bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Application of Retinyl Palmitate-Loaded Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Skin Aging
Authors: Oliveira Marcela B. , Prado Alice Haddad do , Bernegossi Jéssica , Sato Claudia S. , Lourenço Brunetti Iguatemy , Scarpa Maria Virgínia , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci , Friberg Stig E. , Chorilli Marlus
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to perform a structural characterization and evaluate thein vitrosafety profile andin vitroantioxidant activity of liquid crystalline systems (LCS) with and without retinyl palmitate (RP). LCS containing polyether functional siloxane (PFS) as a surfactant, silicon glycol copolymer (SGC) as oil phase, and water in the ratios 30 : 25 : 45 and 40 : 50 : 10 with (OLSv= RP-loaded opaque liquid system andTLSv= RP-loaded transparent liquid system, respectively) and without (OLS and TLS, respectively) RP were studied. Samples were characterized using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and rheology analysis.In vitrosafety profile was evaluated using red cell hemolysis andin vitrocytotoxicity assays.In vitroantioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH method. PLM analysis showed the presence of lamellar LCS just to TLS. Regardless of the presence of RP, the rheological studies showed the pseudoplastic behavior of the formulations. The results showed that the incorporation of RP in LCS improved the safety profile of the drug.In vitroantioxidant activity suggests that LCS presented a higher capacity to maintain the antioxidant activity of RP. PFS-based systems may be a promising platform for RP topical application for the treatment of skin aging.
Thermal-Aware Multiconstrained Intrabody QoS Routing for Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Monowar Muhammad Mostafa , Mehedi Hassan Mohammad , Bajaber Fuad , Hamid Md. Abdul , Alamri Atif
Published: March 2014

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) can be formed including implanted biosensors for health monitoring and diagnostic purposes. However, implanted biosensors could cause thermal damages on human tissue as it exhibits temperature rise due to wireless communication and processing tasks inside the human body. Again, Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning with multiconstraints (delay and reliability) is a striking requirement for diverse application types in WBANs to meet their objectives. This paper proposes TMQoS, a thermal-aware multiconstrained intrabody QoS routing protocol for WBANs, with the aim of ensuring the desired multiconstrained QoS demands of diverse applications along with keeping the temperature of the nodes to an acceptable level preventing thermal damages. We develop a cross-layer proactive routing framework that constructs an ongoing routing table which includes multiple shortest-path routes to address diverse QoS requirements. To avoid the packets to traverse through heated areas known as hotspot, we devise a hotspot avoidance mechanism. The route selection algorithm of TMQoS selects forwarder(s) based on the intended QoS demands of diverse traffic classes. The performance of TMQoS has been evaluated through simulation which demonstrates that the protocol achieves desired QoS demands while maintaining low temperature in the network compared to the state-of-the-art thermal-aware approaches.
Improved Liu-Type Estimator of Parameters in
Two Seemingly Unrelated Regressions
Authors: Wu Jibo
Published: March 2014

We consider the parameter estimation in two seemingly unrelated regression systems. To overcome the multicollinearity, we propose a Liu-type estimator in seemingly unrelated regression systems. The superiority of the new estimator over the classic estimator in the mean square error is discussed and we also discuss the admissibility of the Liu-type estimator.
Sit-to-Stand in People with Stroke: Effect of Lower Limb Constraint-Induced Movement Strategies
Authors: Gray Charla Krystine , Culham Elsie
Published: March 2014

Background. Weight-bearing asymmetry and impaired balance may contribute to the increased fall risk in people with stroke when rising to stand from sitting.Objective. This study investigated the effect of constraint-induced movement (CIM) strategies on weight-bearing symmetry and balance during sit-to-stand in people with stroke.Methods. A nonrandom convenience sample of fifteen people with stroke performed the sit-to-stand task using three CIM strategies including a solid or compliant (foam) block strategy, with the unaffected limb placed on the block, and an asymmetrical foot position strategy, with the unaffected limb placed ahead of the affected limb. Duration of the task, affected limb weight-bearing, and centre of pressure and centre of mass displacement were measured in the frontal and sagittal plane.Results. Affected limb weight-bearing was increased and frontal plane centre of pressure and centre of mass moved toward the affected limb compared to baseline with all CIM strategies. Centre of mass displacement in the sagittal plane was greater with the compliant block and asymmetrical foot strategies.Conclusions. The CIM strategies demonstrated greater loading of the affected limb and movement of the centre of pressure and centre of mass toward the affected limb. The compliant block and asymmetrical foot conditions may challenge sagittal plane balance during sit-to-stand in people with stroke.
Appearance of a Minimal Length ine+e-Annihilation
Authors: Dymnikova Irina , Sakharov Alexander , Ulbricht Jürgen
Published: March 2014

