bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reestablishment of Ischemia‐Reperfusion Liver Injury by N‐Acetylcysteine Administration prior to a Preconditioning Iron Protocol
Authors: Fernández Virginia , Vargas Romina , Castillo Valentina , Cádiz Nicolás , Bastías Daniela , Román Sebastián , Tapia Gladys , Videla Luis A.
Published: October 2013

The role of iron (Fe)‐induced prooxidant status in Fe preconditioning against ischemia (1 h)‐reperfusion (20 h) induced liver injury was assessed using N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) (1 g/kg) before Fe (50 mg/kg), given to male Sprague Dawley rats on alternate days during 10 days. IR significantly increased serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, with drastic changes in liver histology, hepatic glutathione depletion, and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 diminution (P < 0.05) (ELISA). Fe‐induced liver oxidative stress, as evidenced by higher protein carbonyl/glutathione content ratios (P < 0.05) at days 11 and 12 after treatment, was abolished by NAC. Under these conditions, short‐term Fe administration exerted significant protection against IR liver injury, as shown by 85% and 60% decreases in IR‐induced serum AST and ALT (P < 0.05), respectively, and normalization of hepatic histology, glutathione levels, and NF‐κB activation, changes that were suppressed by NAC administration prior to Fe. Results of this study indicate that NAC administration prior to an iron protocol reestablishes IR liver injury, supporting the role of Fe‐induced transient oxidative stress in hepatoprotection and its potential clinical application.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia after Cardiac Surgery: An Analysis of 52 Patients
Authors: Eris Cuneyt , Yavuz Senol , Yalcinkaya Serhat , Gucu Arif , Toktas Faruk , Yumun Gunduz , Erdolu Burak , Ozyazıcıoglu Ahmet
Published: October 2013

Objective. Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare but serious complication after cardiac surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence, outcome, and perioperative risk factors of AMI in the patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods. From January 2005 to May 2013, all patients who underwent cardiac surgery were screened for participation, and patients with registered gastrointestinal complications were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate analyses were performed. Results. The study included 6013 patients, of which 52 (0.86%) patients suffered from AMI, 35 (67%) of whom died. The control group (150 patients) was randomly chosen from among cases undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Preoperative parameters including age (P = 0.03), renal insufficiency (P = 0.004), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.04), preoperative inotropic support (P < 0.001), poor left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.002), cardiogenic shock (P = 0.003), and preoperative intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) support (P = 0.05) revealed significantly higher levels in the AMI group. Among intra‐ and postoperative parameters, CPB time (P < 0.001), dialysis (P = 0.04), inotropic support (P = 0.007), prolonged ventilator time (P < 0.001), and IABP support (P = 0.007) appeared significantly higher in the AMI group than the control group. Conclusions. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment should be initiated as early as possible in any patient suspected of AMI, leading to dramatic reduction in the mortality rate.
Investigation of the Presence of Biofilms in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Nonsuppurative Otitis Media, and Chronic Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Kaya Ercan , Dag Ilknur , Incesulu Armagan , Gurbuz Melek Kezban , Acar Mustafa , Birdane Leman
Published: October 2013

Objective. Biofilms have been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis of otolaryngologic infections. However, very limited studies have been undertaken to demonstrate the presence of biofilms in tissues from patients with chronic otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma. Our objective is to study the presence of biofilms in humans with chronic suppurative and nonsuppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma. Study Design. In all, 102 tissue specimens (middle ear, mastoid tissue, and ossicle samples) were collected during surgery from 34 patients. Methods. The samples were processed for the investigation of biofilms by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. Our research supports the hypothesis in which biofilms are involved in chronic suppurative otitis media, cholesteatoma, and, to a lesser degree, chronic nonsuppurative otitis media. There were higher rates in hypertrophic and granulated tissue samples than in normal mucosa. In addition, the presence of biofilms was significantly higher in the middle ear mucosa compared with the mastoid and ossicle samples. Conclusion. In the clinic, the careful use of topical or systemic antimicrobials is essential, and, during surgery, hypertrophic tissue must be carefully removed from normal tissue.
The Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Al Khalifa Khalid , Al Ansari Ahmed , Alsayed Abdul Rahim , Violato Claudio
Published: October 2013

Background. Weight loss and reduction in comorbidities can be achieved by longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Existing evidence suggests that LSG resolves or improves hyperlipidemia in morbidly obese patients. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of LSG on hyperlipidemia.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted from English-language studies published from 2000 to 2012 for the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Clinical evidence, Scopus, Dara, Web of Sciences, TRIP, Health Technology Database, Cochrane library, and PsycINFO.Results. A total of 4,211 articles were identified in the initial search, and 4,185 articles were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, involving 3,591 patients. The mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was48±7.0 kg/m2(range 37.2–65.3). The mean postoperative BMI was 35 ± 5.9 kg/m2(range 26.3–49). The mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) was 63.1% (range 37.7–84.5), with a mean followup of 19.1 months (range 6–60). The mean levels of pre and post operative cholesterol were 194.4 ± 12.3 mg/dL (range 178–213) and 181 ± 16.3 mg/dL (range 158–200), respectively.Conclusion. Most patients with hyperlipidemia showed improvement or resolution of lipid profiles after LSG. Based on this systematic review, LSG has a significant effect on hyperlipidemia in the form of resolution or improvement in the majority of patients.
Kawasaki Disease: A Clinician’s Update
Authors: Jamieson Nathan , Singh-Grewal Davinder
Published: October 2013

