting method. This equation represents seismic characteristics in Taiwan region more reliably and reasonably. The results of this study provide an insight into this type of nonlinear problem, and the proposed method may be applicable to other areas of interest around the world.
The Role of Xanthine Oxidase in Hemodialysis-Induced Oxidative Injury: Relationship with Nutritional Status
Authors: Miric Dijana , Kisic Bojana , Stolic Radojica , Miric Bratislav , Mitic Radoslav , Janicijevic-Hudomal Snezana
Published: June 2013

The role of xanthine oxidase (XOD) in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis treatment (HD) is poorly understood. Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) ≤ 90 could be linked with malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome. This study measured XOD, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid hydroperoxides, total free thiol groups, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in 50 HD patients before commencing (pre-HD) and immediately after completion of HD session (post-HD) and in 22 healthy controls. Pre-HD serum hydroperoxides, AOPP, XOD, and SOD were higher and total thiol groups were lower in patients than in controls (P<0.05, resp.). Compared to baseline values, serum MPO activity was increased irrespective of GNRI status. Serum XOD activity was increasing during HD treatment in the group with GNRI ≤ 90 (P=0.030) whilst decreasing in the group with GNRI > 90 (P=0.002). In a multiple regression analysis, post-HD serum XOD activity was independently associated with GNRI ≤ 90 (β  ± SE: 0.398 ± 0.151;P=0.012) and HD vintage (β  ± SE: −0.349 ± 0.139;P=0.016). These results indicate that an upregulated XOD may be implicated in HD-induced oxidative injury contributing to accelerated protein damage in patients with GNRI ≤ 90.
Force-Sensor-Based Estimation of Needle Tip Deflection in Brachytherapy
Authors: Lehmann Thomas , Tavakoli Mahdi , Usmani Nawaid , Sloboda Ronald
Published: June 2013

A virtual sensor is developed for the online estimation of needle tip deflection during permanent interstitial brachytherapy needle insertion. Permanent interstitial brachytherapy is an effective, minimally invasive, and patient friendly cancer treatment procedure. The deflection of the needles used in the procedure, however, undermines the treatment efficiency and, therefore, needs to be minimized. Any feedback control technique to minimize the needle deflection will require feedback of this quantity, which is not easy to provide. The proposed virtual sensor for needle deflection incorporates a force/torque sensor, mounted at the base of the needle that always remains outside the patient. The measured forces/torques are used by a mathematical model, developed based on mechanical needle properties. The resulting estimation of tip deflection in real time during needle insertion is the main contribution of this paper. The proposed approach solely relies on the measured forces and torques without a need for any other invasive/noninvasive sensing devices. A few mechanical models have been introduced previously regarding the way the forces are composed along the needle during insertion; we will compare our model to those approaches in terms of accuracy. In order to conduct experiments to verify the deflection model, a custom-built, 2-DOF robotic system for needle insertion is developed and discussed. This system is a prototype of an intelligent, hand-held surgical assistant tool that incorporates the virtual sensor proposed in this paper.
On Local Aspects of Topological Transitivity and Weak Mixing in Set-Valued Discrete Systems
Authors: Liu Lei
Published: June 2013

Blanchard and Huang introduced the notion of weakly mixing subset, and Oprocha and Zhang gave the concept of transitive subset and studied its basic properties. In this paper our main goal is to discuss the weakly mixing subsets and transitive subsets in set-valued discrete systems. We prove that a set-valued discrete system has a transitive subset if and only if original system has a weakly mixing subset. Moreover, we give an example showing that original system has a transitive subset, which does not imply set-valued discrete system has a transitive subset.
Effluents of Shrimp Farms and Its Influence on the Coastal Ecosystems of Bahía de Kino, Mexico
Authors: Barraza-Guardado Ramón H. , Arreola-Lizárraga José A. , López-Torres Marco A. , Casillas-Hernández Ramón , Miranda-Baeza Anselmo , Magallón-Barrajas Francisco , Ibarra-Gámez Cuauhtemoc
Published: June 2013

