bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Trial of Etodolac versus Combination of Etodolac and Eperisone in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Singh Harinder , Gupta Avinash Chander
Published: October 2013

Objective. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of etodolac versus etodolac in combination with eperisone in patients of Osteoarthritis knee. Patients and Methods. A prospective, randomized, open label, parallel group, comparative study was conducted in 60 patients of knee OA over a period of 2 months. Thirty patients received etodolac 600 mg once daily and 30 patients received eperisone 50 mg thrice daily in addition to etodolac 600 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy assessment was done on the basis of improvement in mean scores of spontaneous pain on Visual analog scale (VAS), pain on movement, functional capacity, joint tenderness, swelling, erythema on Likert scale, and patient's overall arthritic condition on a five-point investigator scale at the end of study period as compared with the baseline scores. Assessment of tolerability was done by recording the occurrence of adverse events. Data was analyzed using Chi square test and students t-test. Results. All the enrolled patients completed the study and were compliant to the treatment regimens that they were allocated to. Both the treatment groups showed a statistically significant improvement in all the efficacy parameters at the end of 8 weeks as compared to baseline (P<0.05) with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Adverse events were few and mild in nature. Conclusion. Combination of etodolac and eperisone is as effective as etodolac alone in patients of OA knee. Thus, it is concluded that additional use of muscle relaxant has no adjuvant value in patients of OA knee and is not recommended. The study is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India vide registration number CTRI/2013/03/003442.
Arsenic and Lead Uptake by Vegetable Crops Grown on Historically Contaminated Orchard Soils
Authors: McBride M. B.
Published: October 2013

Transfer of Pb and As into vegetables grown on orchard soils historically contaminated by Pb arsenate pesticides was measured in the greenhouse. Lettuce, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes were grown on soils containing a range of total Pb (16.5–915 mg/kg) and As (6.9–211 mg/kg) concentrations. The vegetables were acid-digested and analyzed for total Pb and As using ICP-mass spectrometry. Vegetable contamination was dependent on soil total Pb and As concentrations, pH, and vegetable species. Arsenic concentrations were the highest in lettuce and green beans, lower in carrots, and much lower in tomato fruit. Transfer of Pb into lettuce and beans was generally lower than that of As, and Pb and As were strongly excluded from tomato fruit. Soil metal concentrations as high as 400 mg/kg Pb and 100 mg/kg As produced vegetables with concentrations of Pb and As below the limits of international health standards.
Unusual Mortality Events of Harbor Porpoise Strandings in North Carolina, 1997–2009
Authors: Hohn Aleta A. , Rotstein David S. , Byrd Barbie L.
Published: October 2013

A marked increase in the frequency of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded in North Carolina in 2005 was declared as an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). Strandings occurred in January through May when harbor porpoises are seasonally present. Increased stranding rates were measured relative to a threshold to determine that the UME was occurring. The threshold analysis also revealed elevated strandings during 1999, an undeclared UME year. Recovered carcasses during 1999 and 2005 accounted for 39% of 261 strandings during 1997–2009. During 2005, of 43 strandings, primary or secondary causes of mortality included fishery interactions, emaciation, and interspecific aggression. Apart from small but significant differences in timing and condition of strandings, composition of strandings during UME and non-UME years was similar, with most being young-of-the-year and occurring during March and April, north of Cape Hatteras. Porpoises had high levels of parasitic infestation typical for this species. However, no indication of infectious disease and no cause of the 2005 event were found from gross and histologic findings. Response to UMEs is challenging, particularly along the expanses of North Carolina beaches, requiring additional effort to obtain carcasses in sufficiently fresh condition to determine the cause of these events.
Acute and Chronic Oral Toxicity of a Partially Purified Plaunotol Extract fromCroton stellatopilosusOhba
Authors: Chaotham Chatchai , Chivapat Songpol , Chaikitwattana Anan , De-Eknamkul Wanchai
Published: October 2013

Plaunotol, an acyclic diterpenoid with highly effective antigastric ulcer properties, has been commercially isolated from leaves ofCroton stellatopilosusOhba. This Thai medicinal plant was traditionally used in the form of crude extracts, suggesting that it is possible to administer these plaunotol-containing extracts without toxicity. To confirm its safety, the oral toxicity of a partially purified plaunotol extract (PPE) was evaluatedin vivo. The PPE was simply prepared by 95% ethanol reflux extraction followed by hexane partition. The obtained extract was analyzed and found to contain 43% w/w of plaunotol and another compound, likely a fatty acid-plaunotol conjugate that is considered a major impurity. Oral administration of PPE to ICR mice and Wistar rats was conducted to evaluate acute and chronic toxicity of the plaunotol extract, respectively. The acute toxicity study demonstrated that PPE was practically nontoxic based on its high median lethal dose value (LD50=10.25 g/kg). The chronic toxicity studies also showed the absence of mortality and clinical symptoms in all rats treated with 11–1,100 mg/kg/day of PPE during a 6-month period. Histopathological and hematological analyses revealed that altered liver and kidney function and increased blood platelet number, but only at the high doses (550–1,100 mg/kg/day). These results suggest that PPE is potentially safe for further development as a therapeutic agent in humans.
Acquired Myelodysplasia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Clearing the Fog
Authors: Natelson Ethan A. , Pyatt David
Published: October 2013