Aims. Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis and is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the developed world. This review aims to synthesise recent insights into the disease and provide an update for clinicians on diagnostic and treatment practices.Methods. We conducted a review of the literature exploring epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, and management of Kawasaki disease. We searched MEDLINE, Medline In-Process, Embase, Google Scholar, and reference lists of relevant articles.Conclusions. Kawasaki disease is a febrile vasculitis which progresses to coronary artery abnormalities in 25% of untreated patients. The disease is believed to result from a genetically susceptible individual’s exposure to an environmental trigger. Incidence is rising worldwide, and varies widely across countries and within different ethnic groups. Diagnosis is based on the presence of fever in addition to four out of five other clinical criteria, but it is complicated by the quarter of the Kawasaki disease patients with “incomplete” presentation. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin within ten days of fever onset improves clinical outcomes and reduces the incidence of coronary artery dilation to less than 5%. Given its severe morbidity and potential mortality, Kawasaki disease should be considered as a potential diagnosis in cases of prolonged paediatric fever.
Interval Wavelet Numerical Method on Fokker-Planck Equations for Nonlinear Random System
Authors: Liu Li-wei
Published: October 2013

The Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov (FPK) equation governs the probability density function (p.d.f.) of the dynamic response of a particular class of linear or nonlinear system to random excitation. An interval wavelet numerical method (IWNM) for nonlinear random systems is proposed using interval Shannon-Gabor wavelet interpolation operator. An FPK equation for nonlinear oscillators and a time fractional Fokker-Planck equation are taken as examples to illustrate its effectiveness and efficiency. Compared with the common wavelet collocation methods, IWNM can decrease the boundary effect greatly. Compared with the finite difference method for the time fractional Fokker-Planck equation, IWNM can improve the calculation precision evidently.
Management of Root Fracture: A Novel, Noninvasive Treatment Approach
Authors: Rangareddy M. S. , Daga Archana , Vishnu Vardhan Y. , Daneswari M.
Published: October 2013

Traumatic injuries to teeth account for approximately 25% of dental conditions where a patient seeks dentist for emergency treatment. Radicular fractures are one such entity which is very challenging to address due to various complications like periodontal communication, increased mobility, and continued pulpal infection leading to necrosis. Radicular fractures in the middle third have long been considered teeth of salvage due to their unfavourable fracture pattern. During the recent years introduction of biomimetic materials has opened the horizon for saving these teeth. In the present case report a novel approach to the management of radicular fractures in the middle third has been presented.
Distinct iPS Cells Show Different Cardiac Differentiation Efficiency
Authors: Ohno Yohei , Yuasa Shinsuke , Egashira Toru , Seki Tomohisa , Hashimoto Hisayuki , Tohyama Shugo , Saito Yuki , Kunitomi Akira , Shimoji Kenichiro , Onizuka Takeshi , Kageyama Toshimi , Yae Kojiro , Tanaka Tomofumi , Kaneda Ruri , Hattori Fumiyuki , Murata Mitsushige , Kimura Kensuke , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: October 2013

Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be generated by introducing transcription factors that are highly expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells into somatic cells. This opens up new possibilities for cell transplantation-based regenerative medicine by overcoming the ethical issues and immunological problems associated with ES cells. Despite the development of various methods for the generation of iPS cells that have resulted in increased efficiency, safety, and general versatility, it remains unknown which types of iPS cells are suitable for clinical use. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess (1) the differentiation potential, time course, and efficiency of different types of iPS cell lines to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro and (2) the properties of the iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes. We found that high-quality iPS cells exhibited better cardiomyocyte differentiation in terms of the time course and efficiency of differentiation than low-quality iPS cells, which hardly ever differentiated into cardiomyocytes. Because of the different properties of the various iPS cell lines such as cardiac differentiation efficiency and potential safety hazards, newly established iPS cell lines must be characterized prior to their use in cardiac regenerative medicine.
Verbal Decision Analysis: Foundations and Trends
Authors: Moshkovich Helen M. , Mechitov Alexander I.
Published: October 2013

The primary goal of research in multiple criteria decision analysis is to develop tools to help people make more reasonable decisions. In many cases, the development of such tools requires the combination of knowledge derived from such areas as applied mathematics, cognitive psychology, and organizational behavior. Verbal Decision Analysis (VDA) is an example of such a combination. It is based on valid mathematical principles, takes into account peculiarities of human information processing system, and fits the decision process into existing organizational environments. The basic underpinnings of Verbal Decision Analysis are demonstrated by early VDA methods, such as ZAPROS and ORCLASS. New trends in their later modifications are discussed. Published applications of VDA methods are presented to support the findings.
What Is the Best Strategy for Enhancing the Effects of Topically Applied Ozonated Oils in Cutaneous Infections?
Authors: Zanardi I. , Burgassi S. , Paccagnini E. , Gentile M. , Bocci V. , Travagli V.
Published: October 2013

