bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orbital apex syndrome secondary to herpes zoster virus infection
Authors: Merino-Iglesias Alexia , Montero Javier Antonio , Calabuig-Goena Maria , Giraldo-Agudelo Luisa Fernanda
Published: March 2014

A male patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) presented with left exophthalmos, external and internal ophthalmoplegia and decreased visual acuity. A CT scan revealed myositis without significant compression of the optic nerve. Intravenous acyclovir and oral steroids were started with improvement of the symptoms and eventual complete recovery.Orbital apex syndrome is a rare complication of HZO. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms are involved, including a direct cytopathic effect of the virus as in the present case. Early diagnosis and therapy may lead to complete recovery of visual function.
Rickettsial meningitis
Authors: Salva Inês , de Sousa Rita , Gouveia Catarina
Published: March 2014

Rickettsial infections are common in southern Europe and the most frequent and lethal type is Mediterranean spotted fever, caused byRickettsia conorii. The disease is usually characterised by the classical triad of fever, eschar and rash, and is generally a mild disease in children. Complications including neurological involvement are rarely described. We report an unusual case of meningitis in an 18-year-old man, presenting during summer with fever and persistent headache. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed increased cellularity (107 cells/μL), hypoglycorrhachia (50% of glycaemia) and hyperproteinorrhachia (284 mg/dL). Rickettsial infection was confirmed by serology and the patient was treated with doxycycline, with a favourable outcome. The patient's pet squirrel and/or associated vectors might be involved in the transmission ofRickettsiaspp. This case underlines the importance of a high clinical suspicion and the benefits of early empirical treatment when facing compatible epidemiological contexts.
A persistent case of tuberculosis of the pubic symphysis and pubic bone
Authors: Dapunt Ulrike , Mischnik Alexander , Goeppinger Stephan , Lehner Burkhard
Published: March 2014

A case of a patient suffering from tuberculosis of the pubic symphysis and pubic bone is presented. There were no symptoms other than pain in the right groin area for 12 months. An X-ray of the pelvis showed an osteodestructive lesion of the pubic bone, and an MRI revealed an abscess formation of the pubic symphysis. Tissue samples were collected via CT-guided needle biopsy. Histological evaluation of tissue and analysis by PCR prompted the diagnosis of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Despite antituberculous chemotherapy according to the current guidelines, the osteodestructive lesion progressed. This case highlights the difficulty of treating bone infections in general. Moreover,Mycobacterium tuberculosisas a rare causative agent of bone infections is discussed.
A new mechanism in the binding between Homer3 EVH1 domain and inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor suppressor domain
Authors: Wen He , Kwon Hyuk Nam , Park Sunghyouk
Published: March 2014

The suppressor domain of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) has critical roles in regulating the calcium channel by interacting with many binding partners. The residue 49–53 (PPKKF) of the suppressor domain was suggested to be a canonical Homer EVH1 domain binding site and is also the first a part of calmodulin (CaM) binding site. As CaM-binding of the suppressor domain has been shown to involve large-scale conformational changes, we studied the binding characteristics of the Homer EVH1-suppressor domain with NMR spectroscopy and biochemical pull-down assays for mutants. Our data show that the suppressor domain employs the PPKKF motif in a similar but subtly different way compared to previously characterized interactions, and that the suppressor domain does not undergo large-scale conformational changes. Chemical shift assignments of the Homer3 EVH1 domain found that a new set of residues, located at the opposite side of the previously reported binding site, is also involved in binding, which was confirmed by mutant binding assays. Further analysis suggests that F40 in the new binding sites may have a critical role as a conformational lock-switch in Homer-target binding. The proposed mechanism is implicated in the signaling network involving calcium channels.
Radiative n11B capture accounting 21 and 430 keV resonances
Authors: Dubovichenko S. B. , Burkova N. A.
Published: March 2014

In the framework of the modified potential cluster model (PCM), the possibility of describing the available experimental data for the total cross-sections for n11 B radiative capture at thermal and astrophysical energies were considered with taking into account the 21 keV and 430 keV resonances.
EFFICIENT DELAY AND CROSSTALK ESTIMATION MODELS FOR CURRENT-MODE HIGH SPEED INTERCONNECTS UNDER RAMP INPUT
Authors: KAVICHARAN M. , MURTHY N. S. , BHEEMA RAO N.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, closed-form models for the computation of finite ramp responses of current-mode resistance inductance capacitance (RLC) interconnects in VLSI circuits are presented. These models are based on extended Eudes model and Scaling and Squaring algorithm which allow numerical estimation of delay in lossy very large scale integration (VLSI) interconnects. The existing Eudes model for interconnect transfer function approximation is extended to higher-order and then Scaling and Squaring method is applied for further improving the accuracy of delay estimation. With the equivalent lossy interconnect transfer function, finite ramp responses are obtained and line delay is estimated for various line lengths, per unit inductances and load capacitances. The estimated 50% delay values are compared with HSPICE W-element model. The worst case errors observed in the estimated delay values are 14.3% for Eudes model and 2% for extended Eudes model while the proposed Scaling and Squaring based model with 1% error is in very good agreement with HSPICE for line lengths 0.1–0.5 cm. The estimated crosstalk induced delay values of proposed model maximum error percentage is nearly half of the extended Eudes model. For both single and three coupled interconnect lines, the proposed model is in good agreement with HSPICE.
DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION WITHIN AN AGENT-BASED MODEL: SPINSONS, INDEPENDENCE AND ADVERTISING
Authors: PRZYBYŁA PIOTR , SZNAJD-WERON KATARZYNA , WERON RAFAŁ
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we modify a two-dimensional variant of a two-state nonlinear voter model and apply it to understand how new ideas, products or behaviors spread throughout the society in time. In particular, we want to find answers to two important questions in the field of diffusion of innovation: Why does the diffusion of innovation take sometimes so long? and Why does it fail so often? Because these kind of questions cannot be answered within classical aggregate diffusion models, like the Bass model, we use an agent-based modeling approach.
Towards a plurilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TISA): Challenges and prospects
Authors: Sauvé Pierre
Published: March 2014