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal myeloid disorders characterized by progressive peripheral blood cytopenias associated with ineffective myelopoiesis. They are typically considered neoplasms because of frequent genetic aberrations and patient-limited survival with progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or death related to the consequences of bone marrow failure including infection, hemorrhage, and iron overload. A progression to AML has always been recognized among the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) but occurs only rarely among those with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen to apply the designation myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), for all MPD but has not similarly recommended that all MDS become the myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDN). This apparent dichotomy may reflect the extremely diverse nature of MDS. Moreover, the term MDS is occasionally inappropriately applied to hematologic disorders associated with acquired morphologic myelodysplastic features which may rather represent potentially reversible hematological responses to immune-mediated factors, nutritional deficiency states, and disordered myelopoietic responses to various pharmaceutical, herbal, or other potentially myelotoxic compounds. We emphasize the clinical settings, and the histopathologic features, of such AMD that should trigger a search for a reversible underlying condition that may be nonneoplastic and not MDS.
Adaptive - Synchronization of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems with Nonidentical Structures
Authors: Yang Li-xin , He Wan-sheng
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the adaptive - synchronization of the fractional-order chaotic systems with nonidentical structures. Based on the stability of fractional-order systems and adaptive control technique, a general formula for designing the controller and parameters update law is proposed to achieve adaptive - synchronization between two different chaotic systems with different structures. The effective scheme parameters identification and - synchronization of chaotic systems can be realized simultaneously. Furthermore, two typical illustrative numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, for each case, we design the controller and parameter update laws in detail. The numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Extraction and Characterization of Natural Dye from Green Walnut Shells and Its Use in Dyeing Polyamide: Focus on Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Mirjalili Mohammad , Karimi Loghman
Published: October 2013

Extraction of dyes from walnut using Soxhlet apparatus has been studied. The color components extracted and isolated from walnut shells were characterized by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectroscopy (MS), and infrared (IR) techniques. Natural dye extract obtained from the walnut was used in dyeing polyamide fabrics with different mordants. The dyed fabrics were evaluated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. As such, the relationship between antibacterial activity and dye concentration is investigated. Durability of antibacterial activity to laundering is also discussed. Results indicate that the polyamide dyed with walnut displayed excellent antibacterial activity in the presence of ferric sulfate, cupric sulfate, and potassium aluminum sulfate and exhibited good and durable fastness properties.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid‐Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Application for Removal of Arsenic from Groundwater
Authors: Bavio Marta A. , Lista Adriana G.
Published: October 2013

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized with different agents and a characterization study was carried out. Then, hybrid‐magnetic nanoparticles (HMNPs) were synthesized as iron oxide supported on the selected multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐Fe3O4) obtained from MWCNTs oxidized with HNO3. The HMNPs characterization revealed the presence of iron oxide as magnetite onto the MWCNTs surfaces. These HMNPs were used for arsenic removal from groundwater. The adsorption process variables were optimized (concentration of NPs, contact time, and pH), and these systems could remove 39.93 mg As/g adsorbent. Therefore, these nanoparticles appear as a good alternative for removing arsenic from water samples.
Geant4 Simulation Study of Deep Underground Muons: Vertical Intensity and Angular Distribution
Authors: Arslan Halil , Bektasoglu Mehmet
Published: October 2013

Underground muon intensities up to 10000 m.w.e. and angular distribution up to 6500 m.w.e. in standard rock have been investigated using Geant4 simulation package. Muons with energies above 100 GeV were distributed from the ground level taking into account the muon charge ratio of~1.3 at sea level. The simulated differential muon intensities are in good agreement with the intensities given in the literature. Furthermore, the simulation results for the integrated intensities are consistent with the experimental data, particularly at depths above 4000 m.w.e., where the simulation gives slightly smaller intensities than the experimental ones. In addition, the simulated exponentnat different underground depths agrees well with the experimental points, especially above~2000 m.w.e.
Preparation and Characterization of Multifunctional Chitin/Lignin Materials
Authors: Klapiszewski Łukasz , Wysokowski Marcin , Majchrzak Izabela , Szatkowski Tomasz , Nowacka Magdalena , Siwińska-Stefańska Katarzyna , Szwarc-Rzepka Karolina , Bartczak Przemysław , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: October 2013