Owing to diabetes, atherosclerosis, and ageing, there are several million patients undergoing skin lesions degenerated into infected ulcers with very little tendency to heal and implying a huge socioeconomical cost. Previous medical experience has shown that the daily application of ozonated oil eliminates the infection and promotes a rapid healing. The purpose of the study is the optimization of the antimicrobial effect of ozonated oils by testingin vitrofour bacterial species and one yeast without or in the presence of different amounts of human serum. The results obtained suggest that a gentle and continuous removal of debris and exudate is an essential condition for the potent bactericidal effect of ozonated oils. In fact, even small amounts of human serum inactivate ozone derivatives and protect bacteria. The application of ozonated oil preparations is very promising in a variety of skin and mucosal infections. Moreover, ozonated oils are far less expensive than antibiotic preparations.
A Review of Data Fusion Techniques
Authors: Castanedo Federico
Published: October 2013

The integration of data and knowledge from several sources is known as data fusion. This paper summarizes the state of the data fusion field and describes the most relevant studies. We first enumerate and explain different classification schemes for data fusion. Then, the most common algorithms are reviewed. These methods and algorithms are presented using three different categories: (i) data association, (ii) state estimation, and (iii) decision fusion.
SCBI_MapReduce, a New Ruby Task-Farm Skeleton for Automated Parallelisation and Distribution in Chunks of Sequences: The Implementation of a Boosted Blast+
Authors: Guerrero-Fernández Darío , Falgueras Juan , Claros M. Gonzalo
Published: October 2013

Current genomic analyses often require the managing and comparison of big data using desktop bioinformatic software that was not developed regarding multicore distribution. The task-farm SCBI_MAPREDUCE is intended to simplify the trivial parallelisation and distribution of new and legacy software and scripts for biologists who are interested in using computers but are not skilled programmers. In the case of legacy applications, there is no need of modification or rewriting the source code. It can be used from multicore workstations to heterogeneous grids. Tests have demonstrated that speed-up scales almost linearly and that distribution in small chunks increases it. It is also shown that SCBI_MAPREDUCE takes advantage of shared storage when necessary, is fault-tolerant, allows for resuming aborted jobs, does not need special hardware or virtual machine support, and provides the same results than a parallelised, legacy software. The same is true for interrupted and relaunched jobs. As proof-of-concept, distribution of a compiled version of BLAST+ in the SCBI_DISTRIBUTED_BLAST gem is given, indicating that other blast binaries can be used while maintaining the same SCBI_DISTRIBUTED_BLAST code. Therefore, SCBI_MAPREDUCE suits most parallelisation and distribution needs in, for example, gene and genome studies.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Induced Thyroid Dysfunction: A Review of Its Incidence, Pathophysiology, Clinical Relevance, and Treatment
Authors: Ahmadieh Hala , Salti Ibrahim
Published: October 2013

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) belong to a new class of molecular multitargeted anticancer therapy which targets different growth factor receptors and hence attenuates cancer cell survival and growth. Since their introduction as adjunct treatment for renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a number of reports have demonstrated that TKI can induce thyroid dysfunction which was especially more common with sunitinib maleate. Many mechanisms with respect to this adverse effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been proposed including their induction of thyroiditis, capillary regression in the thyroid gland, antithyroid peroxidase antibody production, and their ability to decrease iodine uptake by the thyroid gland. Of interest is the observation that TKI-induced thyroid dysfunction may actually be protective as it was shown to improve overall survival, and it was suggested that it may have a prognostic value. Followup on thyroid function tests while patients are maintained on tyrosine kinase inhibitor is strongly recommended. When thyroid dysfunction occurs, appropriate treatment should be individualized depending on patients symptoms and thyroid stimulating hormone level.
Impact of Endothelial Microparticles on Coagulation, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis in Age-Related Vascular Diseases
Authors: Markiewicz Margaret , Richard Erin , Marks Natalia , Ludwicka-Bradley Anna
Published: October 2013

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are complex vesicular structures that originate from plasma membranes of activated or apoptotic endothelial cells. EMPs play a significant role in vascular function by altering the processes of inflammation, coagulation, and angiogenesis, and they are key players in the pathogenesis of several vascular diseases. Circulating EMPs are increased in many age-related vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebral ischemia, and congestive heart failure. Their elevation in plasma has been considered as both a biomarker and bioactive effector of vascular damage and a target for vascular diseases. This review focuses on the pleiotropic roles of EMPs and the mechanisms that trigger their formation, particularly the involvement of decreased estrogen levels, thrombin, and PAI-1 as major factors that induce EMPs in age-related vascular diseases.
State Tracking of MRAC Systems in the Presence of Controller Temporary Failure Based on a Switching Method
Authors: Wu Caiyun , Zhao Jun
Published: October 2013

