bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Coinfections and Their Simultaneous Transmission on Antigenic Diversity and Epidemic Cycling of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Zhang Xu-Sheng , Cao Ke-Fei
Published: June 2014

Epidemic cycling in human infectious diseases is common; however, its underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. Much effort has been made to search for external mechanisms. Multiple strains of an infectious agent were usually observed and coinfections were frequent; further, empirical evidence indicates the simultaneous transmission of coinfections. To explore intrinsic mechanisms for epidemic cycling, in this study we consider a multistrain Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible epidemic model by including coinfections and simultaneous transmission. We show that coinfections and their simultaneous transmission widen the parameter range for coexistence and coinfections become popular when strains enhance each other and the immunity wanes quickly. However, the total prevalence is nearly independent of these characteristics and approximated by that of one-strain model. With sufficient simultaneous transmission and antigenic diversity, cyclical epidemics can be generated even when strains interfere with each other by reducing infectivity. This indicates that strain interactions within coinfections and cross-immunity during subsequent infection provide a possible intrinsic mechanism for epidemic cycling.
Transmit Beampattern Synthesis with Constant Beamwidth and Sidelobe Control for Wideband MIMO Radar
Authors: Gong Pengcheng , Shao Zhenhai
Published: June 2014

A beampattern synthesis approach is proposed to design the power spectral density matrix (PSDM), which is chosen to achieve a given transmit beampattern in wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems. The proposed approach focuses on transmit beampattern synthesis with constant beamwidth and sidelobe control. Moreover, the design problem is further converted to a convex optimization problem, which is solved efficiently via the modeling system CVX. In comparison to these recently developed wideband MIMO beampattern synthesis methods, the proposed approach maintains a constant beamwidth across the entire frequency band and provides a great improvement in sidelobe control. Numerical simulation results are obtained to validate the effectiveness of this approach.
KCTD11Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression Is Reduced in Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zazzeroni Francesca , Nicosia Daniela , Tessitore Alessandra , Gallo Rita , Verzella Daniela , Fischietti Mariafausta , Vecchiotti Davide , Ventura Luca , Capece Daria , Gulino Alberto , Alesse Edoardo
Published: June 2014

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer among men in the United States. A genetic contribution to prostate cancer risk has been documented, but knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer initiation is still not well understood. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomal regions is crucial in tumor progression. In human prostate cancer, several chromosomal regions demonstrating a high frequency of LOH have been previously identified.KCTD11 (REN)is a tumor suppressor gene mapping on human chromosome 17p13.2, whose expression is frequently lost in human medulloblastoma and in several other cancer types. KCTD11 acts as a negative regulator of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Here, we demonstrated thatKCTD11LOH is a common genetic lesion in human prostate adenocarcinoma. Indeed, nuclear KCTD11 protein expression is strongly reduced in primary prostate cancer, and this event correlated with overexpression of proteins acting into the Hedgehog pathway. Low levels ofKCTD11mRNA have been also observed in prostatic cancer cells, and ectopic overexpression of KCTD11 led to growth arrest. Our study demonstrates and supports that KCTD11, as well as negatively regulated downstream effectors belonging to Hh signaling, plays a role in prostate cancer pathogenesis. This could be suitable to characterize new diagnostic and therapeutic markers.
A Model for the Determination of Pollen Count Using Google Search Queries for Patients Suffering from Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: König Volker , Mösges Ralph
Published: June 2014