The impact on coastal ecosystems of suspended solids, organic matter, and bacteria in shrimp farm effluents is presented. Sites around Bahía de Kino were selected for comparative evaluation. Effluent entering Bahia Kino (1) enters Laguna La Cruz (2). A control site (3) was outside the influence of effluents. Water quality samples were collected every two weeks during the shrimp culture period. Our data show that the material load in shrimp farm effluents changes biogeochemical processes and aquatic health of the coastal ecosystem. Specifically, the suspended solids, particulate organic matter, chlorophyll a, viable heterotrophic bacteria, and Vibrio‐like bacteria in the bay and lagoon were two‐ to three‐fold higher than the control site. This can be mitigated by improvements in the management of aquaculture systems.
Cholestatic Hepatitis with Small Duct Injury Associated with Celecoxib
Authors: Nayudu Suresh Kumar , Badipatla Shanti , Niazi Masooma , Balar Bhavna
Published: June 2013

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common clinical entity but is underreported due to various reasons. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib have been proven to be associated with lesser incidence of adverse drug reactions compared to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). However, Celecoxib has been rarely reported to be associated with cholestasis and hepatitis. We present a young Hispanic female presented with cholestatic liver chemistries who has been taking Celecoxib for 3 weeks. Extensive workup did not support diagnosis of viral, autoimmune, or metabolic liver diseases. Liver biopsy revealed findings suggestive of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Imaging studies were negative for large duct involvement, and endoscopy ruled out inflammatory bowel disease. Liver chemistries normalized after cessation of medication. We recommend that physician should be aware of this rare complication when prescribing Celecoxib.
Fabrication and Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cell Made from CuIn0.75Ga0.25S2 Wurtzite Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Fengyan , Sun Chivin , Bajracharya Cyril , Rodriguez Rene G. , Pak Joshua J.
Published: June 2013

CuIn0.75Ga0.25S2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells have been successfully fabricated using CIGS Wurtzite phase nanoparticles for the first time. The structure of the cell is Glass/Mo/CIGS/CdS/ZnO/ZnO:Al/Ag. The light absorption layer is made from CIGS Wurtzite phase nanoparticles that are formed from single‐source precursors through a microwave irradiation. The Wurtzite phase nanoparticles were converted to Chalcopyrite phase film through a single‐step annealing process in the presence of argon and sulfur at 450°C. The solar cell made from Wurtzite phase nanoparticles showed 1.6% efficiency and 0.42 fill factor.
Ligation of Fe(III) and Mn(II) Complexes by Bithiourea and Their Biological Activity
Authors: Adediji J. F. , Amolegbe S. A. , Adewuyi S. , Akinremi C. A. , Oyeniran Y. C. , Afolayan B. O.
Published: June 2013

Complexes of Fe(III) and Mn(II) with bithiourea were synthesized and characterised by elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, infrared spectroscopy, UV/visible, thin layer chromatography, and conductance measurements. The IR showed that the ligand coordinates through C=S and N–H donor atoms and hence a bidentate. The antimicrobial activity of the complexes formed has been tested and compared with bithiourea at different concentrations in order to obtain some quantitative information about their biological activity towards microorganism. Metal complexes were found to show better activities as compared to the ligand and the standard drug used as control.In vivotoxicological studies showed that the complexes were not toxic at the dosage level administered.
Molecular Structure and Vibrational Spectra of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate by Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Belaidi Ottman , Bouchaour Tewfik , Maschke Ulrich
Published: June 2013

The Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate have been measured in liquid phase. The molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies, and infrared intensities have been calculated by using density functional theory. We found two local minima representing s-cis and s-trans conformations for 2-ethylhexyl acrylate molecule. The optimized geometries at DFT//B3LYP/6-311+ are in good agreement with electron diffraction data of methyl acrylate for the acrylic group. The two conformers were used for the interpretation of the experimental infrared spectrum of title compound. PED calculations are represented for a more complete and concise assignment. There is one band in the infrared spectrum at 1646 cm−1 that definitely indicates the conformer with s-trans arrangement of acrylic moiety to be present or not in the liquid 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.
Petrography and Physicomechanical Properties of Rocks from the Ambela Granitic Complex, NW Pakistan
Authors: Arif Mohammad , Bukhari S. Wajid Hanif , Muhammad Noor , Sajid Muhammad
Published: June 2013