This paper addresses a number of policy challenges arising from ongoing attempts to negotiate a plurilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TISA), a recently launched plurilateral negotiating initiative coexisting uneasily alongside the World Trade Organisation's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), particularly in the context of the ongoing Doha Development Agenda. While the TISA offers scope for imparting much needed forward movement to a policy area of central economy-wide and trade importance, such progress, even if realized within the narrower confines of a preferential trade agreement made possible under the GATS, poses a number of systemic risks to the multilateral order extending beyond services trade.
Challenges and Opportunities for Applications of Unconventional Superconductors
Authors: Gurevich Alex
Published: March 2014

Since the discovery of high-Tccuprates, the quest for new superconductors has shifted toward more anisotropic, strongly correlated materials with lower carrier densities and competing magnetic and charge-density wave orders. Although these materials’ features enhance superconducting correlations, they also result in serious problems for applications at liquid nitrogen (and higher) temperatures and strong magnetic fields so that such conventional characteristics as the critical temperature Tcand the upper critical field Hc2are no longer the main parameters of merit. This happens because of strong fluctuations of the order parameter, thermally activated hopping of pinned vortices, and electromagnetic granularity, as has been established after extensive investigations of cuprates and Fe-based superconductors (FBSs). In this paper, I give an overview of those mechanisms crucial for power and magnet applications and discuss the materials’ restrictions that must be satisfied to make superconductors useful at high temperatures and magnetic fields. These restrictions become more and more essential at higher temperatures and magnetic fields, particularly for the yet-to-be-discovered superconductors operating at room temperatures. In this case, the performance of superconductors is limited by destructive fluctuations of the order parameter so that higher superfluid density and weaker electronic anisotropy, which reduce these fluctuations, can become far more important than higher Tc.
The Critical Phenomena and Thermodynamics of the Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter Black Hole
Authors: Zhao Ren , Ma Mengsen , Zhao Huihua , Zhang Lichun
Published: March 2014

It is wellknown that there are two horizons for the Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter spacetime, namely, the black hole horizon and the cosmological one. Both horizons can usually seem to be two independent thermodynamic systems; however, the thermodynamic quantities on both horizons satisfy the laws of black hole thermodynamics and are not independent. In this paper by considering the relations between the two horizons we give the effective thermodynamic quantities in Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter spacetime. The thermodynamic properties of these effective quantities are analyzed; moreover, the critical temperature, critical pressure, and critical volume are obtained. We also discussed the thermodynamic stability of Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter spacetime.
The Statistical Mechanics of Random Set Packing and a Generalization of the Karp-Sipser Algorithm
Authors: Lucibello C. , Ricci-Tersenghi F.
Published: March 2014

We analyse the asymptotic behaviour of random instances of the maximum set packing (MSP) optimization problem, also known as maximum matching or maximum strong independent set on hypergraphs. We give an analytic prediction of the MSPs size using the 1RSB cavity method from statistical mechanics of disordered systems. We also propose a heuristic algorithm, a generalization of the celebrated Karp-Sipser one, which allows us to rigorously prove that the replica symmetric cavity method prediction is exact for certain problem ensembles and breaks down when a core survives the leaf removal process. The e-phenomena threshold discovered by Karp and Sipser, marking the onset of core emergence and of replica symmetry breaking, is elegantly generalized to Cs=e/(d-1) for one of the ensembles considered, where d is the size of the sets.
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection for Quality Assessment of Explosively Clad Plates
Authors: Wronka Bogumił
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work was to study more thoroughly all problems relating to the evaluation of material defects connected with plate quality before and after explosive cladding. During testing great attention was paid to material defects in plates, the reasons for their appearance and possibility of detecting them by means of ultrasonic technique. It was most important to find out which defects were especially dangerous. The results of ultrasonic testing that relate to the quality of initial steel plates are described. Modelled defects of various sizes are ultrasonically tested and analysed. The properties of explosive welded joints and cases of cracks in clad plates are tested. All these data can be helpful in the context of working out criteria relating to the selection of initial plates for cladding.
Diabetic Myonecrosis: Uncommon Complications in Common Diseases
Authors: Sran Sisira , Sran Manpreet , Ferguson Nicole , Anand Prachi
Published: March 2014