Experimental data reveal with a 5σsignificance the existence of a characteristic minimal lengthle=1.57×10-17 cm at the scaleE=1.253TeV in the annihilation reactione+e-→γγ(γ). Nonlinear electrodynamics coupled to gravity and satisfying the weak energy condition predicts, for an arbitrary gauge invariant Lagrangian, the existence of spinning charged electromagnetic soliton asymptotically Kerr-Newman for a distant observer with the gyromagnetic ratiog=2. Its internal structure includes a rotating equatorial disk of de Sitter vacuum which has properties of a perfect conductor and ideal diamagnetic, displays superconducting behavior, supplies a particle with the finite positive electromagnetic mass related to breaking of space-time symmetry, and gives some idea about the physical origin of a minimal length in annihilation.
Some Refinements and Generalizations of I. Schur Type Inequalities
Authors: Gu Xian-Ming , Huang Ting-Zhu , Xu Wei-Ru , Li Hou-Biao , Li Liang , Zhao Xi-Le
Published: March 2014

Recently, extensive researches on estimating the value ofehave been studied. In this paper, the structural characteristics of I. Schur type inequalities are exploited to generalize the corresponding inequalities by variable parameter techniques. Some novel upper and lower bounds for the I. Schur inequality have also been obtained and the upper bounds may be obtained with the help ofMapleand automated proving package (Bottema). Numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the reliability of the approximation of these new upper and lower bounds, which improve some known results in the recent literature.
Computer Simulation of the Mass and Energy Balance during Gasification of Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Anukam Anthony , Mamphweli Sampson , Meyer Edson , Okoh Omobola
Published: March 2014

This paper investigated the mass and energy balance of the gasification of sugarcane bagasse using computer simulation. The key parameters and gasifier operating conditions were investigated in order to establish their impact on gas volume and conversion efficiency of the gasification process. The heating value of sugarcane bagasse was measured and found to be 17.8 MJ/kg which was used during calculation of the conversion efficiency of the gasification process. Fuel properties and gasifier design parameters were found to have an impact on conversion efficiency of the gasification process of sugarcane bagasse. The moisture content of sugarcane bagasse was varied by 1.14%, 15%, and 25%, respectively. Optimum conversion efficiency was achieved at low moisture content (1.14%) after computer simulation of the gasification process. The volume of carbon monoxide increased at low moisture content. It was also found that maximum conversion efficiency was achieved at reduced particle diameter (6 cm) and at reduced throat diameter (10 cm) and throat angle (25°), respectively, after these parameters were varied. Temperature of input air was also found to have an impact on the conversion efficiency of the gasification process as conversion efficiency increased slightly with increasing temperature of input air.
Current and Future Lymphatic Imaging Modalities for Tumor Staging
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Gao Kuo , Liu Tiegang , Tariq Imran , Sajjad Ashif , Akram Muhammad Rouf , Niu Meiying , Liu Guokai , Mehmood Zahid , Tian Guihua
Published: March 2014

Tumor progression is supported by the lymphatic system which should be scanned efficiently for tumor staging as well as the enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Poor resolution and low sensitivity is a limitation of traditional lymphatic imaging modalities; thus new noninvasive approaches like nanocarriers, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, and quantum dots are advantageous. Some newer modalities, which are under development, and their potential uses will also be discussed in this review.
Efficient Parallel Video Processing Techniques on GPU: From Framework to Implementation
Authors: Su Huayou , Wen Mei , Wu Nan , Ren Ju , Zhang Chunyuan
Published: March 2014

Through reorganizing the execution order and optimizing the data structure, we proposed an efficient parallel framework for H.264/AVC encoder based on massively parallel architecture. We implemented the proposed framework by CUDA on NVIDIA’s GPU. Not only the compute intensive components of the H.264 encoder are parallelized but also the control intensive components are realized effectively, such as CAVLC and deblocking filter. In addition, we proposed serial optimization methods, including the multiresolution multiwindow for motion estimation, multilevel parallel strategy to enhance the parallelism of intracoding as much as possible, component-based parallel CAVLC, and direction-priority deblocking filter. More than 96% of workload of H.264 encoder is offloaded to GPU. Experimental results show that the parallel implementation outperforms the serial program by 20 times of speedup ratio and satisfies the requirement of the real-time HD encoding of 30 fps. The loss of PSNR is from 0.14 dB to 0.77 dB, when keeping the same bitrate. Through the analysis to the kernels, we found that speedup ratios of the compute intensive algorithms are proportional with the computation power of the GPU. However, the performance of the control intensive parts (CAVLC) is much related to the memory bandwidth, which gives an insight for new architecture design.
Pricing Decisions of Two Complementary Products in a Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Jing , Wei Jie
Published: March 2014

Pricing decisions of two complementary products in a fuzzy environment are considered in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the changes of the optimal retail pricing of two complementary products under two different decentralized decision scenarios (e.g., Nash game case and Stackelberg game case). As a reference model, the centralized pricing model is also established. The closed‐form optimal pricing decisions of the two complementary products are obtained in the above three decision scenarios. Some interesting management insights into how pricing decisions vary with decision scenarios are given.
An Approximation Solution to Refinery Crude Oil Scheduling Problem with Demand Uncertainty Using Joint Constrained Programming
Authors: Duan Qianqian , Yang Genke , Xu Guanglin , Pan Changchun
Published: March 2014