Multifunctional chitin/lignin materials were synthesized. In order to combine mechanical milling of the biopolymers with simultaneous mixing, a centrifugal ball mill was utilized. The resulting materials, differing in terms of the proportions of precursors used, underwent detailed physicochemical and dispersive‐morphological analysis. On the basis of FT‐IR spectra and results of elemental analysis, the efficiency of the preparation of the materials was determined. The influence of the precursors on the thermal stability of the resulting systems was also evaluated. Zeta potential was determined as a function of pH to describe the electrokinetic stability of aqueous dispersions. This is important for evaluating the utility of the materials and indirectly confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method of synthesis of chitin/lignin products. Measurements were performed to determine basic colorimetric parameters, crucial in the production technology of multiple colored materials. It is expected that chitin/lignin materials will find a wide range of applications (biosorbents, polymer fillers, and electrochemical sensors), as they combine the unique properties of chitin with the specific structural features of lignin to provide a multifunctional material.
Bioaccumulation, Subacute Toxicity, and Tissue Distribution of Engineered Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Ates Mehmet , Demir Veysel , Adiguzel Ragip , Arslan Zikri
Published: October 2013

The increased use of nanosized materials is likely to result in the release of these particles into the environment. It is, however, unclear if these materials are harmful to aquatic animals. In this study, the sublethal effects of exposure of low and high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on goldfish (Carassius auratus) were investigated. Accumulation of TiO2 NPs increased from 42.71 to 110.68 ppb in the intestine and from 4.10 to 9.86 ppb in the gills of the goldfish with increasing exposure dose from 10 to 100 mg/L TiO2 NPs. No significant accumulation in the muscle and brain of the fish was detected. Malondialdehyde as a biomarker of lipid oxidation was detected in the liver of the goldfish. Moreover, TiO2 NPs exposure inhibited growth of the goldfish. Although there was an increase (8.1%) in the body weights of the goldfish for the control group, in the low and high exposure groups 1.8% increase and 19.7% decrease were measured, respectively. The results of this study contribute to the current understanding of the potential ecotoxicological effects of nanoparticles and highlight the importance of characterization of NPs in understanding their behavior, uptake, and effects in aquatic systems and in fish.
Vertical Cooperative Advertising with Substitute Brands
Authors: Chen You-Hua , Wen Xiao-Wei
Published: October 2013

Cooperative (co-op) advertising is attracting more and more attention. This paper analyzes co-op advertising behavior based on a dual-brand model with a single manufacturer and a single retailer, and some interesting conclusions are achieved. Firstly, the firm in the supply chain advertises both brands, and the difference of advertising expenditure is not very large in equilibrium. Secondly, the retailer's advertising and the manufacturer's participation ratios depend on both the retailer's and the manufacturer's marginal profits. Thirdly, the stimulating effect increases the advertising investment while the competition effect decreases it, but they have no effect on the manufacturer's participation ratio. Fourthly, co-op advertising is more sensitive to the manufacturer's marginal profits than those of the retailer. Lastly, total advertising investment and profit are greater under cooperative decision than under Stackelberg decision.
Functional and Molecular Characterization ofEx VivoCultured Epiretinal Membrane Cells from Human Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Veréb Zoltán , Lumi Xhevat , Andjelic Sofija , Globocnik-Petrovic Mojca , Urbancic Mojca , Hawlina Marko , Facskó Andrea , Petrovski Goran
Published: October 2013

Characterization of the cell surface marker phenotype ofex vivocultured cells growing out of human fibrovascular epiretinal membranes (fvERMs) from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) can give insight into their function in immunity, angiogenesis, and retinal detachment. FvERMs from uneventful vitrectomies due to PDR were cultured adherentlyex vivo. Surface marker analysis, release of immunity- and angiogenesis-pathway-related factors upon TNFαactivation and measurement of the intracellular calcium dynamics upon mechano-stimulation using fluorescent dye Fura-2 were all performed. FvERMs formed proliferating cell monolayers when culturedex vivo, which were negative for endothelial cell markers (CD31, VEGFR2), partially positive for hematopoietic- (CD34, CD47) and mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, CD90/Thy-1, and PDGFRβ), and negative for CD105. CD146/MCAM and CD166/ALCAM, previously unreported in cells from fvERMs, were also expressed. Secretion of 11 angiogenesis-related factors (DPPIV/CD26, EG-VEGF/PK1, ET-1, IGFBP-2 and 3, IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2, MMP-9, PTX3/TSG-14, Serpin E1/PAI-1, Serpin F1/PEDF, TIMP-1, and TSP-1) were detected upon TNFαactivation of fvERM cells. Mechano-stimulation of these cells induced intracellular calcium propagation representing functional viability and role of these cells in tractional retinal detachment, thus serving as a model for studying tractional forces present in fvERMs in PDRex vivo.
Possible Protective Effect of Sertraline against Cisplatin‐Induced Ototoxicity: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ozturk Murat , Ucar Selcuk , Sarı Fatih , Erdogan Selvet , Topdag Murat , Iseri Mete
Published: October 2013