We report a case of sudden thigh pain from spontaneous quadriceps necrosis, also known as diabetic myonecrosis, in a 28-year-old patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Diabetic muscle infarction is a rare end-organ complication seen in patients with poor glycemic control and advanced chronic microvascular complications. Proposed mechanisms involve atherosclerotic microvascular occlusion, ischemia-reperfusion related injury, vasculitis with microthrombi formation, and an acquired antiphospholipid syndrome. Diabetic myonecrosis most commonly presents as sudden thigh pain with swelling and should be considered in any patient who has poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Potential of Paeonia emodi Royle against High-Fat Diet Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zargar Bilal A. , Masoodi Mubashir H. , Ahmed Bahar , Ganie Showkat A.
Published: March 2014

The present study was intended to evaluate the effects of Paeonia emodi rhizome extracts on serum triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index (AI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The plant was extensively examined for its in vitro antioxidant activity, and the preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard protocols. Male Wistar rats were induced with hyperlipidemia using high-fat diet and were treated orally with hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts at the dose of 200 mg/kg bw for 30 days. TGs, TC, LDL-c, and AI were significantly reduced while HDL-c, SOD, and GPx levels rose to a considerable extent. After subjecting to acute toxicity testing, the extracts were found to be safe. The observations suggest antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of P. emodi in high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemic/oxidative stressed rats.
Efficacy of a Low Dose of Estrogen on Antioxidant Defenses and Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Campos Cristina , Casali Karina Rabello , Baraldi Dhãniel , Conzatti Adriana , Araújo Alex Sander da Rosa , Khaper Neelam , Llesuy Susana , Rigatto Katya , Belló-Klein Adriane
Published: March 2014

This study tested whether a low dose (40% less than the pharmacological dose of 17-βestradiol) would be as effective as the pharmacological dose to improve cardiovascular parameters and decrease cardiac oxidative stress. Female Wistar rats (n=9/group) were divided in three groups: (1) ovariectomized (Ovx), (2) ovariectomized animals treated for 21 days with low dose (LE; 0.2 mg), and (3) high dose (HE; 0.5 mg) 17-βestradiol subcutaneously. Hemodynamic assessment and spectral analysis for evaluation of autonomic nervous system regulation were performed. Myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion concentrations were measured. HE and LE groups exhibited an improvement in hemodynamic function and heart rate variability. These changes were associated with an increase in the TRAP, GSH/GSSG, SOD, and CAT. A decrease in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion was also observed in the treated estrogen groups as compared to the Ovx group. Our results indicate that a low dose of estrogen is just as effective as a high dose into promoting cardiovascular function and reducing oxidative stress, thereby supporting the approach of using low dose of estrogen in clinical settings to minimize the risks associated with estrogen therapy.
Leader‐Following Consensus of Multiagent Systems with Time‐Varying Delays via Impulsive Control
Authors: Ye Zhiyong , Chen Yungen , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2014

The leader‐following consensus problem for delayed multiagent systems is investigated over stochastic switching topologies via impulsive control method. A distributed consensus protocol is proposed based on sample data information. The convergence analysis for such algorithm over undirected and directed networks is provided, and some sufficient conditions to guarantee the consensus are also established. It is shown that delayed networks can achieve consensus even information is exchanged among followers just at some discrete moments. At last, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.
Improving Anti-Protein-Fouling Property of Polyacrylonitrile Ultrafiltration Membrane by Grafting Sulfobetaine Zwitterions
Authors: Meng Hong , Cheng Qiang , Wang Haizhi , Li Chunxi
Published: March 2014

Zwitterions show great superiority in the field of polymer membrane surface functionalization, as the synthesis process is simple, the adaptability of functional groups is strong, and zwitterions with strong hydration capacity in aqueous solutions can inhibit protein adsorption. In this study, a polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membrane was modified to improve anti-protein-fouling capacity by grafting short-chain sulfonic type zwitterions. 3-Dimethylaminopropylamine was first grafted onto hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane by the activation of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). Subsequently, sulfobetaine zwitterions emerged on the membrane surface by quaternization of 1,3-propane sultone. The sulfobetaine zwitterionic membranes were analyzed for surface chemical composition, hydrophilic properties, and surface and cross-sectional structure of the membrane, by a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. Static protein adsorption and dynamic filtration experiments were undertaken to show that the modified membrane had excellent resistance to protein adsorption. It was found that the molecular weight cutoff of the substrate membrane had great influence on the flux recovery rate of the modified membrane.
Genetic Diversity Assessment and Identification of New Sour Cherry Genotypes Using Intersimple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Najafzadeh Roghayeh , Arzani Kazem , Bouzari Naser , Saei Ali
Published: March 2014