The state tracking problem for a class of model reference adaptive control (MRAC) systems in the presence of controller temporary failures is studied. Due to the controller temporary failure, the considered system is viewed as an error switched system. The properties of Lyapunov function candidates without switching are described. Then the notion of global practical stability of switched systems is presented, and sufficient conditions for global practical stability of the error system under the restrictions of controller failure frequency and unavailability rate are provided. An example is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Smart Caching Based on Mobile Agent of Power WebGIS Platform
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Wu Kehe , Chen Fei
Published: October 2013

Power information construction is developing towards intensive, platform, distributed direction with the expansion of power grid and improvement of information technology. In order to meet the trend, power WebGIS was designed and developed. In this paper, we first discuss the architecture and functionality of power WebGIS, and then we study caching technology in detail, which contains dynamic display cache model, caching structure based on mobile agent, and cache data model. We have designed experiments of different data capacity to contrast performance between WebGIS with the proposed caching model and traditional WebGIS. The experimental results showed that, with the same hardware environment, the response time of WebGIS with and without caching model increased as data capacity growing, while the larger the data was, the higher the performance of WebGIS with proposed caching model improved.
Protective Effects of HBSP on Ischemia Reperfusion and Cyclosporine A Induced Renal Injury
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Zhang Junlin , Liu Feng , Yang Cheng , Zhang Yufang , Liu Aifen , Shi Lan , Wu Yajun , Zhu Tongyu , Nicholson Michael L. , Fan Yaping , Yang Bin
Published: October 2013

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) and cyclosporine A (CsA) injuries are unavoidable in kidney transplantation and are associated with allograft dysfunction. Herein, the effect and mechanism of a novel tissue protective peptide, helix B surface peptide (HBSP) derived from erythropoietin, were investigated in a rat model. The right kidney was subjected to 45 min ischemia, followed by left nephrectomy and 2-week reperfusion, with or without daily treatment of CsA 25 mg/kg and/or HBSP 8 nmol/kg. Blood urea nitrogen was increased by CsA but decreased by HBSP at 1 week and 2 weeks, while the same changes were revealed in urinary protein/creatinine only at 2 weeks. HBSP also significantly ameliorated tubulointerstitial damage and interstitial fibrosis, which were gradually increased by IR and CsA. In addition, apoptotic cells, infiltrated inflammatory cells, and active caspase-3+ cells were greatly reduced by HBSP in the both IR and IR + CsA groups. The 17 kD active caspase-3 protein was decreased by HBSP in the IR and IR + CsA kidneys, with decreased mRNA only in the IR + CsA kidneys. Taken together, it has been demonstrated, for the first time, that HBSP effectively improved renal function and tissue damage caused by IR and/or CsA, which might be through reducing caspase-3 activation and synthesis, apoptosis, and inflammation.
Modeling and Simulating Dynamics of Complete- and Poor-Response Chronic Hepatitis B Chinese Patients for Adefovir and Traditional Chinese Medicine Plus Adefovir Therapy
Authors: Min Lequan , Chen Xiao , Ye Yongan , Zhang Qun , Ru Shuying , Li Xiaoke
Published: October 2013

ChiCTR-TRC-11001263 study was the first large-scale double-blind randomized placebo-controlled traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and adefovir (ADV) antihepatitis B virus (HBV) infection trial in the world. A total of 560 hepatitis B e antigen- (HBeAg-) positive Chinese patients with chronical HBV were randomly classified, in 1 : 1 ratio, into two groups: experimental group (EXG) receiving TCMs + ADV and controlled group (CTG) receiving ADV + TCM-placebo treatment for 48 weeks. This paper introduces two models to model and simulate the evolutions of dynamics for the complete-response patients and the poor-response patients in EXG and CTG, respectively. The stimulated mean HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were close to the patients’ experimental data. Analysis and simulations suggest that the activated patients’ immune functions by TCMs + ADV may not only clear infected hepatocytes, but also clear HBV, which made the complete-response patients’ mean serum HBV DNA levels in EXG reduce rapidly 12 weeks’ earlier than the ones in CTG. One can assume that both the TCMs and ADV have the function of preventing complete-response patients’ infected hepatocytes from being injured by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs); the patients’ activated immune cells may also block HBV replications.
Development of a Closed Chest Model of Chronic Myocardial Infarction in Swine: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Pathological Evaluation
Authors: Crisóstomo Verónica , Maestre Juan , Maynar Manuel , Sun Fei , Báez-Díaz Claudia , Usón Jesús , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M.
Published: October 2013