This paper is devoted to develop an approximation method for scheduling refinery crude oil operations by taking into consideration the demand uncertainty. In the stochastic model the demand uncertainty is modeled as random variables which follow a joint multivariate distribution with a specific correlation structure. Compared to deterministic models in existing works, the stochastic model can be more practical for optimizing crude oil operations. Using joint chance constraints, the demand uncertainty is treated by specifying proximity level on the satisfaction of product demands. However, the joint chance constraints usually hold strong nonlinearity and consequently, it is still hard to handle it directly. In this paper, an approximation method combines a relax-and-tight technique to approximately transform the joint chance constraints to a serial of parameterized linear constraints so that the complicated problem can be attacked iteratively. The basic idea behind this approach is to approximate, as much as possible, nonlinear constraints by a lot of easily handled linear constraints which will lead to a well balance between the problem complexity and tractability. Case studies are conducted to demonstrate the proposed methods. Results show that the operation cost can be reduced effectively compared with the case without considering the demand correlation.
Dosimetric Studies of Mixed Energy Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatments
Authors: Abdul Haneefa K. , Shakir K. K. , Siddhartha A. , Cyriac T. Siji , Musthafa M. M. , Ganapthi Raman R.
Published: March 2014

Dosimetric studies of mixed field photon beam intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer using pencil beam (PB) and collapsed cone convolution (CCC) algorithms using Oncentra MasterPlan treatment planning system (v. 4.3) are investigated in this study. Three different plans were generated using 6 MV, 15 MV, and mixed beam (both 6 and 15 MV). Fifteen patients with two sets of plans were generated: one by using PB and the other by using CCC for the same planning parameters and constraints except the beam energy. For each patient’s plan of high energy photons, one set of photoneutron measurements using solid state neutron track detector (SSNTD) was taken for this study. Mean percentage of V66 Gy in the rectum is 18.55±2.8, 14.58±2.1, and 16.77±4.7 for 6 MV, 15 MV, and mixed-energy plans, respectively. Mean percentage of V66 Gy in bladder is 16.54±2.1, 17.42±2.1, and 16.94±41.9 for 6 MV, 15 MV, and mixed-energy plans, respectively. Mixed fields neutron contribution at the beam entrance surface is 45.62% less than at 15 MV photon beam. Our result shows that, with negligible neutron contributions, mixed field IMRT has considerable dosimetric advantage.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Biological Activities of Zn(II) Porphyrin with Oxygen Donors
Authors: Bajju Gauri Devi , Kundan Sujata , Bhagat Madhulika , Gupta Deepmala , Kapahi Ashu , Devi Geeta
Published: March 2014

Results of investigation of the physicochemical properties of zinc complexes containing substituted phenols as axial ligand having general formula [X-Zn-t(p-CH3) PP] [where X = different phenolates as axial ligand] in impurity-free organic solvent are presented. The four-coordinated zinc porphyrin accepts one axial ligand in 1 : 1 molar ratio to form five-coordinated complex, which is purified by column chromatography and characterized by physicochemical, biological evaluation and TGA/DTA studies. Absorption spectra show two principal effects: a red shift for phenols bearing substituted electron releasing groups (−CH3, −NH2) and blue shift for phenols bearing electron withdrawing groups (−NO2, −Cl) relative to Zn-t(p-CH3) PP, respectively.1H NMR spectra show that the protons of the phenol ring axially attached to the central metal ion are merged with the protons of the porphyrin ring. Fluorescence spectra show two fluorescence peaks in the red region with emission ranging from 550 nm to 700 nm. IR spectra confirm the appearance of Zn-NPorand Zn-O vibrational frequencies, respectively. According to the thermal studies, the complexes have a higher thermal stability and the decomposition temperature of these complexes depends on the axial ligation. The respective complexes of X-ZnII-t(p-CH3) PP were found to possess higher antifungal activity (up to 90%) and higherin vitrocytotoxicity against human cancer cells lines.
A Proteomic View to Characterize the Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticle to Hepatic Cells: Is Chitosan Nanoparticle an Enhancer of PI3K/AKT1/mTOR Pathway?
Authors: Yang Ming-Hui , Yuan Shyng-Shiou , Huang Ying-Fong , Lin Po-Chiao , Lu Chi-Yu , Chung Tze-Wen , Tyan Yu-Chang
Published: March 2014

Chitosan nanoparticle, a biocompatible material, was used as a potential drug delivery system widely. Our current investigation studies were the bioeffects of the chitosan nanoparticle uptake by liver cells. In this experiment, the characterizations of chitosan nanoparticles were measured by transmission electron microscopy and particle size analyzer. The average size of the chitosan nanoparticle was224.6±11.2 nm, and the average zeta potential was+14.08±0.7 mV. Moreover, using proteomic approaches to analyze the differential protein expression patterns resulted from the chitosan nanoparticle uptaken by HepG2 and CCL-13 cells identified several proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT1/mTOR pathway. Our experimental results have demonstrated that the chitosan nanoparticle may involve in the liver cancer cell metastasis and proliferation.
On the Iterative Methods of Linearization, Decrease of Order and Dimension of the Karman-Type PDEs
Authors: Krysko A. V. , Awrejcewicz J. , Pavlov S. P. , Zhigalov M. V. , Krysko V. A.
Published: March 2014