Background. The transregional increase in pollen-associated allergies and their diversity have been scientifically proven. However, patchy pollen count measurement in many regions is a worldwide problem with few exceptions. Methods.
This paper used data gathered from pollen count stations in Germany, Google queries using relevant allergological/biological keywords, and patient data from three German study centres collected in a prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre immunotherapy study to analyse a possible correlation between these data pools. Results. Overall, correlations between the patient-based, combined symptom medication score and Google data were stronger than those with the regionally measured pollen count data. The correlation of the Google data was especially strong in the groups of severe allergy sufferers. The results of the three-centre analyses show moderate to strong correlations with the Google keywords (up to >0.8 cross-correlation coefficient, P < 0.001) in 10 out of 11 groups (three averaged patient cohorts and eight subgroups of severe allergy sufferers: high IgE class, high combined symptom medication score, and asthma). Conclusion. For countries with a good Internet infrastructure but no dense network of pollen traps, this could represent an alternative for determining pollen levels and, forecasting the pollen count for the next day.
Photobiomodulation on Bax and Bcl-2 Proteins and SIRT1/PGC-1αAxis mRNA Expression Levels of Aging Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Li Fang-Hui , Liu Yan-Ying , Qin Fei , Luo Qing , Yang Hai-Ping , Zhang Quan-Guang , Liu Timon Cheng-Yi
Published: June 2014

Objective. This study aimed to analyze the effects of low level laser irradiation (LLLI) on Bax and IGF-1 and Bcl-2 protein contents and SIRT1/PGC-1αaxis mRNA expression levels to prevent sarcopenia in aged rats.Material and Methods. Twenty female Sprague Dawley rats (18 months old) were randomly divided into two groups (n=10per group): control (CON) and LLLI groups. The gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) laser irradiation at 810 nm was used in the single point contact mode (3.75 J/cm2; 0.4 cm2; 125 mW/cm2; 30 s). Bax, Bcl-2, and IGF-1 proteins and SIRT1/PGC-1αaxis mRNA expression were assessed 24 h after LLLI on gastrocnemius in aged rat.Results. Gastrocnemius muscle weights, gastrocnemius mass/body mass, Bcl-2/BAX ratio, Bcl-2 protein, IGF-1 protein, and the mRNA contents in SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, TMF, and SOD2 were significantly (P<0.05) increased by LLLI compared to CON group without LLLI. However, levels of BAX protein and caspase 3 mRNA were significantly attenuated by LLLI compared to CON group (P<0.05).Conclusion. LLLI at 810 nm inhibits sarcopenia associated with upregulation of Bcl-2/BAX ratio and IGF-1 and SIRT1/PGC-1αaxis mRNA expression in aged rats. This indicates that LLLI has potential to decrease progression of myocyte apoptosis in sarcopenic muscles.
Antihepatitis B Virus Activity of a Protein-Enriched Fraction from Housefly (Musca domestica) in a Stable HBV-Producing Cell Line
Authors: Lu Xuemei , Jin Xiaobao , Wang Jie , Chu Fujiang , Zhu Jiayong
Published: June 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem. Although several vaccines and therapeutic strategies are currently being implemented to combat HBV virus, effective antiviral therapy against HBV infection has not been fully developed. Alternative strategies and new drugs to combat this disease are urged. Insects and insect derivatives are a large and unexploited source of potentially useful compounds for modern medicine. In the present study, we investigated the first anti-HBV activity of a protein-enriched fraction (PE) from the larvae of the housefly (Musca domestica) in a stable HBV-producing cell line. HBsAg and HBeAg in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HBV-DNA was quantified by fluorescent quantification PCR. HBV core protein was assayed by immunofluorescent staining. Results indicate PE treatment inhibited both HBsAg, HBeAg secretion, and HBV-DNA replication. Furthermore, PE could also suppress HBV core protein expression. PE could be a potential candidate for the development of a novel and effective drug for the treatment of HBV infection.
Adiponectin Levels Are Reduced While Markers of Systemic Inflammation and Aortic Remodelling Are Increased in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Mother-Child Couple
Authors: Visentin Silvia , Lapolla Annunziata , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , Cosma Chiara , Dalfrà Mariagrazia , Camerin Martina , Faggian Diego , Plebani Mario , Cosmi Erich
Published: June 2014