Our aim was to develop an easy-to-induce, reproducible, and low mortality clinically relevant closed-chest model of chronic myocardial infarction in swine using intracoronary ethanol
and characterize its evolution using MRI and pathology. We injected 3-4 mL of 100% ethanol into the mid-LAD of anesthetized swine. Heart function and infarct size were assessed serially using MRI.
Pigs were euthanized on days 7, 30, and 90 (n=5 at each timepoint). Postoperative MRI revealed compromised contractility and decreased ejection fraction, from 53.8% ± 6.32% to 43.79% ±
7.72%
(P=0.001). These values remained lower than baseline thorough the followup (46.54% ± 11.12%, 44.48% ± 7.77%, and 40.48% ± 6.40%, resp., P<0.05). Progressive remodeling was seen in all animals.
Infarcted myocardium decreased on the first 30 days (from 18.09% ± 7.26% to 9.9% ± 5.68%) and then stabilized (10.2% ± 4.21%). Pathology revealed increasing collagen content and fibrous organization
over time, with a rim of preserved endocardial cells. In conclusion, intracoronary ethanol administration in swine consistently results in infarction. The sustained compromise in heart function and myocardial
thinning over time indicate that the model may be useful for the preclinical evaluation of and training in therapeutic approaches to heart failure.
Positive Solutions for Nonlinear Integro-Differential Equations of Mixed Type in Banach Spaces
Authors: Sun Yan
Published: October 2013

We establish some new existence theorems on the positive solutions for nonlinear integro-differential equations which do not possess any monotone properties in ordered Banach spaces by means of Banach contraction mapping principle and cone theory based on some new comparison results.
Effect of Alcohol on Diffuse Axonal Injury in Rat Brainstem: Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Aquaporin-4 Expression Study
Authors: Kong Lingmei , Lian Gengpeng , Zheng Wenbin , Liu Huimin , Zhang Haidu , Chen Ruowei
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of alcohol on traumatic brain injury by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and evaluate aquaporin-4(AQP4) expression changes in rat brainstems following acute alcohol intoxication with diffuse axonal injury (DAI). We further investigated the correlation between the AQP4 expression and DTI in the brain edema. Eighty-five rats were imaged before and after injury at various stages. DTI was used to measure brainstem apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA), with immunostaining being used to determine AQP4 expression. After acute alcoholism with DAI, ADC values of the brainstem first decreased within 6 h and then elevated. FA values began to decline by 1 h, reaching a minimum at 24 h after trauma. There was a negative correlation between ADC values and brainstem AQP4 expression at 6 h and positive correlation at 6 h to 24 h. Changes of ADC and FA values in DAI with acute alcoholism indicate the effects of ethanol on brain edema and the severity of axonal injury. The correlations between ADC values and the brainstem AQP4 expression at different time points suggest that AQP4 expression follows an adaptative profile to the severity of brain edema.
Compatibility of Functionalized Graphene with Polyethylene and Its Copolymers
Authors: Seo Hyeon Myeong , Park Jin Ho , Dao Trung Dung , Jeong Han Mo
Published: October 2013

The compatibility of polyethylene (PE) with a functionalized graphene sheet (FGS), which was prepared by the thermal reduction of graphite oxide, was examined in this study. The dispersion of the FGS in the PE was improved as the molecular weight of the PE was decreased. The PE copolymers containing polar comonomers such as maleic anhydride or acrylic acid exhibited better compatibility with FGS than the PE homopolymers. The compatibility of the FGS with PE copolymers containing small amounts of comonomers, which have a solubility parameter slightly larger [up to approximately 0.5 (J/cm3)1/2] than that of PE itself, was better than the compatibility of both the PE and PE copolymers containing larger amounts of comonomers. The morphology, electric conductivity, and tensile properties of FGS/PE copolymer/PE nanocomposites showed that the copolymers with a solubility parameter slightly larger than that of PE effectively served as a compatibilizer in FGS/PE nanocomposites.
DGGE Identification of Microorganisms Associated withBorrelia burgdorferiSensu Lato- orAnaplasma phagocytophilum-InfectedIxodes ricinusTicks from Northwest Norway
Authors: Tveten Ann-Kristin , Riborg Andreas , Vadseth Hanne Tjelle
Published: October 2013

Ticks acquire a wide range of microorganisms as a natural part of their lifecycle. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can be transmitted to ticks during feeding and free-living phases. DGGE profiling is a molecular method to describe the microbial population associated with ticks and demonstrate some of the complexity and variety of tick-borne microorganisms. The present study profiled a total of 120I. ricinusticks, which were divided into three equally sized groups. We found thatB. burgdorferis.l.-infected ticks presented a pattern consisting of bacterialPseudomonasspp. (67.5%),Bacillusspp. (50%), andSphingomonasspp. (77.5%), whileA. phagocytophilum-infected ticks were associated withPseudomonasspp. (82.5%) andSphingomonasspp. (57.5%). All profiles had one or morePseudomonasspecies present, and the intramitochondrial endosymbiont CandidatusMidichloria mitochondriiwas present in more than 25% of the samples. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the microbial communities were not significantly different between the groups and that the groups could not be characterised by a specific microbial population.
Solution and Analysis of a One-Dimensional First-Passage Problem with a Nonzero Halting Probability
Authors: Yamamoto Ken
Published: October 2013