Iterative methods to achieve a suitable linearization as well as a decrease of the order and dimension of nonlinear partial differential equations of the eighth order into the biharmonic and Poisson-type differential equations with their simultaneous linearization are proposed in this work. Validity and reliability of the obtained results are discussed using computer programs developed by the authors.
Performance Analyses of IDEAL Algorithm on Highly Skewed Grid System
Authors: Sun Dongliang , Xu Jinliang , Ding Peng
Published: March 2014

IDEAL is an efficient segregated algorithm for the fluid flow and heat transfer problems. This algorithm has now been extended to the 3D nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinates. Highly skewed grids in the nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinates can decrease the convergence rate and deteriorate the calculating stability. In this study, the feasibility of the IDEAL algorithm on highly skewed grid system is analyzed by investigating the lid-driven flow in the inclined cavity. It can be concluded that the IDEAL algorithm is more robust and more efficient than the traditional SIMPLER algorithm, especially for the highly skewed and fine grid system. For example, at θ = 5° and grid number = 70 × 70 × 70, the convergence rate of the IDEAL algorithm is 6.3 times faster than that of the SIMPLER algorithm, and the IDEAL algorithm can converge almost at any time step multiple.
Existence and Uniqueness of Best Proximity Points for Generalized Almost Contractions
Authors: Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Kongban Chayut , Kumam Poom
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to elicit some interesting extensions of generalized almost contraction mappings to the case of non-self-mappings withα-proximal admissible and prove best proximity point theorems for this classes. Moreover, we also give some examples and applications to support our main results.
Viral Aetiology of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance Cases, before and after Vaccine Policy Change from Oral Polio Vaccine to Inactivated Polio Vaccine
Authors: Saraswathy Subramaniam T. S. , Apandi Mohd Apandi , Jahis Rohani , Samsudin Mohd Samsul , Saat Zainah
Published: March 2014

Since 1992, surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases was introduced in Malaysia along with the establishment of the National Poliovirus Laboratory at the Institute for Medical Research. In 2008, the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, approved a vaccine policy change from oral polio vaccine to inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Eight states started using IPV in the Expanded Immunization Programme, followed by the remaining states in January 2010. The objective of this study was to determine the viral aetiology of AFP cases below 15 years of age, before and after vaccine policy change from oral polio vaccine to inactivated polio vaccine. One hundred and seventy-nine enteroviruses were isolated from the 3394 stool specimens investigated between 1992 and December 2012. Fifty-six out of 107 virus isolates were polioviruses and the remaining were non-polio enteroviruses. Since 2009 after the sequential introduction of IPV in the childhood immunization programme, no Sabin polioviruses were isolated from AFP cases. In 2012, the laboratory AFP surveillance was supplemented with environmental surveillance with sewage sampling. Thirteen Sabin polioviruses were also isolated from sewage in the same year, but no vaccine-derived poliovirus was detected during this period.
Fertilization and Colors of Plastic Mulch Affect Biomass and Essential Oil of Sweet-Scented Geranium
Authors: Silva Anderson de Carvalho , Blank Arie Fitzgerald , Santos Wallace Melo dos , Prata Paloma Santana , Alves Péricles Barreto , Arrigoni-Blank Maria de Fátima
Published: March 2014

Sweet-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolensL’Hér), a plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family, has medicinal and aromatic properties and is widely used in the cosmetic, soap, perfume, aromatherapy, and food industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of fertilization and the use of different colors of plastic mulch on sweet-scented geranium biomass and essential oil. Three colors of plastic mulch (black, white, and silver-colored) and a control without plastic mulch were assessed along with three fertilizers (20,000 L·ha−1of cattle manure; 1,000 kg·ha−1of NPK 3-12-6; and 20,000 L·ha−1of cattle manure + 1,000 kg·ha−1of NPK 3-12-6 fertilizer) and a control without fertilizer. The absence of a soil cover negatively influenced the agronomical variables, while coverage with plastic mulch was associated with increased biomass. The use of fertilizer had no effect on the evaluated agronomic variables. When cattle manure and NPK 3-12-6 were used together, combined with white or black plastic mulch, the highest yields of essential oil were obtained. For the silver-colored plastic mulch, higher amounts of essential oil (6,9-guaiadien) were obtained with mineral fertilizer.
Interlayer Simplified Depth Coding for Quality Scalability on 3D High Efficiency Video Coding
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Lu Hongyun , Bai Huihui
Published: March 2014

A quality scalable extension design is proposed for the upcoming 3D video on the emerging standard for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC). A novel interlayer simplified depth coding (SDC) prediction tool is added to reduce the amount of bits for depth maps representation by exploiting the correlation between coding layers. To further improve the coding performance, the coded prediction quadtree and texture data from corresponding SDC-coded blocks in the base layer can be used in interlayer simplified depth coding. In the proposed design, the multiloop decoder solution is also extended into the proposed scalable scenario for texture views and depth maps, and will be achieved by the interlayer texture prediction method. The experimental results indicate that the average Bjøntegaard Delta bitrate decrease of 54.4% can be gained in interlayer simplified depth coding prediction tool on multiloop decoder solution compared with simulcast. Consequently, significant rate savings confirm that the proposed method achieves better performance.
New Strategies for Evaluation and Analysis of SELEX Experiments
Authors: Beier Rico , Boschke Elke , Labudde Dirk
Published: March 2014