Background/Objective. Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its ototoxicity side effect can occur in the majority of patients. Lots of agents were tried to prevent this, but there is not a routine treatment modality yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the otoprotective effect of sertraline, which is an antidepressant with neuroprotective effects, against cisplatin, in rats. Design. Experimental animal study. Material and Methods. Forty‐eight rats were randomly separated in two groups as groups I and II. Group I was identified as the control group and only a single dose of intraperitoneal cisplatin was administered. In group II, in addition to cisplatin, sertraline was administered to the rats through an oral cannula for ten‐day period. Distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were performed at the first day and the 10th day. Results. When the ototoxicity rates after cisplatin in group I and group II in distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were compared, it was statistically significantly lower in group II in frequencies of 5652, 6165, 6726, 7336, and 7996 Hz (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Sertraline seems to have a protective effect on cisplatin ototoxicity and could be used to prevent the ototoxicity and also to treat the depression that occurred in cancer patients together.
TheMTHFR677T Allele May Influence the Severity and Biochemical Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease in an Egyptian Population
Authors: Elhawary Nasser Attia , Hewedi Doaa , Arab Arwa , Teama Salwa , Shaibah Hassan , Tayeb Mohammed Taher , Bogari Neda
Published: October 2013

Objective. We evaluated whether the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T marker influences the risk and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and whether AD is associated with homocysteine, vitamin B12, and cholesterol levels in Egypt.Methods. Forty-three Alzheimer's cases and 32 non-AD controls were genotyped for the 677C>T polymorphism. Clinical characteristics and levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and cholesterol were assessed.Results. No significant differences in the frequencies of theMTHFRalleles or genotypes between AD cases and controls (P=0.14) were identified. The 677T mutant allele was significantly overrepresented in AD cases compared to controls (OR=2.22;P=0.03). The 677T/T frequency was three times higher in AD patients than in controls, which could increase plasma homocysteine levels. Severe cases of AD were the most frequent in patients with the T/T genotype (11.6%). The effect of theMTHFRpolymorphism on the risk of AD may be independent of homocysteine, vitamin B12, or even cholesterol levels.Conclusions. TheMTHFR677C>T polymorphism—especially the presence of one copy of the T allele—appears to confer a potential risk for the development of AD. The T/T genotype may contribute to hypercysteinemia as a sensitive marker.
Effect of Samarium Substitution on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline Cobalt Ferrite
Authors: Xavier Sheena , Thankachan Smitha , Jacob Binu P. , Mohammed E. M.
Published: October 2013

A series of samarium-substituted cobalt ferrites (CoFe2−xSmxO4 with x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The structural characterizations of all the prepared samples were done using XRD and FTIR. These studies confirmed the formation of single-phase spinel structure in all the compositions. The increase in the value of lattice parameter with increase in samarium concentration suggests the expansion of unit cell. The Hall-Williamson analysis is used for estimating the average crystallite size and lattice strain induced due to the substitution of samarium in the prepared samples. Crystallinity and the crystallite size are observed to increase with the concentration of samarium. The surface morphology and particle size of a typical sample were determined using SEM and TEM respectively. The substitution of samarium strongly influences the magnetic characteristics, and this is confirmed from the magnetization measurements at room temperature.
Effect of Dietary Combination of Methionine and Fish Oil on Cellular Immunity and Plasma Fatty Acids in Infectious Bursal Disease Challenged Chickens
Authors: Maroufyan Elham , Kasim Azhar , Yong Meng Goh , Ebrahimi Mahdi , Teck Chwen Loh , Mehrbod Parvaneh , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Soleimani Farjam Abdoreza
Published: October 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the modulatory effects of dietary methionine and fish oil on immune response, plasma fatty acid profile, and blood parameters of infectious bursal disease (IBD) challenged broiler chickens. A total of 300 one‐day‐old male broiler chicks were assigned to one of six dietary treatment groups in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were three levels of fish oil (0, 2.5 and 5.5%), and two levels of methionine (NRC recommendation and twice NRC recommendation). The results showed that the birds fed with 5.5% fish oil had higher total protein, white blood cell count, and IL‐2 concentration than those of other groups at 7 days after IBD challenge. Inclusion of fish oil in diet had no effect on IFN‐γ concentration. However, supplementation of methionine twice the recommendation enhanced the serum IFN‐γ and globulin concentration. Neither of fish oil nor methionine supplementation affected the liver enzymes concentration. It can be suggested that a balance of moderate level of fish oil (2.5%) and methionine level (twice NRC recommendation) might enhance immune response in IBD challenged broiler chickens.
Energy‐Saving Analysis of Hydraulic Hybrid Excavator Based on Common Pressure Rail
Authors: Shen Wei , Jiang Jihai , Su Xiaoyu , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: October 2013

Energy‐saving research of excavators is becoming one hot topic due to the increasing energy crisis and environmental deterioration recently. Hydraulic hybrid excavator based on common pressure rail (HHEC) provides an alternative with electric hybrid excavator because it has high power density and environment friendly and easy to modify based on the existing manufacture process. This paper is focused on the fuel consumption of HHEC and the actuator dynamic response to assure that the new system can save energy without sacrificing performance. Firstly, we introduce the basic principle of HHEC; then, the sizing process is presented; furthermore, the modeling period which combined mathematical analysis and experiment identification is listed. Finally, simulation results show that HHEC has a fast dynamic response which can be accepted in engineering and the fuel consumption can be reduced 21% to compare the original LS excavator and even 32% after adopting another smaller engine.
Suppression of Repeat-Intensive False Targets Based on Temporal Pulse Diversity
Authors: Lu Gang , Chen Yongqiang , Lei Yu , Gui Guan
Published: October 2013