This paper treats a kind of a one-dimensional first-passage problem, which seeks the probability that a random walker first hits the origin at a specified time. In addition to a usual random walk which hops either rightwards or leftwards, the present paper introduces the “halt” that the walker does not hop with a nonzero probability. The solution to the problem is expressed using a Gauss hypergeometric function. The moment generating function of the hitting time is also calculated, and a calculation technique of the moments is developed. The author derives the long-time behavior of the hitting-time distribution, which exhibits power-law behavior if the walker hops to the right and left with equal probability.
Evaluation of the Ecological Impact of Human Settlement on the Water Quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria
Authors: Oribhabor B. J. , Udoidiong O. M. , Udoh D. F. , Akpan B. E.
Published: October 2013

The ecological impact of human settlement on the water quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria was evaluated. The physical and chemical conditions of the river water were determined from January to August, 2011. Three stations comprising Itu in Akwa Ibom State with intense human activities (station 2), its upstream (without human settlement) at Cross River State (station 1) and the downstream (station 3) were sampled. The Parametric One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that of the 17 physical and chemical parameters determined, only water level and COD were found to be significantly different () among stations. The spatial variations in the level of significant correlation of the physical and chemical parameters among the stations and the higher level of interrelationship in downstream station 2 and 3 than station 1 could be attributed to inputs resulting from human settlement. Comparison between some parameters with Standard Organization of Nigeria, and World Health Organization maximum permitted levels for drinking water indicated that the water was not polluted. However, the BOD and COD concentrations of greater than 2 mg/L and 20 mg/L respectively were indicative of pollution.
Hinokitiol, a Natural Tropolone Derivative, Offers Neuroprotection from Thromboembolic StrokeIn Vivo
Authors: Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Hsu Wen-Hsien , Yen Ting-Lin , Luo Jun-Yun , Kuo Yu-Cheng , Fong Tsorng-Harn , Sheu Joen-Rong
Published: October 2013

Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin), a tropolone-related compound found in the heartwood cupressaceous plants, is widely used in hair tonics, tooth pastes, cosmetics, and food as an antimicrobial agent. Increasing evidence has confirmed that hinokitiol exhibits anticancer activity in a variety of cancers through inhibition of cell proliferation. In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effect and mechanisms of hinokitiol in rats against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced thromboembolic stroke. Treatment with hinokitiol (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) 30 min before MCAO dose dependently attenuated cerebral ischemia and improved neurobehavioral deficits in cerebral ischemic rats. Intraperitoneal administration of hinokitiol significantly reduced infarct size compared to that in control rats. MCAO-induced focal cerebral ischemia was associated with increased expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and active caspase-3 in ischemic regions. However, these expressions were obviously inhibited by hinokitiol (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) treatment. This study demonstrates for the first time that in addition to being originally considered as an agent against microbes and variety of cancers, hinokitiol possesses potent neuroprotective activity. This activity is mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of inflammatory responses (i.e., HIF-1α, iNOS expression) and apoptosis (i.e., TNF-α, active caspase-3), resulting in a reduction of infarct volume and improvement in neurobehavior in rats with cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of hinokitiol may lead to novel role for treatment or prevention of ischemia/reperfusion injury-related disorders.
U1 snRNP-Dependent Suppression of Polyadenylation: Physiological Role and Therapeutic Opportunities in Cancer
Authors: Spraggon Lee , Cartegni Luca
Published: October 2013

Pre-mRNA splicing and polyadenylation are critical steps in the maturation of eukaryotic mRNA. U1 snRNP is an essential component of the splicing machinery and participates in splice-site selection and spliceosome assembly by base-pairing to the 5′ splice site. U1 snRNP also plays an additional, nonsplicing global function in 3′ end mRNA processing; it actively suppresses the polyadenylation machinery from using early, mostly intronic polyadenylation signals which would lead to aberrant, truncated mRNAs. Thus, U1 snRNP safeguards pre-mRNA transcripts against premature polyadenylation and contributes to the regulation of alternative polyadenylation. Here, we review the role of U1 snRNP in 3′ end mRNA processing, outline the evidence that led to the recognition of its physiological, general role in inhibiting polyadenylation, and finally highlight the possibility of manipulating this U1 snRNP function for therapeutic purposes in cancer.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusfrom an Orthopaedic Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Udobi C. E. , Obajuluwa A. F. , Onaolapo J. A.
Published: October 2013