Aim of the Study. To investigate the relationships between the adipocytokine levels, markers of inflammation, and vascular remodelling in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective study. One hundred and forty pregnant patients were enrolled. Adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C reactive protein (CRP) were assessed in IUGR, small for gestational age (SGA), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) mother-child couples at delivery. IUGR and SGA fetuses were defined as fetuses whose estimated fetal weight (EFW) was below 10th percentile for gestational age with and without umbilical artery (UA) Doppler abnormalities, respectively. Fetal aorta intima media thickness (aIMT) was evaluated by ultrasound in the same fetal groups. Data were analyzed by R (version 2.15.2).Results. There were 37 IUGR mother-child couples, 33 SGA, and 70 AGA. Leptin, TNFα, IL-6, and CRP serum levels were higher in IUGR pregnant patients (P<0.05). Adiponectin levels were significantly reduced in IUGR fetuses compared to SGA and AGA, while leptin, TNFα, and IL-6 levels were higher in IUGR group (P≤0.05). Fetal aIMT was significantly higher in IUGR (P<0.05) and in this group there was a negative correlation between aIMT and adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L ratio) (P<0.05) and between adiponectin and IL-6 levels (P<0.05).Conclusions. In conclusion, compared to SGA and AGA, IUGR fetuses had reduced circulating levels of adiponectin and elevated measures of aIMT and several inflammatory markers. Moreover, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with aIMT in IUGR fetuses suggesting a possible causal link between reduced adiponectin and vessel remodelling.
Tailor-Made Pentablock Copolymer Based Formulation for Sustained Ocular Delivery of Protein Therapeutics
Authors: Patel Sulabh P. , Vaishya Ravi , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Tamboli Viral , Pal Dhananjay , Mitra Ashim K.
Published: June 2014

The objective of this research article is to report the synthesis and evaluation of novel pentablock copolymers for controlled delivery of macromolecules in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. Novel biodegradable PB copolymers were synthesized by sequential ring-opening polymerization. Various ratios and molecular weights of each block (polyglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone) were selected for synthesis and to optimize release profile of FITC-BSA, IgG, and bevacizumab from nanoparticles (NPs) and thermosensitive gel. NPs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. In vitro release study of proteins from NPs alone and composite formulation (NPs suspended in thermosensitive gel) was performed. Composite formulations demonstrated no or negligible burst release with continuous near zero-order release in contrast to NPs alone. Hydrodynamic diameter of protein therapeutics and hydrophobicity of PB copolymer exhibited significant effect on entrapment efficiency and in vitro release profile. CD spectroscopy confirmed retention of structural conformation of released protein. Biological activity of released bevacizumab was confirmed by in vitro cell proliferation and cell migration assays. It can be concluded that novel PB polymers can serve a platform for sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins.
Long Non-Coding RNA Deregulation in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Chan Jimmy Yu-Wai , Wong Thian-Sze
Published: June 2014

Background.The deregulated tumorigenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported in several malignancies. However, there is still no comprehensive study on tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Methods.Functional reannotation for the human lncRNA was carried out by ncFANs. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to validate the identified lncRNAs.Results.Using the functional annotation algorithm from ncFANs, 8 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Lnc-PPP2R4-5, lnc-SPRR2D-1, lnc-MAN1A2-1, lnc-FAM46A-1, lnc-MBL2-4:1, and lnc-MBL2-4:3 were upregulated in the microdissected tongue SCC tissues. In comparison, lnc-AL355149.1-1 and lnc-STXBP5-1 showed significant downregulation. High level of lnc-MBL2-4:3 was significantly associated with the node positive tongue SCC patients. Further, patients with advanced T-stage demonstrated a further reduction of lnc-AL355149.1-1 in the tumor tissues. Treatment of tongue SCC cells with 5-fluorouracil and paclitaxel can reserve the expression patterns observed in the tongue SCC tissues. Further, changes of lnc-MBL2-4:3 and lnc-AL355149.1-1 expression levels were noticed in the cisplatin-resistant tongue SCC cells.Conclusions.Our results demonstrated that functional reannotation allows us to identify novel lncRNAs using the existing gene expression array dataset. The association of lncRNA with the T-stage and nodal status of tongue SCC patients suggested that lncRNA deregulation was involved in the pathogenesis of tongue SCC.
Purification and Characterization of Catalase from Marine BacteriumAcinetobactersp. YS0810
Authors: Fu Xinhua , Wang Wei , Hao Jianhua , Zhu Xianglin , Sun Mi
Published: June 2014