Aptamers are an interesting alternative to antibodies in pharmaceutics and biosensorics, because they are able to bind to a multitude of possible target molecules with high affinity. Therefore the process of finding such aptamers, which is commonly a SELEX screening process, becomes crucial. The standard SELEX procedure schedules the validation of certain found aptamers via binding experiments, which is not leading to any detailed specification of the aptamer enrichment during the screening. For the purpose of advanced analysis of the accrued enrichment within the SELEX library we used sequence information gathered by next generation sequencing techniques in addition to the standard SELEX procedure. As sequence motifs are one possibility of enrichment description, the need of finding those recurring sequence motifs corresponding to substructures within the aptamers, which are characteristically fitted to specific binding sites of the target, arises. In this paper a motif search algorithm is presented, which helps to describe the aptamers enrichment in more detail. The extensive characterization of target and binding aptamers may later reveal a functional connection between these molecules, which can be modeled and used to optimize future SELEX runs in case of the generation of target-specific starting libraries.
Exact Axially Symmetric Solution inf(T)Gravity Theory
Authors: Nashed Gamal G. L.
Published: March 2014

A general tetrad field with sixteen unknown functions is applied to the field equations off(T)gravity theory. An analytic vacuum solution is derived with two constants of integration and an angleΦthat depends on the angle coordinateϕand radial coordinater. The tetrad field of this solution is axially symmetric and the scalar torsion vanishes. We calculate the associated metric of the derived solution and show that it represents Kerr spacetime. Finally, we show that the derived solution can be described by two local Lorentz transformations in addition to a tetrad field that is the square root of the Kerr metric. One of these local Lorentz transformations is a special case of Euler’s angles and the other represents a boost when the rotation parameter vanishes.
Development of Amorphous/Microcrystalline Silicon Tandem Thin‐Film Solar Modules with Low Output Voltage, High Energy Yield, Low Light‐Induced Degradation, and High Damp‐Heat Reliability
Authors: Tsai Chin-Yi , Tsai Chin-Yao
Published: March 2014

In this work, tandem amorphous/microcrystalline silicon thin‐film solar modules with low output voltage, high energy yield, low light‐induced degradation, and high damp‐heat reliability were successfully designed and developed. Several key technologies of passivation, transparent‐conducting‐oxide films, and cell and segment laser scribing were researched, developed, and introduced into the production line to enhance the performance of these low‐voltage modules. A 900 kWp photovoltaic system with these low‐voltage panels was installed and its performance ratio has been simulated and projected to be 92.1%, which is 20% more than the crystalline silicon and CdTe counterparts.
A Local and Global Search Combined Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Convergence Analysis
Authors: Lin Weitian , Lian Zhigang , Gu Xingsheng , Jiao Bin
Published: March 2014

Particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOA) is an advantage optimization tool. However, it has a tendency to get stuck in a near optimal solution especially for middle and large size problems and it is difficult to improve solution accuracy by fine‐tuning parameters. According to the insufficiency, this paper researches the local and global search combine particle swarm algorithm (LGSCPSOA), and its convergence and obtains its convergence qualification. At the same time, it is tested with a set of 8 benchmark continuous functions and compared their optimization results with original particle swarm algorithm (OPSOA). Experimental results indicate that the LGSCPSOA improves the search performance especially on the middle and large size benchmark functions significantly.
Amoebicidal Activity of Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants in an Amoebic Liver Abscess Hamster Model
Authors: Ávila-Blanco Manuel Enrique , Rodríguez Martín Gerardo , Moreno Duque José Luis , Muñoz-Ortega Martin , Ventura-Juárez Javier
Published: March 2014

Amebiasis is a parasitic disease that extends worldwide and is a public health problem in developing countries. Metronidazole is the drug recommended in the treatment of amebiasis, but its contralateral effects and lack of continuity of treatment induce low efficiency, coupled with the appearance of resistant amoebic strains. Therefore, the search of new compounds with amoebicidal activity is urgent and important. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antiamoebic activity of the essential oil Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants. It exhibited an IC50 = 0.7 mg/mL against trophozoites. The oral administration of essential oil (8 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) to hamster infected with Entamoeba histolytica reverted the infection. Ascaridole was identified as the main component of essential oil of D. ambrosioides. The identification of amoebicidal activity of Ascaridole gives support to the traditional use. Further studies with Ascaridole will be carried out to understand the mechanism involved.
Unknown Clutter Estimation by FMM Approach in Multitarget Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Lv Ning , Lian Feng , Han Chongzhao
Published: March 2014