Petrography and physicomechanical properties of alkali granites, alkali quartz syenite, and nepheline syenite from Ambela, NW Pakistan, have been investigated. Whereas the alkali quartz syenite and most of the alkali granites are megaporphyritic, the nepheline syenite and some of the alkali granites are microporphyritic. Their phenocryst shape and size and abundance of groundmass are also different. The values of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) are the lowest and highest for megaporphyritic alkali granite and alkali quartz syenite, respectively. However, all the four rock types are moderately strong. Correspondingly, their specific gravity and water absorption values are within the permissible range for use as construction material. The UCS for the alkali quartz syenite is the highest, most probably because (i) it has roughly equal amounts of phenocryst and groundmass, (ii) it displays maximum size contrast between phenocryst and groundmass, (iii) its phenocrysts are highly irregular, and (iv) it contains substantial amounts of quartz.
Synthesis of Flexible Aerogel Composites Reinforced with Electrospun Nanofibers and Microparticles for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Wu Huijun , Chen Yantao , Chen Qiliang , Ding Yunfei , Zhou Xiaoqing , Gao Haitao
Published: June 2013

Flexible silica aerogel composites in intact monolith of 12 cm were successfully fabricated by reinforcing SiO2 aerogel with electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) webs via electrospinning and sol‐gel processing. Three electrospun PVDF webs with different microstructures (e.g., nanofibers, microparticles, and combined nanofibers and microparticles) were fabricated by regulating electrospinning parameters. The as‐electrospun PVDF webs with various microstructures were impregnated into the silica sol to synthesize the PVDF/SiO2 composites followed by solvent exchange, surface modification, and drying at ambient atmosphere. The morphologies of the PVDF/SiO2 aerogel composites were characterized and the thermal and mechanical properties were measured. The effects of electrospun PVDF on the thermal and mechanical properties of the aerogel composites were evaluated. The aerogel composites reinforced with electrospun PVDF nanofibers showed intact monolith, improved strength, and perfect flexibility and hydrophobicity. Moreover, the aerogel composites reinforced with the electrospun PVDF nanofibers had the lowest thermal conductivity (0.028 W·m−1·K−1). It indicates that the electrospun PVDF nanofibers could greatly improve the mechanical strength and flexibility of the SiO2 aerogels while maintaining a lower thermal conductivity, which provides increasing potential for thermal insulation applications.
Fluid Flow Simulations Based on an Equation-Solving Solution Gradient Strategy
Authors: Huang Ho-Shuenn , Hwang Yao-Hsin
Published: June 2013

A compact and accurate discretization for fluid flow simulations is introduced in this paper. Contrary to the common wisdom in a convectional scheme, the solution gradient required for a high-resolution scheme is provided by solving its corresponding difference equation rather than by interpolation from solution values at neighboring computational nodes. To achieve this goal, a supplementary equation and its associated control volume are proposed to retain a compact and accurate discretization. Scheme essentials are exposed by numerical analyses on simple one-dimensional modeled problems to reveal its formal accuracy. Several test problems are solved to illustrate the feasibility of present formulation. From the obtained numerical results, it is evident that the proposed scheme will be a useful tool to simulate fluid flow problems in arbitrary domains.
Intrinsic Ability of Adult Stem Cell in Skeletal Muscle: An Effective and Replenishable Resource to the Establishment of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Fujimaki Shin , Machida Masanao , Hidaka Ryo , Asashima Makoto , Takemasa Tohru , Kuwabara Tomoko
Published: June 2013