Patients with surgical wounds have been reported to be at high risk of MRSA carriage and infection. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of this organism in the orthopaedic ward of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria-Nigeria, a 547-bed Nigerian hospital, were thus studied. A total of 185 isolates ofStaphylococcus aureuswere confirmed from 217 samples taken from the orthopaedic wards of the hospital using standard isolation methods. Out of these, 44 (23.8%) were from the wounds of patients and 70 (37.8%) from the skin. The remaining 65 (35.1%) and 6 (3.2%) were from their beds and the atmospheric air, respectively. Out of these, 33 (75%), 36 (51.4%), and 48 (73.8%) from wounds, skin, and bed, respectively, were found to be methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) using the disc-sensitive test methods. None was detected from the atmosphere. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern results showed the level of resistance to be ampicillin 100% in all the three sites, pefloxacin 90.9%, 72.2%, 66.7%, ceftriaxone 69.7%, 72.2%, 70.8%, gentamicin 54.5%, 52.8%, 37.5%, and ciprofloxacin 51.5%, 47.2%, 35.4% at the wound, skin, and bed sites, respectively. Results confirm that MRSA continues to pose a threat to the hospitalized patients, especially those with bone and wound infections.
Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach Leaf
Authors: Chandran Rahul , Nivedhini V. , Parimelazhagan Thangaraj
Published: October 2013

The leaf of C. dipsaceus was evaluated for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. From the present investigation, significant amount of almost all essential amino acids and important minerals were quantified. Low levels of trypsin inhibitory units, phenolics, and tannins content were found as antinutritional content. Further, hot water extract of C. dipsaceus showed good activity especially in ABTS+, metal chelating, nitric oxide, and DPPH assays. Hence, the results conclude that C. dipsaceus could be a valuable nutraceutical supplement to the human diet.
Antenna Array for Passive Radar: Configuration Design and Adaptive Approaches to Disturbance Cancellation
Authors: Villano Michelangelo , Colone Fabiola , Lombardo Pierfrancesco
Published: October 2013

We consider the selection of an antenna array configuration, composed of a small number of omnidirectional elements, to be exploited for passive radar sensors. Based on properly identified pattern characteristics and design criteria for practical applications, a suitable planar configuration is selected that allows both angular selectivity and direct signal attenuation. The selected configuration is further optimized in terms of sidelobe level by resorting to appropriate amplitude tapering. Moreover, three different approaches are investigated for antenna-based adaptive disturbance cancellation, and a comparative performance analysis is carried out. Simulation results show that an effective clutter suppression is obtained if the direct signal from the transmitter is attenuated by means of spatial adaptive cancellation, and the multipath echoes from stationary obstacles are removed by means of temporal adaptive cancellation. In particular, the approach based on the Sidelobe Canceller is shown to yield good performance while requiring a limited system complexity.
A Branch and Bound Approach to Solve the Preemptive Resource Leveling Problem
Authors: Afshar-Nadjafi Behrouz , Khalaj Zeinab , Mehdizadeh Esmaeil
Published: October 2013

We study resource constrained project scheduling problem with respect to resource leveling as objective function and allowance of preemption in activities. The branch and bound algorithms proposed in previous researches on resource leveling problem do not consider preemption. So, representing a model for the problem, a branch and bound algorithm is proposed. This algorithm can handle preemption in resource leveling problem. Comparing the resource leveling problem and the preemptive resource leveling problem, it is observed that considering preemption in the problem leads to better results in the objective function. This improvement imposes additional time to solve the problem. Coding the algorithm in MATLAB and checking it on the projects with 8 and 10 activities, results show that the proposed algorithm is efficient.
Delay-Probability-Distribution-Dependent FIR Filtering Design with Envelope Constraints
Authors: Peng Cheng , Yu Zhandong , Karimi Hamid Reza , Wang Weizhi , Wang Nan
Published: October 2013

This paper studies the problem of finite-impulse response (FIR) filtering design of time-delay system. The time-delay considered here is time-varying meanwhile with a certain stochastic characteristic, and the probability of delay distribution is assumed to be known. Furthermore, the requirement of pulse-shape is also considered in filter design. Employing the information about the size and probability distribution of delay, a delay-probability-distribution-dependent criterion is proposed for the filtering error system. Based on a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are formulated to solve the problem. At last, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the filter design approach proposed in the paper.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Structural and Functional Indices in Broiler Chickens Treated with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Raieszadeh Hamid , Noaman Vahid , Yadegari Mehrdad
Published: October 2013

270 Ross broiler chickens of twenty days old were housed in 18‐floor pens in a completely randomized design with six treatment groups and three replicate groups and fifteen chicks per each pen. The treatment groups (1–6) consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 70 ppm of nanocide in drinking water, respectively. At 26 days of age, 3 chickens were selected randomly for echocardiography using a 7.5 MHz linear probe, and the left ventricular internal diameter at the end of diastole (LVIDd), left ventricular internal diameter at the end of systole (LVIDs), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), interventricular septum thickness at the end of systole (IVSTs), and interventricular septum thickness at the end of diastole (IVSTd) were evaluated. LVIDd and LVIDs in group six were of higher rate than other groups and showed statistically significant differences with groups two, three, and four (P < 0.05). LVFS, percentage of EF, and IVSTd were minimum in group six and had significant difference with other groups (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that prescription of high dosage of nanocide leads to cardiovascular problems with decrease in myocardial contractility and increase in the internal diameter of left ventricle.
Population Studies and Carrageenan Properties in Eight Gigartinales (Rhodophyta) from Western Coast of Portugal
Authors: Pereira Leonel
Published: October 2013