This paper considers the problem of suppressing the repeat-intensive false targets produced by a deception electronic attack (EA) system equipped with a Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) device. Different from a conventional repeat jammer, this type of jamming intensively retransmits the intercepted signal stored in a DRFM to the victim radar in a very short time-delay interval relative to a radar pulse wide. A multipeak matched-filtering output is then produced other than the merely expected true target. An electronic protection (EP) algorithm based on the space time block code (STBC) is proposed to suppress the adverse effects of this jammer. By transmitting a pulse sequence generated from the STBC in succession and the following cancellation process applied upon the received signal, this algorithm performs successfully in a single antenna system provided that the target models are nonfluctuating or slow fluctuating and the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) is comparatively high. The performance in white and correlated Gaussian disturbance is evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations.
Carbon Nanotubes: Applications in Pharmacy and Medicine
Authors: He Hua , Pham-Huy Lien Ai , Dramou Pierre , Xiao Deli , Zuo Pengli , Pham-Huy Chuong
Published: October 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon, made of graphite and constructed in cylindrical tubes with nanometer in diameter and several millimeters in length. Their impressive structural, mechanical, and electronic properties are due to their small size and mass, their strong mechanical potency, and their high electrical and thermal conductivity. CNTs have been successfully applied in pharmacy and medicine due to their high surface area that is capable of adsorbing or conjugating with a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic agents (drugs, genes, vaccines, antibodies, biosensors, etc.). They have been first proven to be an excellent vehicle for drug delivery directly into cells without metabolism by the body. Then other applications of CNTs have been extensively performed not only for drug and gene therapies but also for tissue regeneration, biosensor diagnosis, enantiomer separation of chiral drugs, extraction and analysis of drugs and pollutants. Moreover, CNTs have been recently revealed as a promising antioxidant. This minireview focuses the applications of CNTs in all fields of pharmacy and medicine from therapeutics to analysis and diagnosis as cited above. It also examines the pharmacokinetics, metabolism and toxicity of different forms of CNTs and discusses the perspectives, the advantages and the obstacles of this promising bionanotechnology in the future.
A New Integro-Differential Equation for Rossby Solitary Waves with Topography Effect in Deep Rotational Fluids
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Zhao Qingfeng , Yin Baoshu , Dong Huanhe
Published: October 2013

From rotational potential vorticity-conserved equation with topography effect and dissipation effect, with the help of the multiple-scale method, a new integro-differential equation is constructed to describe the Rossby solitary waves in deep rotational fluids. By analyzing the equation, some conservation laws associated with Rossby solitary waves are derived. Finally, by seeking the numerical solutions of the equation with the pseudospectral method, by virtue of waterfall plots, the effect of detuning parameter and dissipation on Rossby solitary waves generated by topography are discussed, and the equation is compared with KdV equation and BO equation. The results show that the detuning parameterαplays an important role for the evolution features of solitary waves generated by topography, especially in the resonant case; a large amplitude nonstationary disturbance is generated in the forcing region. This condition may explain the blocking phenomenon which exists in the atmosphere and ocean and generated by topographic forcing.
Detection of MUC1‐Expressing Ovarian Cancer by C595 Monoclonal Antibody‐Conjugated SPIONs Using MR Imaging
Authors: Shahbazi-Gahrouei Daryoush , Abdolahi Mohammad
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to find out the development and application of MUC1‐expressing ovarian cancer (OVCAR3) by C595 monoclonal antibody‐conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) using MR imaging. At the end, its use as a nanosized contrast agent MR imaging probe for ovarian cancer detection was investigated. The strategy is to use SPIONs attached to C595 mAb that binds to the MUC1, to specifically detect ovarian cancer cells. Anticancer effects and MR imaging parameters of the prepared nanoconjugate was investigated both under in vitro and in vivo experiments. The characterization of nanoconjugate includes its size, cell toxicity, flow cytometry, Prussian blue staining test and its cellular uptake as well as its biodistribution, and MR imaging was also investigated. The findings of the study showed good tumor accumulation and detection, no in vivo toxicity, and potential selective antiovarian cancer activity. Overall, based on the findings SPIONs‐C595 nanosized probe is a selective ovarian molecular imaging modality. Further subsequent clinical trials appear warranted.
Indirect Comparison Showed Survival Benefit from Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Completely Resected Gastric Cancer with D2 Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Yang Qiong , Wei Ying , Chen Yan-Xian , Zhou Si-Wei , Jiang Zhi-Min , Xie De-Rong
Published: October 2013