Adult stem cells play an essential role in mammalian organ maintenance and repair throughout adulthood since they ensure that organs retain their ability to regenerate. The choice of cell fate by adult stem cells for cellular proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation into multiple lineages is critically important for the homeostasis and biological function of individual organs. Responses of stem cells to stress, injury, or environmental change are precisely regulated by intercellular and intracellular signaling networks, and these molecular events cooperatively define the ability of stem cell throughout life. Skeletal muscle tissue represents an abundant, accessible, and replenishable source of adult stem cells. Skeletal muscle contains myogenic satellite cells and muscle-derived stem cells that retain multipotent differentiation abilities. These stem cell populations have the capacity for long-term proliferation and high self-renewal. The molecular mechanisms associated with deficits in skeletal muscle and stem cell function have been extensively studied. Muscle-derived stem cells are an obvious, readily available cell resource that offers promise for cell-based therapy and various applications in the field of tissue engineering. This review describes the strategies commonly used to identify and functionally characterize adult stem cells, focusing especially on satellite cells, and discusses their potential applications.
Memristive Chebyshev Neural Network and Its Applications in Function Approximation
Authors: Wang Lidan , Duan Meitao , Duan Shukai
Published: June 2013

A novel Chebyshev neural network combined with memristors is proposed to perform the function approximation. The relationship between memristive conductance and weight update is derived, and the model of a single-input memristive Chebyshev neural network is established. Corresponding BP algorithm and deriving algorithm are introduced to the memristive Chebyshev neural networks. Their advantages include less model complexity, easy convergence of the algorithm, and easy circuit implementation. Through the MATLAB simulation results, we verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the memristive Chebyshev neural networks.
Yield Prediction for Tomato Greenhouse Using EFuNN
Authors: Qaddoum Kefaya , Hines E. L. , Iliescu D. D.
Published: June 2013

In the area of greenhouse operation, yield prediction still relies heavily on human expertise. This paper proposes an automatic tomato yield predictor to assist the human operators in anticipating more effectively weekly fluctuations and avoid problems of both overdemand and overproduction if the yield cannot be predicted accurately. The parameters used by the predictor consist of environmental variables inside the greenhouse, namely, temperature, CO2, vapour pressure deficit (VPD), and radiation, as well as past yield. Greenhouse environment data and crop records from a large scale commercial operation, Wight Salads Group (WSG) in the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, collected during the period 2004 to 2008, were used to model tomato yield using an Intelligent System called “Evolving Fuzzy Neural Network” (EFuNN). Our results show that the EFuNN model predicted weekly fluctuations of the yield with an average accuracy of 90%. The contribution suggests that the multiple EFUNNs can be mapped to respective task-oriented rule-sets giving rise to adaptive knowledge bases that could assist growers in the control of tomato supplies and more generally could inform the decision making concerning overall crop management practices.
Dynamically Measuring Statistical Dependencies in Multivariate Financial Time Series Using Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Shah Nauman , Roberts Stephen J.
Published: June 2013

We present a computationally tractable approach to dynamically measure statistical dependencies in multivariate non-Gaussian signals. The approach makes use of extensions of independent component analysis to calculate information coupling, as a proxy measure for mutual information, between multiple signals and can be used to estimate uncertainty associated with the information coupling measure in a straightforward way. We empirically validate relative accuracy of the information coupling measure using a set of synthetic data examples and showcase practical utility of using the measure when analysing multivariate financial time series.
Determinants of Oxygen Therapy in Childhood Pneumonia in a Resource-Constrained Region
Authors: Kuti Bankole Peter , Adegoke Samuel Ademola , Ebruke Benard E. , Howie Stephen , Oyelami Oyeku Akibu , Ota Martin
Published: June 2013