Iran is one of the chief origins of subgenus Cerasus germplasm. In this study, the genetic variation of new Iranian sour cherries (which had such superior growth characteristics and fruit quality as to be considered for the introduction of new cultivars) was investigated and identified using 23 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Results indicated a high level of polymorphism of the genotypes based on these markers. According to these results, primers tested in this study specially ISSR-4, ISSR-6, ISSR-13, ISSR-14, ISSR-16, and ISSR-19 produced good and various levels of amplifications which can be effectively used in genetic studies of the sour cherry. The genetic similarity among genotypes showed a high diversity among the genotypes. Cluster analysis separated improved cultivars from promising Iranian genotypes, and the PCoA supported the cluster analysis results. Since the Iranian genotypes were superior to the improved cultivars and were separated from them in most groups, these genotypes can be considered as distinct genotypes for further evaluations in the framework of breeding programs and new cultivar identification in cherries. Results also confirmed that ISSR is a reliable DNA marker that can be used for exact genetic studies and in sour cherry breeding programs.
Amphiphilic Fluorescent Well-Defined Living Polymer from Indole-3-Carboxaldehyde and 4-Bromo-1, 8-Naphthalic Anhydride: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Srivastava Ambika , Singh Pooja , Srivastava Arti , Kumar Rajesh
Published: March 2014

We reported a well-defined amphiphilic fluorescent polymer bearing indole repeating units with naphthalimide pendants obtained by ATRP followed by chemical modification. The obtained polymer poly (N-allyl indole-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-1, 8-naphthalimide) (PAIHN) was characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC. The polymer showed a specific fluorescence emission maximum at 538 nm excited at 435 nm in aqueous solution. The amphiphilic nature of the polymer was investigated in aqueous solution using two spectroscopic methods, namely, absorption and emission spectroscopy. The Critical Miceller Concentration values obtained by UV-visible and fluorescence are in good agreement with each other. The micelles were characterized by TEM at concentration of 0.014 mg/mL. The polymer PAIHN prepared after tweaking exhibits green fluorescence at 538 nm due to the significant effect of naphthalimide moieties, whereas before tweaking the polymer poly (1-allyl indole-3-carbaldehyde) (PAIC) exhibits blue fluorescence at 425 nm due to indole repeating units of the polymer.
Development and Validation of High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Flavonoid Glycosides in Withania somnifera Aerial Parts
Authors: Mundkinajeddu Deepak , Sawant Laxman P. , Koshy Rojison , Akunuri Praneetha , Singh Vineet Kumar , Mayachari Anand , Sharaf Maged H. M. , Balasubramanian Murali , Agarwal Amit
Published: March 2014

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) commonly known as ashwagandha, is an important plant in Ayurveda and is believed to increase longevity and vitality. The root is considered to be the medicinally important part of the plant as per classical texts and accordingly is the subject of most Pharmacopeial monographs. The aerial parts, being less expensive, are sometimes mixed with roots to prepare “standardized” extracts of W. somnifera, and in cases with false declaration of plant part used as roots on the certificate of analysis. The present study described a new, simple, accurate, and precise HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of flavonoid glycosides as unique constituents of the aerial parts, being absent in roots of the plant. The RSD for intra- and interday analyses was less than 2.5% and the recovery was 90–108%. The method was used to analyze samples of roots and aerial parts of the plant collected from India and Egypt. The samples of commercially available extracts of W. somnifera were also analyzed and many samples were found to contain flavonoid glycosides indicating a possible undeclared use of aerial parts in the extracts derived from roots in commercial practice.
Trends in Antiparkinsonian Medication Use in New Zealand: 1995–2011
Authors: Pitcher T. L. , MacAskill M. R. , Anderson T. J.
Published: March 2014

Prescribing trends for medications are influenced by development of new drugs, changes in knowledge about efficacy and side effects, and priorities set by funding agencies. Changes in the utilization of antiparkinsonian agents in the outpatient community in New Zealand were investigated by using the national prescription database for the period 1995–2011. The dispensed volumes of antiparkinsonian agents were converted into number of defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day for analysis. Increases in the dispensed volumes of levodopa (77%), amantadine (350%), and catechol-o-methyl transferase inhibitors (326%) occurred during the study period. Conversely, decreases in the dispensed volumes of anticholinergics (48%), selegiline (82%), and dopamine agonists (6.2%) were observed. New Zealand has seen a substantial increase of the amount of levodopa dispensed in the past 17 years. This increase appears to be related to an increase in the number of people taking the medication. We are unable to extrapolate this change to an increase in the prevalence of PD, given levodopa is used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions. The changes in other antiparkinsonian medications largely reflect changes in availability (increases in entacapone and ropinirole) and best practice treatment (declines in anticholinergics, selegiline, and tolcapone).
Numerical Methods for Fractional Order Singular Partial Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Elbeleze Asma Ali , Kılıçman Adem , Taib Bachok M.
Published: March 2014

We implement relatively analytical methods, the homotopy perturbation method and the variational iteration method, for solving singular fractional partial differential equations of fractional order. The process of the methods which produce solutions in terms of convergent series is explained. The fractional derivatives are described in Caputo sense. Some examples are given to show the accurate and easily implemented of these methods even with the presence of singularities.
A Simplified Supercritical Fast Reactor with Thorium Fuel
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Kan , Yu Ganglin
Published: March 2014