Background. Little data on directly comparing chemoradiotherapy with observation has yet been published in the setting of adjuvant therapy for resected gastric cancer who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy. The present indirect comparison aims to provide more evidence on comparing the two approaches.Methods. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, extracted time-to-event data using Tierney methods (when not reported), and performed indirect comparison to obtain the relative hazards of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy to observation on overall and disease-free survival.Results. seven randomized controlled trials were identified. Three trials compared adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy, and 4 trials compared adjuvant chemotherapy with observation. Using indirect comparison, the relative hazards of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy to observation were 0.43 (95% CI: 0.33–0.55) in disease-free survival and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.38–0.71) in overall survival for completely resected gastric cancer with D2 lymphadenectomy.Conclusions. Postoperative chemoradiotherapy can prolong survival and decrease recurrence in patients with resected gastric cancer who underwent D2 gastrectomy. Molecular biomarker might be a promising direction in the prediction of clinical outcome to postoperative chemoradiotherapy, which warranted further study.
Probabilistic Multiagent Reasoning over Annotated Amalgamated F-Logic Ontologies
Authors: Schatten Markus
Published: October 2013

In a multiagent system (MAS), agents can have different opinions about a given problem. In order to solve the problem collectively they have to reach consensus about the ontology of the problem. A solution to probabilistic reasoning in such an environment by using a social network of trust is given. It is shown that frame logic can be annotated and amalgamated by using this approach which gives a foundation for collective ontology development in MAS. Consider the following problem: a set of agents in a multiagent system (MAS) model a certain domain in order to collectively solve a problem. Their opinions about the domain differ in various ways. The agents are connected into a social network defined by trust relations. The problem to be solved is how to obtain consensus about the domain.
Development for High‐Accuracy In Vitro Assay of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Using Nanomagnetically Labeled Immunoassay
Authors: Yang C. C. , Huang K. W. , Yang S. Y. , Chen H. H. , Chen T. C. , Ho C. S. , Chang S. F. , Chieh J. J. , Horng H. E. , Hong C. Y. , Yang H. C.
Published: October 2013

Nanomagnetically labeled immunoassays have been demonstrated to be promisingly applied in clinical diagnosis. In this work, by using antibody‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and a high‐temperature superconducting quantum interference device ac magnetosusceptometer, the assay properties for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum are investigated. By utilizing the assay method so‐called immunomagnetic reduction, the properties of assaying VEGF are explored. In addition, the VEGF concentrations in serum samples of normal people and patients with either colorectal or hepatocellular cancer are detected. The experimental results show that the low‐detection limit for assaying VEGF is 10 pg/mL, which is much lower than the clinical cut‐off VEGF concentration of 50 pg/mL for diagnosing malignancy. Besides, there are no significant interference effects on assaying VEGF from hemoglobin, conjugated bilirubin, and triglyceride. The VEGF concentrations in serum samples donated by normal people and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal cancer are detected. A clear difference in VEGF concentrations between these two groups is found. These results reveal the feasibility of applying nanomagnetically labeled immunoassay to clinics.
3-Dimensional Physiologic Postural Range of the Mandible: A Computerized-Assisted Technique—A Case Study
Authors: Shewman Todd
Published: October 2013

Previous studies demonstrated that while the mandible assumes its resting position in space, antagonistic muscles should assume minimal muscle activity within a spatial range. This zone of mandibular rest has been mapped using physiologic parameters of muscle activity and incisal spatial kinematics. This case study expands on previous research by monitoring incisal and posterior jaw position and includes lateral pterygoid muscle activity, thus allowing for determining the spatial range including additional relevant coordinates and muscle activity. Four positions were evaluated: a maximum physiologic open position, a maximum physiologic closed position, physiologic rest position, and maximum physiologic protrusion position. Within the physiologic zone of rest formed by these 4 positions, the vertical and anterior borders of the envelope of function may be documented for the incisal and posterior mandible in true 3-dimensional fashion to assist the clinician in determining a physiologic interocclusal freeway space and vertical dimension of occlusion. Advantages and limitations are discussed.
Numerical Simulation on Open Wellbore Shrinkage and Casing Equivalent Stress in Bedded Salt Rock Stratum
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Zhang Linzhi , Zhao Jinzhou
Published: October 2013

Most salt rock has interbed of mudstone in China. Owing to the enormous difference of mechanical properties between the mudstone interbed and salt rock, the stress‐strain and creep behaviors of salt rock are significantly influenced by neighboring mudstone interbed. In order to identify the rules of wellbore shrinkage and casings equivalent stress in bedded salt rock stratum, three‐dimensional finite difference models were established. The effects of thickness and elasticity modulus of mudstone interbed on the open wellbore shrinkage and equivalent stress of casing after cementing operation were studied, respectively. The results indicate that the shrinkage of open wellbore and equivalent stress of casings decreases with the increase of mudstone interbed thickness. The increasing of elasticity modulus will reduce the shrinkage of open wellbore and casing equivalent stress. Research results can provide the scientific basis for the design of mud density and casing strength.
Growth Limiting pH, Water Activity, and Temperature for Neurotoxigenic Strains of Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Ghoddusi Hamid B. , Sherburn Richard E. , Aboaba Olusimbo O.
Published: October 2013