Childhood pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among underfives particularly in the resource-constraint part of the world. A high proportion of these deaths are due to lack of oxygen, thereby making oxygen administration a life-saving adjunctive when indicated. However, many primary health centres that manage most of the cases often lack the adequate manpower and facilities to decide which patient should be on oxygen therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors that predict hypoxaemia at presentation in children with severe pneumonia.
Four hundred and twenty children aged from 2 to 59 months (40% infants) with severe pneumonia admitted to a health centre in rural Gambia were assessed at presentation. Eighty-one of them (19.30%) had hypoxaemia (oxygen saturation < 90%). Children aged 2–11 months, with grunting respiration, cyanosis, and head nodding, and those with cardiomegaly on chest radiograph were at higher risk of hypoxaemia (P<0.05). Grunting respiration (OR=5.210, 95% CI 2.287–7.482) and cyanosis (OR=83.200, 95% CI 5.248–355.111) were independent predictors of hypoxaemia in childhood pneumonia. We conclude that children that grunt and are centrally cyanosed should be preferentially commenced on oxygen therapy even when there is no facility to confirm hypoxaemia.
Algorithm for Solving a New System of Generalized Variational Inclusions in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Husain Shamshad , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: June 2013

We introduce and study a new system of generalized variational inclusions involving -cocoercive and relaxed -cocoercive operators, which contain the systems of variational inclusions and the systems of variational inequalities, variational inclusions, and variational inequalities as special cases. By using the resolvent technique for the -cocoercive operators, we prove the existence of solutions and the convergence of a new iterative algorithm for this system of variational inclusions in Hilbert spaces. An example is given to justify the main result. Our results can be viewed as a generalization of some known results in the literature.
Quantitative Acoustic Emission Fatigue Crack Characterization in Structural Steel and Weld
Authors: Marfo Adutwum , Luo Ying , Zhong-an Chen
Published: June 2013

The fatigue crack growth characteristics of structural steel and weld connections are analyzed using quantitative acoustic emission (AE) technique. This was experimentally investigated by three-point bending testing of specimens under low cycle constant amplitude loading using the wavelet packet analysis. The crack growth sequence, that is, initiation, crack propagation, and fracture, is extracted from their corresponding frequency feature bands, respectively. The results obtained proved to be superior to qualitative AE analysis and the traditional linear elastic fracture mechanics for fatigue crack characterization in structural steel and welds.
Dinoflagellate Bloom of Karenia mikimotoi along the Southeast Arabian Sea, Bordering Western India
Authors: Robin R. S. , Kanuri Vishnu Vardhan , Muduli Pradipta R. , Mishra Rajani K. , Jaikumar M. , Karthikeyan P. , Suresh Kumar C. , Saravana Kumar C.
Published: June 2013

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurred along the southeast Arabian Sea, bordering Western India, during September to November 2004. This bloom was unique in the region in terms of its large spatial extent, and the trend was weakened towards November. Mass mortality of fish, emanation of noxious odour, and respiratory problems among the children on the coastal stretch were noticed. The phytoplankton species Gymnodiniium, class Dinophyceae bloom accounted for 98% of the standing crop. The bloom Karenia mikimotoi showed a maximum density of 19.37×104 cells L−1 and 18.94×104 cells L−1 at nearshore and offshore, respectively. The remotely sensed chlorophyll a (Chl a) data from seaWiFS, sea surface temperature (SST) from advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR), rainfall from tropical rainfall measuring Mission (TRMM), and Sea winds from QuickSCAT reflected the bloom due to Karenia mikimotoi, suggesting the advection process at the coastal waters. The release of toxins specifically the neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) and azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (AZP) from the bloom was assessed by chemical and mouse bioassay of the extract from mussel Perna indica, showing negative results. These indicate that asphyxiation and abnormal mucus secreted by the K. mikimotoi led to clogging of gills that accentuated the mass fish kills.
Age Differences in Long Term Outcomes of Coronary Patients Treated with Drug Eluting Stents at a Tertiary Medical Center
Authors: Shammas Nicolas W. , Shammas Gail A. , Sharis Peter , Jerin Michael
Published: June 2013