Super-Critical water-cooled Fast Reactor (SCFR) is a feasible option for the Gen-IV SCWR designs, in which much less moderator and thus coolant are needed for transferring the fission heat from the core compared with the traditional LWRs. The fast spectrum of SCFR is useful for fuel breeding and thorium utilization, which is then beneficial for enhancing the sustainability of the nuclear fuel cycle. A SCFR core is constructed in this work, with the aim of simplifying the mechanical structure and keeping negative coolant void reactivity during the whole core life. A core burnup simulation scheme based on Monte Carlo lattice homogenization is adopted in this study, and the reactor physics analysis has been performed with DU-MOX and Th-MOX fuel. The main issues discussed include the fuel conversion ratio and the coolant void reactivity. The analysis shows that thorium-based fuel can provide inherent safety for SCFR without use of blanket, which is favorable for the mechanical design of SCFR.
The Psychogeriatric Patient in the Emergency Room: Focus on Management and Disposition
Authors: Tang Sherry , Patel Priyanka , Khubchandani Jagdish , Grossberg George T.
Published: March 2014

Background. The growing geriatric population in the United States (US) has prompted better understanding of treatment of the elderly in the hospital and emergency room (ER) settings. This study examines factors influencing the disposition of psychogeriatric patients after their initial presentation in the ER. Methods. Data was collected on patients 65 years of age or older arriving at the ER of a large urban hospital in the USA (January 2009–December 2010). Results. Of the total subjects (n=95) included in the study, majority were females (66.3%) with an average age of 75.5 years. The chief complaint for psychogeriatric patients coming to the ER was delirium (61.6%). Caucasians were significantly more likely than African-American patients to get a psychiatric consult (33% versus 9%). Patients with delirium were less likely than patients with other psychiatric complaints to get a psychiatric consult in the ER (1.2% versus 47.2%) and less likely to be referred to a psychiatric inpatient unit compared to patients with other psychiatric complaints (2.4% versus 16.7%). Conclusion. Even though delirium is the most common reason for ER visits among psychogeriatric patients, very few delirium patients got a psychiatric consultation in the ER. A well-equipped geriatric psychiatry unit can manage delirium and associated causes.
Fabrication of Thermoelectric Sensor and Cooling Devices Based on Elaborated Bismuth-Telluride Alloy Thin Films
Authors: Boulouz Abdellah , Giani Alain , Sorli Brice , Koutti Lahcen , Massaq Abdellah , Pascal-Delannoy Frederique
Published: March 2014

The principal motivation of this work is the development and realization of smart cooling and sensors devices based on the elaborated and characterized semiconducting thermoelectric thin film materials. For the first time, the details design of our sensor and the principal results are published.
Fabrication and characterization of Bi/Sb/Te (BST) semiconducting thin films have been successfully investigated. The best values of Seebeck coefficient (α(T)) at room temperature for Bi2Te3, and (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 with x = 0.77 are found to be −220 µV/K and +240 µV/K, respectively. Fabrication and evaluation of performance devices are reported. 2.60°C of cooling of only one Peltier module device for an optimal current of Iopt=2.50 mA is obtained. The values of temperature measured by infrared camera, by simulation, and those measured by the integrated and external thermocouple are reported. A sensitivity of the sensors of 5 mV Torr−1 mW−1 for the pressure sensor has been found with a response time of about 600 ms.
Effects of Quercetin on CYP450 and Cytokines in Aroclor 1254 Injured Endometrial Cells of the Pregnant Rats
Authors: Xu Lina , Sun Liyun , Lu Liqin , Zhong Xiuhui , Ma Yuzhong , Qin Jianhua
Published: March 2014

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread persistent residual environmental pollutants, which affect seriously the growth and reproductive alterations in humans and animals. Aroclor 1254 is a commercial mixture of PCBs. Quercetin is a flavonoid, which acts on estrogen receptors and causes the development of estrogen-related diseases. In this paper, the primary cultured endometrial cells in the pregnant rats were isolated and Aroclor 1254 was used to induce the injured endometrial cells model. The cells were treated with gradient quercetin, the viability of the endometrial cells, the expressions of CYP450, the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) were measured. It showed that the viability of the cultured endometrial cells, the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2B1, and the contents of TNF-α, E2, and IL-6 in the injured endometrial cells increased with the treatment of quercetin. It shows that quercetin has protective effect on the injured endometrial cells in the pregnant rats, this provide a basis on herbal medicine protection for animal reproductive diseases caused by environmental endocrine disruptors.
Processing Uncertain RFID Data in Traceability Supply Chains
Authors: Xie Dong , Xiao Jie , Guo Guangjun , Jiang Tong
Published: March 2014

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is widely used to track and trace objects in traceability supply chains. However, massive uncertain data produced by RFID readers are not effective and efficient to be used in RFID application systems. Following the analysis of key features of RFID objects, this paper proposes a new framework for effectively and efficiently processing uncertain RFID data, and supporting a variety of queries for tracking and tracing RFID objects. We adjust different smoothing windows according to different rates of uncertain data, employ different strategies to process uncertain readings, and distinguish ghost, missing, and incomplete data according to their apparent positions. We propose a comprehensive data model which is suitable for different application scenarios. In addition, a path coding scheme is proposed to significantly compress massive data by aggregating the path sequence, the position, and the time intervals. The scheme is suitable for cyclic or long paths. Moreover, we further propose a processing algorithm for group and independent objects. Experimental evaluations show that our approach is effective and efficient in terms of the compression and traceability queries.
Resveratrol Inhibits Phenotype Modulation by Platelet Derived Growth Factor-bb in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Lee Mi Hee , Kwon Byeong-Ju , Seo Hyok Jin , Yoo Kyeong Eun , Kim Min Sung , Koo Min-Ah , Park Jong-Chul
Published: March 2014

Dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are phenotypically modulated from the contractile state to the active synthetic state in the vessel wall. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on phenotype modulation by dedifferentiation and the intracellular signal transduction pathways of platelet derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-bb) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (RAOSMCs). Treatment of RAOSMCs with resveratrol showed dose-dependent inhibition of PDGF-bb-stimulated proliferation. Resveratrol treatment inhibited this phenotype change and disassembly of actin filaments and maintained the expression of contractile phenotype-related proteins such as calponin and smooth muscle actin-alpha in comparison with only PDGF-bb stimulated RAOSMC. Although PDGF stimulation elicited strong and detectable Akt and mTOR phosphorylations lasting for several hours, Akt activation was much weaker when PDGF was used with resveratrol. In contrast, resveratrol only slightly inhibited phosphorylations of 42/44 MAPK and p38 MAPK. In conclusion, RAOSMC dedifferentiation, phenotype, and proliferation rate were inhibited by resveratrol via interruption of the balance of Akt, 42/44MAPK, and p38MAPK pathway activation stimulated by PDGF-bb.
Regioselective Synthesis of Some Pyrazole Scaffolds Attached to Benzothiazole and Benzimidazole Moieties
Authors: Kheder Nabila A. , Mabkhot Yahia N. , Zahian Fawzia R. , Mohamed Sara S.
Published: March 2014

Condensation of 2-(benzothiazol-2-yl)acetonitrile (1) or 2-(1-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)acetonitrile (2) with thiophene-2-carbaldehyde afforded the corresponding acrylonitrile derivatives3or4, respectively. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of the acrylonitrile3or4with nitrile-imine6gave novel pyrazole derivatives pendant to benzothiazole and benzimidazole. The pyrazoline derivative7was converted into the corresponding pyrazole derivative11via thermal elimination of hydrogen cyanide upon heating in sodium ethoxide solution. The structures of the synthesized products were confirmed by IR,1H NMR, and mass spectral techniques.
Evaluation of a Porcine Dermal Collagen (Permacol) Implant for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in a Pediatric Multitrauma Patient
Authors: Melnik Idit , Mnouskin Youri , Verdiger Kurzbart Edna , Yoffe Boris
Published: March 2014

The presence of a contaminated surgical field in abdominal wall defects caused by trauma presents a challenge for surgeons. Both primary suture and synthetic meshes are strongly discouraged as surgical treatments in such cases. We describe the use of a porcine dermal collagen (Permacol) implant in an eight-year-old patient with multiple injuries. Three months after discharge, the child remains well with good cosmetic results. He is free of pain and has returned to full activity levels with complete wound closure and without any evidence of residual hernia. In conclusion, our experience indicates that the use of Permacol can be considered an efficient technique for reconstructing an infected abdominal wall defect of a pediatric multitrauma patient.
On the Class of(q,α,β)-Metrics
Authors: Alimohammadi Ahmad
Published: March 2014

We study a class of Finsler metrics in the formF=α+βq/αq-1, whereαis a Riemannian metric,βis a1-form, and1<q<2.  Fis called(q,α,β)-metrics. We find the necessary and sufficient conditions under which the class of(q,α,β)-metrics is locally projectively flat and Douglas metrics, respectively.
Antifungal, Antileishmanial, and Cytotoxicity Activities of Various Extracts of Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae) and Its Active Principle Berberine
Authors: Mahmoudvand Hossein , Ayatollahi Mousavi Seyyed Amin , Sepahvand Asghar , Sharififar Fariba , Ezatpour Behrouz , Gorohi Fatemeh , Saedi Dezaki Ebrahim , Jahanbakhsh Sareh
Published: March 2014

In this study, in vitro antidermatophytic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum was studied by disk diffusion test and assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using CLSI broth macrodilution method (M38-A2). Moreover, antileishmanial and cytotoxicity activity of B. vulgaris and berberine against promastigotes of Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica were evaluated by colorimetric MTT assay. The findings indicated that the various extracts of B. vulgaris particularly berberine showed high potential antidermatophytic against pathogenic dermatophytes tested with MIC values varying from 0.125 to >4 mg/mL. The results revealed that B. vulgaris extracts as well as berberine were effective in inhibiting L. major and L. tropica promastigotes growth in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values varying from 2.1 to 26.6 μg/mL. Moreover, it could be observed that berberine as compared with B. vulgaris exhibited more cytotoxicity against murine macrophages with CC50 (cytotoxicity concentration for 50% of cells) values varying from 27.3 to 362.6 μg/mL. Results of this investigation were the first step in the search for new antidermatophytic and antileishmanial drugs. However, further works are required to evaluate exact effect of these extracts in animal models as well as volunteer human subjects.
Some Implications of Two Forms of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle
Authors: Khalil Mohammed M.
Published: March 2014