Finite mixture model (FMM) approach is a research focus in multitarget tracking field. The clutter was treated as uniform distribution previously. Aiming at severe bias caused by unknown and complex clutter, a multitarget tracking algorithm based on clutter model estimation is put forward in this paper. Multitarget likelihood function is established with FMM. In this frame, the algorithms of expectation maximum (EM) and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) are both consulted in FMM parameters estimation. Furthermore, target number and multitarget states can be estimated precisely after the clutter model fitted. Association between target and measurement can be avoided. Simulation proved that the proposed algorithm has a good performance in dealing with unknown and complex clutter.
Awareness about a Life-Threatening Condition: Ectopic Pregnancy in a Network for Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity in Brazil
Authors: Filho Edilberto Alves Rocha , Santana Danielly Scaranello , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Costa Maria Laura , Haddad Samira Maerrawe , Parpinelli Mary Angela , Sousa Maria Helena , Camargo Rodrigo Soares , Pacagnella Rodolfo Carvalho , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Pinto e Silva Joao Luiz
Published: March 2014

Objective.To assess occurrence of severe maternal complications associated with ectopic pregnancy (EP).Method.A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted, with prospective surveillance of potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTC), maternal near miss (MNM), and maternal death (MD). EP complications, patient sociodemographic/obstetric characteristics, and conditions of severity management were assessed, estimating prevalence ratios with respective 95% CI. Factors independently associated with greater severity were identified using multiple regression analysis.Results.Of the 9.555 severe maternal morbidity patients, 312 women (3.3%) had complications after EP: 286 (91.7%) PLTC, 25 (8.0%) MNM, and 1 (0.3%) MD. Severe maternal outcome ratio (SMOR) was 0.3/1000 LB among EP cases and 10.8/1000 LB among other causes. Complicated EP patients faced a higher risk of blood transfusion, laparotomy, and lower risk of ICU admission and prolonged hospitalization than women developing complications resulting from other causes. Substandard care was the most common in more severe maternal morbidity and EP cases (22.7% MNM and MD versus 15% PLTC), although not significant.Conclusion.Increased maternal morbidity due to EP raised awareness about the condition and its impact on female reproductive life. No important risk factors for greater severity were identified. Care providers should develop specific guidelines and interventions to prevent severe maternal morbidity.
Endoscopic Removal of a Supernumerary Premolar in the Mandible during a Dental Implant Placement
Authors: Beltrán Víctor , Cantín Mario , Borie Eduardo , Fuentes Ramón , Engelke Wilfried
Published: March 2014

The surgical removal of supernumerary teeth is necessary in some cases, especially before the commencement of any orthodontic or implant treatment procedure. In the mandibular supernumerary premolar, a more conservative approach is required because of the presence of complications associated with conventional surgery due to the close proximity of the said premolar to the alveolar inferior and mental nerves, and the need for bone conservation for implant placement. The endoscopic surgical approach has been used for the removal of the maxillary supernumerary tooth, impacted third molar, and implants. In this case report, we present an endoscopically assisted surgical technique for the removal of an unerupted supernumerary premolar in the mandible associated with a dental implant placement procedure.
The Effect of Beam Intensity on Temperature Distribution in ADS Windowless Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Spallation Target
Authors: Liu Jie , Gao Lei , Lu Wen-qiang
Published: March 2014

The spallation target is the component coupling the accelerator and the reactor and is regarded as the “heart” of the accelerator driven system (ADS). Heavy liquid metal lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is served as core coolant and spallation material to carry away heat deposition of spallation reaction and produce high flux neutron. So it is very important to study the heat transfer process in the target. In this paper, the steady-state flow pattern has been numerically obtained and taken as the input for the nuclear physics calculation, and then the distribution of the extreme large power density of the heat load is imported back to the computational fluid dynamics as the source term in the energy equation. Through the coupling, the transient and steady-state temperature distribution in the windowless spallation target is obtained and analyzed based on the flow process and heat transfer. Comparison of the temperature distribution with the different beam intensity shows that its shape is the same as broken wing of the butterfly. Nevertheless, the maximum temperature as well as the temperature gradient is different. The results play an important role and can be applied to the further design and optimization of the ADS windowless spallation target.
A Parallel Framework for Multipoint Spiral Search in ab Initio Protein Structure Prediction
Authors: Rashid Mahmood A. , Shatabda Swakkhar , Newton M. A. Hakim , Hoque Md Tamjidul , Sattar Abdul
Published: March 2014

Protein structure prediction is computationally a very challenging problem. A large number of existing search
algorithms attempt to solve the problem by exploring possible structures and finding the one with the minimum free energy. However, these algorithms perform poorly on large sized proteins due to an astronomically wide search space. In this paper, we present a multipoint spiral search framework that uses parallel processing techniques to expedite exploration by starting from different points. In our approach, a set of random initial solutions are generated and distributed to different threads. We allow each thread to run for a predefined period of time. The improved solutions are stored threadwise. When the threads finish, the solutions are merged together and the duplicates are removed. A selected distinct set of solutions are then split to different threads again. In our ab initio protein structure prediction method, we use the three-dimensional face-centred-cubic lattice for structure-backbone mapping. We use both the low resolution hydrophobic-polar energy model and the high-resolution 20×20 energy model for search guiding. The experimental results show that our new parallel framework significantly improves the results obtained by the state-of-the-art single-point search approaches for both energy models on three-dimensional face-centred-cubic lattice. We also experimentally show the effectiveness of mixing energy models within parallel threads.
New Strategies in Lung Cancer: Epigenetic Therapy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Forde Patrick M. , Brahmer Julie R. , Kelly Ronan J.
Published: March 2014