We evaluate differences in outcomes in younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) patients for target lesion failure (TLF) at 2-year follow-up in an unselected consecutive series of patients treated with the everolimus- (EES) and paclitaxel-eluting (PES) stents at a tertiary medical center. 348 consecutive patients (younger 150; older 198) stented with the EES and PES were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was TLF (composite endpoint of cardiac death, non fatal myocardial infarction due to index vessel and target lesion revascularization (TLR)). At 2 years follow up, younger versus older patients had the following outcomes respectively: TLF 27.7% versus 25.5% (P=0.71), TLR 24.8% versus 21.4% (P=0.52), cardiac death 3.4% versus 2.5% (P=0.75) and definite and probable stent thrombosis (2.0% versus 1.0%). Multivariate analysis showed that renal failure (odds ratio: 2.55,P=0.045), number of stents per patient (odds ratio: 1.60,P=0.001) and younger age (odds ratio: 0.97;P=0.010), but not gender, diabetes or type of DES stent (EES versus PES) predicted TLF. We conclude that older age was not a predictor of TLF at 2-year follow-up after adjusting for renal insufficiency, number of stents used per patient, gender, diabetes and type of DES used.
Temperature Evolution of Cluster Structures in Ethanol
Authors: Golub P. , Doroshenko I. , Pogorelov V. , Sablinskas V. , Balevicius V. , Ceponkus J.
Published: June 2013

The dependence of FTIR spectrum of pure ethanol on the temperature was investigated. The measurements were performed for frozen (the minimum temperature −180°C) and liquid ethanol (the maximum temperature 40°C). All changes in IR spectrum of ethanol during gradual warming were detected and analyzed. On the bases of preset observations, the conclusions concerning the evolution of cluster structures in ethanol during transition from solid (frozen) state to liquid state were made.
Existence and Continuity of Solutions to a Class of Pseudodifferential Equations overp-Adic Field
Authors: Wu Bo
Published: June 2013

We study the pseudodifferential operatorTαand the pseudodifferential equations of typeTαu+u=δxkoverp-adic fieldℚp, whereδxkis the Dirac delta function. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the equations. Furthermore, we give conditions for the continuity of the solutionsukwhenubelongs to the spaceL2(ℚp).
Paeonia lactifloraExtract Attenuating Cerebral Ischemia and Arterial Intimal Hyperplasia Is Mediated by Paeoniflorin via Modulation of VSMC Migration and Ras/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Yuh-Fung , Wu Kuo-Jen , Wood W. Gibson
Published: June 2013

Paeonia lactiflorais a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. Paeoniflorin is an active component found inPaeonia lactiflora, which is used to treat smooth muscle spasms and pain and to protect the cardiovascular system. The objective of this study was to determine ifPaeonia lactiflorawould be protective in rodent models of cerebral ischemia and arterial intimal hyperplasia.Paeonia lactifloraextract (PLex) and paeoniflorin (PF) significantly attenuated cerebral infarction in ischemia/reperfusion injury rats and the severity of intimal hyperplasia in mice where the carotid artery was ligated. PLex and PF reduced PDGF-stimulated VSMC proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner by MTT, wound healing, and transwell assays. PF significantly reduced protein levels of Ras, MEK, p-MEK and p-ERK, but not MMP-2 and MMP-9. In summary,Paeonia lactiflorareduced cerebral ischemia and arterial intimal hyperplasia which were mainly made via the intermediary of PF. The protective effect of PF was related to the modulation of the Ras/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Nonlocal Problems for Fractional Differential Equations via Resolvent Operators
Authors: Fan Zhenbin , Mophou Gisèle
Published: June 2013

We discuss the continuity of analytic resolvent in the uniform operator topology and then obtain the compactness of Cauchy operator by means of the analytic resolvent method. Based on this result, we derive the existence of mild solutions for nonlocal fractional differential equations when the nonlocal item is assumed to be Lipschitz continuous and neither Lipschitz nor compact, respectively. An example is also given to illustrate our theory.
A Framework for Diagnosing the Out-of-Control Signals in Multivariate Process Using Optimized Support Vector Machines
Authors: Li Tai-fu , Hu Sheng , Wei Zheng-yuan , Liao Zhi-qiang
Published: June 2013