Various theories of quantum gravity predict the existence of a minimum length scale, which leads to the modification of the standard uncertainty principle to the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP). In this paper, we study two forms of the GUP and calculate their implications on the energy of the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom more accurately than previous studies. In addition, we show how the GUP modifies the Lorentz force law and the time-energy uncertainty principle.
Dimension Spectrum for Sofic Systems
Authors: Ban Jung-Chao , Chang Chih-Hung , Chen Ting-Ju , Lin Mei-Shao
Published: March 2014

We study the dimension spectrum of sofic system with the potential functions being matrix valued. For finite-coordinate dependent positive matrix potential, we set up the entropy spectrum by constructing the quasi-Bernoulli measure and the cut-off method is applied to deal with the infinite-coordinate dependent case. We extend this method to nonnegative matrix and give a series of examples of the sofic-affine set on which we can compute the spectrum concretely.
An Improved Quantitative Analysis Method for Plant Cortical Microtubules
Authors: Lu Yi , Huang Chenyang , Wang Jia , Shang Peng
Published: March 2014

The arrangement of plant cortical microtubules can reflect the physiological state of cells. However, little attention has been paid to the image quantitative analysis of plant cortical microtubules so far. In this paper, Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) algorithm was applied in the image preprocessing of the original microtubule image. And then Intrinsic Mode Function 1 (IMF1) image obtained by decomposition was selected to do the texture analysis based on Grey-Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM) algorithm. Meanwhile, in order to further verify its reliability, the proposed texture analysis method was utilized to distinguish different images of Arabidopsis microtubules. The results showed that the effect of BEMD algorithm on edge preserving accompanied with noise reduction was positive, and the geometrical characteristic of the texture was obvious. Four texture parameters extracted by GLCM perfectly reflected the different arrangements between the two images of cortical microtubules. In summary, the results indicate that this method is feasible and effective for the image quantitative analysis of plant cortical microtubules. It not only provides a new quantitative approach for the comprehensive study of the role played by microtubules in cell life activities but also supplies references for other similar studies.
A First Principle Comparative Study on Chemisorption of H2 on C60, C80, and Sc3N@C80 in Gas Phase and Chemisorption of H2 on Solid Phase C60
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Chen Lijuan , Lv Yongkang , Liu Jianwen , Feng Gang
Published: March 2014

The chemisorptions of H2 on fullerenes C60 and C80, endofullerene Sc3C@C80 and solid C60 were comparatively studied. A chain reaction mechanism for dissociative adsorption of H2 on solid C60 is proposed under high pressure. The breaking of H–H bond is concerted with the formation of two C–H bonds on two adjacent C60 in solid phase. The adsorption process is facilitated by the application of high pressure. The initial H2 adsorption on two adjacent C60 gives a much lower barrier 1.36 eV in comparison with the barrier of adsorption on a single C60 (about 3.0 eV). As the stereo conjugate aromaticity of C60 is destructed by the initial adsorption, some active sites are created. Hence the successive adsorption becomes easier with much low barriers (0.6 eV). In addition, further adsorption can create new active sites for the next adsorption. Thus, a chain reaction path is formed with the initial adsorption dominating the whole adsorption process.
Ka-Band Slot-Microstrip-Covered and Waveguide-Cavity-Backed Monopulse Antenna Array
Authors: Si Li-Ming , Liu Yong , Huang Yongjun , Zhu Weiren
Published: March 2014

A slot-microstrip-covered and waveguide-cavity-backed monopulse antenna array is proposed for high-resolution tracking applications at Ka-band. The monopulse antenna array is designed with a microstrip with2×32slots, a waveguide cavity, and a waveguide monopulse comparator, to make the structure simple, reduce the feeding network loss, and increase the frequency bandwidth. The2×32slot-microstrip elements are formed by a metal clad dielectric substrate and slots etched in the metal using the standard printed circuit board (PCB) process with dimensions of 230 mm  ×  10 mm. The proposed monopulse antenna array not only maintains the advantages of the traditional waveguide slot antenna array, but also has the characteristics of wide bandwidth, high consistence, easy of fabrication, and low cost. From the measured results, it exhibits good monopulse characteristics, including the following: the maximum gains of sum pattern are greater than 24 dB, the 3 dB beamwidth of sum pattern is about 2.2 degrees, the sidelobe levels of the sum pattern are less than −18 dB, and the null depths of the difference pattern are less than −25 dB within the operating bandwidth between 33.65 GHz and 34.35 GHz for VSWR ≤ 2.
Emergence of blaTEM Type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Salmonella spp. in the Urban Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Dilruba , Ud-Din Abu Iftiaf Md. Salah , Wahid Syeda Umme Habiba , Mazumder Razib , Nahar Kamrun , Hossain Anowar
Published: March 2014