Some rare strains of Clostridium butyricum carry the gene encoding the botulinal type E neurotoxin and must be considered as possible hazards in certain types of food. The limiting growth conditions for C. butyricum were determined in peptone yeast glucose starch (PYGS) broth incubated anaerobically at 30°C for up to 42 days. The minimum pH values permitting growth depended on the acidulant and strain. Organic acids were more effective at inhibiting growth than HCl as expected. The lowest pH values at which growth of toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of C. butyricum was observed in broth acidified with HCl were 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. In organic acids, however, the minimum pH varied between 4.4 and 5.1 depending on acid type and concentration. The minimum water activity for growth of toxigenic strains of C. butyricum was 0.96. The minimum growth temperatures of the toxigenic strains of C. butyricum (ca 10-11°C) were somewhat higher than for non-toxigenic ones (8°C). It was concluded that control of toxigenic C. butyricum in the food industry needs to allow for the greater pH tolerance of this species compared with proteolytic C. botulinum.
A Statistical Method for Synthesizing Meta-Analyses
Authors: Tang Liansheng Larry , Caudy Michael , Taxman Faye
Published: October 2013

Multiple meta-analyses may use similar search criteria and focus on the same topic of interest, but they may yield different or sometimes discordant results. The lack of statistical methods for synthesizing these findings makes it challenging to properly interpret the results from multiple meta-analyses, especially when their results are conflicting. In this paper, we first introduce a method to synthesize the meta-analytic results when multiple meta-analyses use the same type of summary effect estimates. When meta-analyses use different types of effect sizes, the meta-analysis results cannot be directly combined. We propose a two-step frequentist procedure to first convert the effect size estimates to the same metric and then summarize them with a weighted mean estimate. Our proposed method offers several advantages over existing methods by Hemming et al. (2012). First, different types of summary effect sizes are considered. Second, our method provides the same overall effect size as conducting a meta-analysis on all individual studies from multiple meta-analyses. We illustrate the application of the proposed methods in two examples and discuss their implications for the field of meta-analysis.
Two Temperature Magneto-Thermoelasticity with Initial Stress: State Space Formulation
Authors: Deswal Sunita , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: October 2013

Magneto-thermoelastic interactions in an initially stressed isotropic homogeneous elastic half-space with two temperatures are studied using mathematical methods under the purview of the L-S model of linear theory of generalized thermoelasticity. The formalism deals with the state space approach with the purpose of counteracting the difficulties of handling the displacement potential functions. Of specific concern here is the propagation of waves owing to ramp type increase in temperature and load. The medium is considered to be permeated by a uniform magnetic field. The expressions for different field parameters such as displacement, temperature, strain, and stress in the physical domain are obtained by applying a numerical inversion technique. Results of some earlier workers have been deduced from the present formulation. Numerical work is also performed for a suitable material with the aim of illustrating the results.
Gene Expression Profiling ofClostridium botulinumunder Heat Shock Stress
Authors: Liang Wan-dong , Bi Yun-tian , Wang Hao-yan , Dong Sheng , Li Ke-shen , Li Jin-song
Published: October 2013

During growth,C. botulinumis always exposed to different environmental changes, such as temperature increase, nutrient deprivation, and pH change; however, its corresponding global transcriptional profile is uncharacterized. This study is the first description of the genome-wide gene expression profile ofC. botulinumin response to heat shock stress. Under heat stress (temperature shift from 37°C to 45°C over a period of 15 min), 176C. botulinumATCC 3502 genes were differentially expressed. The response included overexpression of heat shock protein genes (dnaKoperon,groESL,hsp20,andhtpG) and downregulation of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes (valS,queA,tyrR, andgatAB) and ribosomal and cell division protein genes (ftsZandftsH). In parallel, several transcriptional regulators (marR,merR, andompRfamilies) were induced, suggesting their involvement in reshuffling of the gene expression profile. In addition, many ABC transporters (oligopeptide transport system), energy production and conversion related genes (glpAandhupL), cell wall and membrane biogenesis related genes (fabZ,fabF, andfabG), flagella-associated genes (flhA,flhM,flhJ,flhS, andmotAB), and hypothetical genes also showed changed expression patterns, indicating that they may play important roles in survival under high temperatures.
The Cement Prosthesis‐Like Spacer: An Intermediate Halt on the Road to Healing
Authors: Ahmad Sufian S. , Huber Kim , Evangelopoulos Dimitrios S. , Kleer Barbara , Kohlhof Hendrik , Schär Michael , Eggli Stefan , Kohl Sandro
Published: October 2013