Multivariate statistical process control is the continuation and development of unitary statistical process control. Most multivariate statistical quality control charts are usually used (in manufacturing and service industries) to determine whether a process is performing as intended or if there are some unnatural causes of variation upon an overall statistics. Once the control chart detects out-of-control signals, one difficulty encountered with multivariate control charts is the interpretation of an out-of-control signal. That is, we have to determine whether one or more or a combination of variables is responsible for the abnormal signal. A novel approach for diagnosing the out-of-control signals in the multivariate process is described in this paper. The proposed methodology uses the optimized support vector machines (support vector machine classification based on genetic algorithm) to recognize set of subclasses of multivariate abnormal patters, identify the responsible variable(s) on the occurrence of abnormal pattern. Multiple sets of experiments are used to verify this model. The performance of the proposed approach demonstrates that this model can accurately classify the source(s) of out-of-control signal and even outperforms the conventional multivariate control scheme.
Faster and Energy-Efficient Signed Multipliers
Authors: Ramkumar B. , Kittur Harish M.
Published: June 2013

We demonstrate faster and energy-efficient column compression multiplication with very small area overheads by using a combination of two techniques: partition of the partial products into two parts for independent parallel column compression and acceleration of the final addition using new hybrid adder structures proposed here. Based on the proposed techniques, 8-b, 16-b, 32-b, and 64-b Wallace (W), Dadda (D), and HPM (H) reduction tree based Baugh-Wooley multipliers are developed and compared with the regular W, D, H based Baugh-Wooley multipliers. The performances of the proposed multipliers are analyzed by evaluating the delay, area, and power, with 65 nm process technologies on interconnect and layout using industry standard design and layout tools. The result analysis shows that the 64-bit proposed multipliers are as much as 29%, 27%, and 21% faster than the regular W, D, H based Baugh-Wooley multipliers, respectively, with a maximum of only 2.4% power overhead. Also, the power-delay products (energy consumption) of the proposed 16-b, 32-b, and 64-b multipliers are significantly lower than those of the regular Baugh-Wooley multiplier. Applicability of the proposed techniques to the Booth-Encoded multipliers is also discussed.
On Intra-Regular Left Almost Semihypergroups with Pure Left Identity
Authors: Yaqoob Naveed , Corsini Piergiulio , Yousafzai Faisal
Published: June 2013

We characterize intra-regular LA-semihypergroups by using the properties of their left and right hyperideals, and we investigate some useful conditions for an LA-semihypergroup to become an intra-regular LA-semihypergroup.
Effect of the Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren on Urinary Albumin Excretion in Spontaneous Type 2 Diabetic KK- Mouse
Authors: Furukawa Masako , Gohda Tomohito , Hagiwara Shinji , Tanimoto Mitsuo , Horikoshi Satoshi , Funabiki Kazuhiko , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: June 2013

Objective. Although angiotensin II-mediated inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation are considered to be associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy, these processes have not yet been sufficiently clarified. The objective of this study was to determine whether the correction of the abnormal renal expression of MMPs and its inhibitors (MMPs/TIMPs) and cytokines following the administration of aliskiren to KK- mice results in a renoprotective effect.Methods. KK- mice were divided into two groups, that is, untreated (saline) and treated (aliskiren) groups. Systolic BP, HbA1c levels, and the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured. The renal expression of MMPs/TIMPs, fibronectin, type IV collagen, MCP-1, and (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) was examined using real-time PCR and/or immunohistochemical staining. Renal MAPK and NF-κB activity were also examined by Western blot analyses and ELISA, respectively.Results. Significant decreases in systolic BP and ACR levels were observed in treated KK- mice compared with the findings in untreated KK- mice. Furthermore, increases in MMPs/TIMPs, fibronectin, type IV collagen, MCP-1, and (P)RR expression, in addition to MAPK and NF-κB activity, were significantly attenuated by aliskiren administration.Conclusions. It appears that aliskiren improves albuminuria and renal fibrosis by regulating inflammation and the alteration of collagen synthesis and degradation.