Salmonellosis, an acute invasive enteric infection, is endemic in Bangladesh. We analyzed 128,312 stool samples of diarrheal patients to identify Salmonella spp. during 2005–2013. A total of 2120 (1.7%) Salmonella spp. were isolated and the prevalence of Salmonella spp. decreased significantly over time (2→1%, P<0.001). Among the typhoidal Salmonella (TS) serogroups, S. Typhi was predominant (404, [65.1%]) followed by S. Paratyphi B (139, [22.4%]) and S. Paratyphi A (78, [12.6%]). Of the nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolates, the serogroup C1 (560, [37%]) was predominant followed by B (379, [25%]), C2 (203, [14%]), E (127, [9%]), and D (94, [6%]). Most of the resistance was found towards nalidixic acid (40%), ampicillin (36%), cotrimoxazole (20%), chloramphenicol (13%), ciprofloxacin (4%), and ceftriaxone (4%). Interestingly, 32% of the isolates showed reduced susceptibility to Cip. Multiantibiotic resistance (MAR, ≥3 drugs) was more common among TS than NTS strains (P<0.001). Among the representative ceftriaxone-resistant isolates, blaTEM gene was detected among 88% (7/8) of the strains, whereas only one strain of S. Typhi was positive for both blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes. The study reflects higher prevalence of MAR Salmonella spp. and is the first to report the blaTEM gene mediated ESBL production among Salmonellae in Bangladesh. Emergence of MAR Salmonella spp. in particular ESBL strains should be considered a public health concern.
Long-Term Mortality Analysis in Parkinson’s Disease Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Rocha Sofia , Monteiro Ana , Linhares Paulo , Chamadoira Clara , Basto Margarida Ayres , Reis Carina , Sousa Cláudia , Lima Joana , Rosas Maria José , Massano João , Vaz Rui
Published: March 2014

Background.Few data have been published regarding long-term mortality in patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with DBS.Methods.This study analyzed long-term mortality rates, causes, and correlates in PD patients treated with DBS.Results.184 consecutive patients were included; mean follow-up was 50 months. Fifteen deaths occurred (total 8.15%, annual mortality rate 1.94%). Mean age at disease onset and at surgery was48±2.4and63±1.6years, respectively. Mean disease duration until death was21±7.8years. Most deaths related to stroke, myocardial infarction, other vascular/heart disorders, or severe infection; one suicide was recorded. Deceased PD patients were mostly male and had lower motor benefit after DBS, but univariate analysis failed to show significant differences regarding gender and motor benefit. Survival was 99% and 94% at 3 and 5 years.Conclusions.Long-term survival is to be expected in PD patients treated with DBS, possibly higher than previously expected. Death usually supervenes due to vascular events or infection.
A First Assessment ofMycobacterium tuberculosisGenetic Diversity and Drug-Resistance Patterns in Twelve Caribbean Territories
Authors: Millet Julie , Baboolal Shirematee , Streit Elisabeth , Akpaka Patrick E. , Rastogi Nalin
Published: March 2014

With the exception of some French-speaking islands, data on tuberculosis (TB) in the Caribbean are scarce. In this study, we report a first assessment of genetic diversity of a convenience sample ofMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains received from twelve Caribbean territories by spoligotyping and describe their drug-resistance patterns. Of the 480 isolates, 40 (8.3%) isolates showed resistance to at least one anti-TB drug. The proportion of drug-resistant strains was significantly higher in The Bahamas (21.4%;P=0.02), and Guyana (27.5%;P<0.0001), while it was significantly lower in Jamaica (2.4%;P=0.03) than in other countries of the present study. Regarding genetic diversity, 104 distinct spoligotype patterns were observed: 49 corresponded to clustered strains (2 to 93 strains per cluster), while 55 remained unclustered among which 16 patterns were not reported previously. Combining the study results with regional data retrieved from the international SITVIT2 database underlined a connection between frequency of certainM. tuberculosisphylogenetic lineages and the language spoken, suggesting historical (colonial) and ongoing links (trade, tourism, and migratory flows) with European countries with which they shared a common past.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Antifertility Effect ofArtemisia kopetdaghensis
Authors: Oliaee Davood , Boroushaki Mohammad Taher , Oliaee Naiime , Ghorbani Ahmad
Published: March 2014

To date, there is no report on safety ofArtemisia Kopetdaghensis. This study aimed to determine the possible undesirable effects ofA. Kopetdaghensison reproduction of female rats. The pregnant rats were treated (i.p.) with vehicle or 200 and 400 mg/kg ofA. Kopetdaghensishydroalcoholic extract from the 2nd to 8th day of pregnancy. Then, number and weight of neonates, duration of pregnancy, and percent of dead fetuses were determined. Also, cytotoxicity of this plant was tested using fibroblast (L929) and ovary (Cho) cell lines. TheA. Kopetdaghensishad no significant effect on duration of pregnancy, average number of neonates, and weight of neonates. However, administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract led to 30 and 44% abortion in animals, respectively. The extract at concentrations ≥200 μg/mL significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the proliferation of L929 fibroblast cells. Regarding the Cho cells, the extract induced toxicity only at concentration of 800 μg/mL (P<0.01). Our results showed that continuous consumption ofA. Kopetdaghensisin pregnancy may increase the risk of abortion and also may have toxic effect on some cells.