Background. Periprosthetic infections remain a devastating problem in
the field of joint arthroplasty. In the following study, the results of a two‐stage treatment
protocol for chronic periprosthetic infections using an intraoperatively molded cement
prosthesis‐like spacer (CPLS) are presented. Methods. Seventy‐five patients
with chronically infected knee prosthesis received a two‐stage revision procedure with the newly
developed CPLS between June 2006 and June 2011. Based on the microorganism involved,
patients were grouped into either easy to treat (ETT) or difficult to treat (DTT) and treated accordingly.
Range of motion (ROM) and the knee society score (KSS) were utilized for functional
assessment. Results. Mean duration of the CPLS implant in the DTT
group was 3.6 months (range 3–5 months) and in the ETT group 1.3 months
(range 0.7–2.5 months). Reinfection rates of the final prosthesis were
9.6% in the ETT and 8.3% in the DTT group with no significant difference between both groups regarding ROM or KSS (P = 0.87, 0.64, resp.). Conclusion. The
results show that ETT patients do not necessitate the same treatment protocol as
DTT patients to achieve the same goal, emphasizing the need to differentiate between
therapeutic regimes. We also highlight the feasibility of CLPS in two‐stage protocols.
Altered Sympathetic-to-Immune Cell Signaling viaβ2-Adrenergic Receptors in Adjuvant Arthritis
Authors: Lorton Dianne , Bellinger Denise L. , Schaller Jill A. , Shewmaker Eric , Osredkar Tracy , Lubahn Cheri
Published: October 2013

Adjuvant-induced arthritic (AA) differentially affects norepinephrine concentrations in immune organs, andin vivoβ-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonist treatment distinctly regulatesex vivocytokine profiles in different immune organs. We examined the contribution of alteredβ-AR functioning in AA to understand these disparate findings. Twenty-one or 28 days after disease induction, we examinedβ2-AR expression in spleen and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) for the arthritic limbs using radioligand binding and western blots and splenocyteβ-AR-stimulated cAMP production using enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA). During severe disease,β-AR agonists failed to induce splenocyte cAMP production, andβ-AR affinity and density declined, indicating receptor desensitization and downregulation. Splenocyteβ2-AR phosphorylation (pβ2-AR) by protein kinase A (pβ2-ARPKA) decreased in severe disease, and pβ2-AR by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (pβ2-ARGRK) increased in chronic disease. Conversely, in DLN cells, pβ2-ARPKArose during severe disease, but fell during chronic disease, and pβ2-ARGRKincreased during both disease stages. A similar pβ2-AR pattern in DLN cells with the mycobacterial cell wall component of complete Freund’s adjuvant suggests that pattern recognition receptors (i.e., toll-like receptors) are important for DLN pβ2-AR patterns. Collectively, our findings indicate lymphoid organ- and disease stage-specific sympathetic dysregulation, possibly explaining immune compartment-specific differences inβ2-AR-mediated regulation of cytokine production in AA and rheumatoid arthritis.
Periorbital Ecchymosis and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage following Ear Surgery
Authors: Rajati Mohsen , Bakhshaee Mehdi , Khazaeni Kamran
Published: October 2013

Objective. To evaluate the occurrence of two periorbital complications of surgery for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and discuss the potential pathophysiologic mechanisms.Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective review of the CSOM surgeries performed between Oct, 2005, and Jan, 2011, in our hospital. The early postoperative conditions of the patients were scrutinized to identify periorbital ecchymosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage.Results. Eight cases out of 756 patients were noted to have periorbital ecchymosis, and two of the patients also had simultaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage. All cases in which the complications occurred had undergone tympanoplasty, and in three patients mastoidectomy had also been performed. The age of the affected patients ranged from 24 to 70 years old. In all of them the condition ensued the day after the surgery and became better within 5 to 10 days. Complete recovery took approximately 1 month.Conclusion. Periorbital ecchymosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage are rare but safe complications of ear surgeries. The conditions are self-limiting and no management is necessary.
rHuEPO Hyporesponsiveness and Related High Dosages Are Associated with Hyperviscosity in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Erkmen Uyar Mehtap , Toprak Selami Kocak , Saglam Hatice , Tutal Emre , Bay Meltem , Ilhan Osman , Bal Zeynep , Sezer Siren
Published: October 2013

Objective. Increased viscosity may increase the risk of thrombosis or thromboembolic events. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is the key stone treatment in anemic ESRD patients with the thrombotic limiting side effect. We evaluated the influence of clinical and laboratory findings on plasma viscosity in MHD patients in the present study. Method. After applying exclusion criteria 84 eligible MHD patients were included (30 female, age: 54.7 ± 13.7 years). Results. Patients with high viscosity had longer MHD history, calcium × phosphorus product, and higher rHuEPO requirement (356.4 versus 204.2 U/kg/week, P: 0.006). rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness was also more common in hyperviscosity group. According to HD duration, no rHuEPO group had the longest and the low rHuEPO dosage group had the shortest duration. Despite similar Hb levels, 68% of patients in high rHuEPO dosage group; and 38.7% of patients in low rHuEPO dosage group had higher plasma viscosity (P: 0.001). Patients with hyperviscosity had higher rHuEPO/Hb levels (P: 0.021). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness was the major determinant of hyperviscosity. Conclusion. We suggest that the hyperviscous state of the hemodialysis patients may arise from the inflammatory situation of long term HD, the calcium‐phosphorus mineral abnormalities, rHuEPO hyporesponsiveness, and related high dosage requirements.