Recent discoveries that non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be divided into molecular subtypes based on the presence or absence of driver mutations have revolutionized the treatment of many patients with advanced disease. However, despite these advances, a majority of patients are still dependent on modestly effective cytotoxic chemotherapy to provide disease control and prolonged survival. In this article, we review the current status of attempts to target the epigenome, heritable modifications of DNA, histones, and chromatin that may act to modulate gene expression independently of DNA coding alterations, in NSCLC and the potential for combinatorial and sequential treatment strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(9); 2244–8. ©2014 AACR.
Metformin Sensitizes EGFR-TKI–Resistant Human Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo through Inhibition of IL-6 Signaling and EMT Reversal
Authors: Li Li , Han Rui , Xiao Hualiang , Lin Caiyu , Wang Yubo , Liu Hao , Li Kunlin , Chen Hengyi , Sun Fenfen , Yang Zhenzhou , Jiang Jianxin , He Yong
Published: March 2014

Purpose: The EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) have become a standard therapy in patients with EGFR-activating mutations. Unfortunately, acquired resistance eventually limits the clinical effects and application of EGFR-TKIs. Studies have shown that suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the interleukin (IL)-6/STAT3 pathway may abrogate this acquired mechanism of drug resistance of TKIs. This study aims to investigate the effect of metformin on sensitizing EGFR-TKI–resistant human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of IL-6 signaling and EMT reversal.

Experimental Design: The effect of metformin on reversing TKI resistance was examined in vitro and in vivo using MTT, BrdUrd incorporation assay, invasion assay, flow cytometry analysis, immunostaining, Western blot analysis, and xenograft implantation.

Results: In this study, metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, effectively increased the sensitivity of TKI-resistant lung cancer cells to erlotinib or gefitinib. Metformin reversed EMT and decreased IL-6 signaling activation in TKI-resistant cells, while adding IL-6 to those cells bypassed the anti-TKI-resistance effect of metformin. Furthermore, overexpression or addition of IL-6 to TKI-sensitive cells induced TKI resistance, which could be overcome by metformin. Finally, metformin-based combinatorial therapy effectively blocked tumor growth in xenografts with TKI-resistant cancer cells, which was associated with decreased IL-6 secretion and expression, EMT reversal, and decreased IL-6–signaling activation in vivo.

Conclusion: Metformin, generally considered nontoxic and remarkably inexpensive, might be used in combination with TKIs in patients with non–small cell lung cancer, harboring EGFR mutations to overcome TKI resistance and prolong survival. Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2714–26. ©2014 AACR.
Assessing Clinician's Subjective Experience during Interaction with Patients
Authors: Pallagrosi Mauro , Fonzi Laura , Picardi Angelo , Biondi Massimo
Published: March 2014

Background: While psychiatric literature has shown renewed interest in fine psychopathological investigation, little study has been devoted to the clinician's subjective experience with the patient, which is highly valued by the phenomenological and psychodynamic traditions. We aimed at developing a valid and reliable instrument to measure such experience. Sampling and Methods: First, 104 self-report items were developed, based on daily clinical practice and references from the literature on clinician's subjective experience. Of these, 46 were retained after pilot testing and exclusion of items with poor psychometric properties. Thirteen psychiatrists and 527 first-contact patients participated in the validation study. Psychiatrists completed the ‘Assessment of Clinician's Subjective Experience' (ACSE) instrument and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) after the visit and the Profile of Mood State (POMS) before and after it. The ACSE was completed again for 60 patients with stable BPRS scores over a short retest interval. Principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation was performed. The internal consistency and test-retest stability of ACSE factorially derived scales were calculated. Convergent validity was tested by examining the correlations between ACSE scores and change in POMS scores during the visit. Results: Five factors (interpreted as tension, difficulty of attunement, engagement, disconfirmation, impotence) accounting for 57% of total variance were extracted. All ACSE scales showed high internal consistency and stability, and correlated with conceptually related POMS scales. Conclusions: The pattern of subjective experience identified by the ACSE is consistent with classical psychopathological descriptions and previous related studies. Despite limitations such as the relatively small number of psychiatrists studied and the exclusively self-report nature of the instrument, this study supports the validity and reliability of the ACSE and suggests that it may be a valuable tool for training, research and possibly diagnostic purposes.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Personality Structure in Patients with Polyvalent Addiction
Authors: Rentrop Michael , Zilker Thomas , Lederle Alice , Birkhofer Andreas , Hörz Susanne
Published: March 2014