Eight carrageenophytes, representing seven genera and three families of Gigartinales (Florideophyceae), were studied for 15 months. The reproductive status, dry weight, and carrageenan content have been followed by a monthly random sampling. The highest carrageenan yields were found in Chondracanthus acicularis (61.1%), Gigartina pistillata (59.7%), and Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus (58.0%). Species of Cystocloniaceae family produces predominantly iota‐carrageenans; Gigartinaceae family produces hybrid kappa‐iota carrageenans (gametophytic plants) and lambda‐family carrageenans (sporophytic plants); Phyllophoraceae family produces kappa‐iota‐hybrid carrageenans. Quadrate destructive sampling method was used to determine the biomass and line transect. Quadrate nondestructive sampling method, applied along a perpendicular transect to the shoreline, was used to calculate the carrageenophytes cover in two periods: autumn/winter and spring/summer. The highest cover and biomass were found in Chondrus crispus (3.75%–570 g/m2), Chondracanthus acicularis (3.45%–99 g/m2), Chondracanthus teedei var. lusitanicus (2.45%–207.5 g/m2), and Mastocarpus stellatus (2.02%–520 g/m2).
Gas Gangrene in Orthopaedic Patients
Authors: Ying Zhimin , Zhang Min , Yan Shigui , Zhu Zhong
Published: October 2013

Clostridial myonecrosis is most often seen in settings of trauma, surgery, malignancy, and other underlying immunocompromised conditions. Since 1953 cases of gas gangrene have been reported in orthopaedic patients including open fractures, closed fractures, and orthopaedic surgeries. We present a case of 55-year-old obese woman who developed rapidly progressive gas gangrene in her right leg accompanied by tibial plateau fracture without skin lacerations. She was diagnosed with clostridial myonecrosis and above-the-knee amputation was carried out. This patient made full recovery within three weeks of the initial episode. We identified a total of 50 cases of gas gangrene in orthopaedic patients. Several factors, if available, were analyzed for each case: age, cause of injury, fracture location, pathogen, and outcome. Based on our case report and the literature review, emergency clinicians should be aware of this severe and potentially fatal infectious disease and should not delay treatment or prompt orthopedic surgery consultation.
SEM, TEM, and IHC Analysis of the Sinus Node and Its Implications for the Cardiac Conduction System
Authors: Mandrioli D. , Ceci F. , Balbi T. , Ghimenton C. , Pierini G.
Published: October 2013

More than 100 years after the discovery of the sinus node (SN) by Keith and Flack, the function and structure of the SN have not been completely established yet. The anatomic architecture of the SN has often been described as devoid of an organized structure; the origin of the sinus impulse is still a matter of debate, and a definite description of the long postulated internodal specialized tract conducting the impulse from the SN to the atrioventricular node (AVN) is still missing. In our previously published study, we proposed a morphologically ordered structure for the SN. As a confirmation of what was presented then, we have added the results of additional observations regarding the structural particularities of the SN. We investigated the morphology of the sinus node in the human hearts of healthy individuals using histochemical, immunohistochemical, optical, and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Our results confirmed that the SN presents a previously unseen highly organized architecture.
Oncogenic Alternative Splicing Switches: Role in Cancer Progression and Prospects for Therapy
Authors: Bonomi Serena , Gallo Stefania , Catillo Morena , Pignataro Daniela , Biamonti Giuseppe , Ghigna Claudia
Published: October 2013

Alterations in the abundance or activities of alternative splicing regulators generate alternatively spliced variants that contribute to multiple aspects of tumor establishment, progression and resistance to therapeutic treatments. Notably, many cancer-associated genes are regulated through alternative splicing suggesting a significant role of this post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in the production of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Thus, the study of alternative splicing in cancer might provide a better understanding of the malignant transformation and identify novel pathways that are uniquely relevant to tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of cancer-associated alternative splicing isoforms will not only help to explain many fundamental hallmarks of cancer, but will also offer unprecedented opportunities to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments.
A Planar‐Dimensions Machine Vision Measurement Method Based on Lens Distortion Correction
Authors: Sun Qiucheng , Hou Yueqian , Tan Qingchang , Li Guannan
Published: October 2013

Lens distortion practically presents in a real optical imaging system causing nonuniform geometric distortion in the images and gives rise to additional errors in the vision measurement. In this paper, a planar‐dimensions vision measurement method is proposed by improving camera calibration, in which the lens distortion is corrected on the pixel plane of image. The method can be divided into three steps: firstly, the feature points, only in the small central region of the image, are used to get a more accurate perspective projection model; secondly, rather than defining a uniform model, the smoothing spline function is used to describe the lens distortion in the measurement region of image, and two correction functions can be obtained by fitting two deviation surfaces; finally, a measurement method for planar dimensions is proposed, in which accurate magnification factor of imaging system can be obtained by using the correction functions. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by applying the proposed method to the test of measuring shaft diameter. Experimental data prove that the accurate planar‐dimensions measurements can be performed using the proposed method even if images are deformed by lens distortion.