Background: This study focuses on the systematic psychiatric evaluation of polydrug-using opiate-dependent patients, using the standard DSM-IV diagnostic interviews and a new psychodynamic instrument operationalizing personality organization (Structured Interview of Personality Organization, STIPO). Sampling and Method: 50 patients were interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID) I and II and the STIPO by two independent researchers at a detoxification treatment unit. Results: According to the SCID I and II, all patients had at least one axis I disorder, 90% at least one axis II disorder. A correspondence was found between STIPO and SCID results, in that more pathology in the SCID coincided with more severity in the STIPO. According to the STIPO, 100% of the patients were located at the level of borderline personality organization, indicating identity pathology according to Kernberg's model. Conclusion: Given the fact that comorbid psychiatric disorders compromise the outcome of detoxification and dehabituation treatments, it is highly relevant to diagnose these disorders and to assess underlying personality pathology. While the evidence of psychosocial treatments in addiction therapy is still weak, the integration of syndrome-tailored treatment modules may help improve the treatment of patients with this chronically relapsing condition. Limitation: small sample size.
The Role of the Robotic-Assisted Transaxillary Gasless Approach for the Removal of Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: Noureldine Salem I. , Lewing Nicholas , Tufano Ralph P. , Kandil Emad
Published: March 2014

Background: We sought to describe a robotic technique of transaxillary gasless parathyroidectomy for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to a parathyroid adenoma. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent robotic parathyroidectomy for a parathyroid adenoma by a single surgeon were included. Data was obtained by a retrospective review of patients' medical charts. Results: Nine patients with confirmed PHPT underwent robotic parathyroidectomy. Curative resection was established in all patients with the aid of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring. One patient required bilateral cervical exploration of multiglandular disease. There were no complications. Patients were followed up for a period exceeding 6 months without any evidence of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Conclusions: Our initial experience demonstrates that this technique is safe and effective for the treatment of PHPT. We believe that the use of robotic technology for endoscopic parathyroid surgeries could overcome the limitations of conventional techniques in the management of parathyroid lesions.
Gastroduodenal Intussusception Caused by a Gastric Collision Tumor Consisting of Adenocarcinoma and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Kadowaki Yoshihiko , Nishimura Takeshi , Komoto Satoshi , Yuasa Takeshi , Tamura Ryuji , Okamoto Takahiro , Ishido Nobuhiro
Published: March 2014

Adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of gastric tumor. Gastric tumor arising from collision of an adenocarcinoma with a neuroendocrine carcinoma is extremely rare. Moreover, this uncommon gastric collision tumor in our case had prolapsed into the duodenum. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of vomiting and severe weight loss. Abdominal X-ray showed gastric distension, and computed tomography revealed a duodenal giant mass spreading from the bulb to the horizontal part of the duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was not helpful in confirming the diagnosis of the tumor. We suspected duodenal malignant tumor and performed laparotomy. The operative findings indicated that the gastric antrum was deeply invaginated into the duodenum because of the gastric tumor. Partial resection of the stomach and duodenum was performed because the tumor was irreducible. Intraoperative diagnosis of the frozen section was well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. Additional distal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. We herein report the first case of gastroduodenal intussusception caused by a gastric collision tumor consisting of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Microaneurysm Turnover in Diabetic Retinopathy Assessed by Automated RetmarkerDR Image Analysis - Potential Role as Biomarker of Response to Ranibizumab Treatment
Authors: Leicht Simon F. , Kernt Marcus , Neubauer Aljoscha , Wolf Armin , Oliveira Carlos Manta , Ulbig Michael , Haritoglou Christos
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of a ranibizumab treatment on microaneurysm (MA) turnover in diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Sixty-nine eyes were included in this retrospective study. We compared a group of 33 eyes with ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema to 36 eyes with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy only. Nonmydriatic ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Optomap) images were obtained at a mean 4.76 ± 1.69 days prior to the first ranibizumab injection (baseline) and again 35.94 ± 2.44 days after the third consecutive injection in a 4-week interval. In untreated controls, images were obtained at baseline and 97.81 ± 3.16 days thereafter. Images were analyzed using the RetmarkerDR software (Critical Health SA, Coimbra, Portugal), and the turnover of MAs was documented and analyzed. Thereafter, MA turnover was correlated with central retinal thickness (CRT) as assessed by OCT. Results: At baseline, patients in the treatment group had 5.64 ± 0.75 MAs. One month after 3 ranibizumab injections, measured MAs decreased to 4.03 ± 0.66. In the untreated control group, the initial number of 3.36 ± 0.6 MAs remained almost unchanged over 3-4 months (2.89 ± 0.57 MAs). Dynamic analysis showed that after ranibizumab treatment 3.06 ± 0.5 new MAs appeared, while 5.09 ± 0.79 disappeared. In the control group, 2.11 ± 0.4 new MAs appeared and 2.61 ± 0.48 disappeared. MA turnover was significantly higher with ranibizumab compared to the control group (8.15 ± 1.14 vs. 4.72 ± 0.81, p < 0.001). Consistently, CRT decreased from 444 to 330 µm in the ranibizumab group, while there was no change in the control group (291 vs. 288 µm). Conclusion: The treatment of macular edema using ranibizumab does not only reduce macular thickness, but also has an impact on the turnover of MAs in diabetic retinopathy. RetmarkerDR analysis showed that more pre-existent MAs disappeared than new MAs developed, and the absolute number of MAs also decreased.