The catalase from marine bacteriumAcinetobactersp. YS0810 (YS0810CAT) was purified and characterized. Consecutive steps were used to achieve the purified enzyme as follows: ethanol precipitation, DEAE Sepharose ion exchange, Superdex 200 gel filtration, and Resource Q ion exchange. The active enzyme consisted of four identical subunits of 57.256 kDa. It showed a Soret peak at 405 nm, indicating the presence of iron protoporphyrin IX. The catalase was not apparently reduced by sodium dithionite but was inhibited by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and sodium azide. Peroxidase-like activity was not found with the substrate o-phenylenediamine. So the catalase was determined to be a monofunctional catalase. N-terminal amino acid of the catalase analysis gave the sequence SQDPKKCPVTHLTTE, which showed high degree of homology with those of known catalases from bacteria. The analysis of amino acid sequence of the purified catalase by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that it was a new catalase, in spite of its high homology with those of known catalases from other bacteria. The catalase showed high alkali stability and thermostability.
A Comparative Study of Routing Protocols of Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Han Guangjie , Jiang Xu , Qian Aihua , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Cheng Long
Published: June 2014

Recently, heterogeneous wireless sensor network (HWSN) routing protocols have drawn more and more attention. Various HWSN routing protocols have been proposed to improve the performance of HWSNs. Among these protocols, hierarchical HWSN routing protocols can improve the performance of the network significantly. In this paper, we will evaluate three hierarchical HWSN protocols proposed recently—EDFCM, MCR, and EEPCA—together with two previous classical routing protocols—LEACH and SEP. We mainly focus on the round of the first node dies (also called the stable period) and the number of packets sent to sink, which is an important aspect to evaluate the monitoring ability of a protocol. We conduct a lot of experiments and simulations on Matlab to analyze the performance of the five routing protocols.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging: A New Tool for the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yi-Feng , Liu Chang , Xu Hui-Xiong , Xu Jun-Mei , Zhang Jing , Guo Le-Hang , Zheng Shu-Guang , Liu Lin-Na , Xu Xiao-Hong
Published: June 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ARFI imaging in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules <1 cm.Materials and Methods. 173 pathologically proven thyroid nodules (77 benign, 96 malignant) in 157 patients were included in this study. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound (US) and ARFI imaging in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). The independent risk factors for predicting PTMC were evaluated.Results. The mean SWV value of benign and malignant thyroid nodules were 2.57 ± 0.79 m/s (range: 0.90–4.92 m/s) and 3.88 ± 2.24 m/s (range: 1.49–9.00 m/s) (P=0.000). Az for VTI elastography score was higher than that for hypoechoic, absence of halo sign, and type III vascularity (P<0.05). The optimal cut-offs for VTI elastography score and SWV were score 4 and 3.10 m/s. Gender, hypoechoic, taller than wide, VTI elastography score ≥ 4, and SWV > 3.10 m/s had been found to be independent risk factors for predicting PTMC.Conclusion. ARFI elastography can provide elasticity information of PTMC quantitatively (VTQ) and directly reflects the overall elastic properties (VTI). Gender, hypoechogenicity, taller than wide, VTI elastography score ≥ 4, and SWV > 3.10 m/s are independent risk factors for predicting PTMC. ARFI elastography seems to be a new tool for the diagnosis of PTMC.
The Influence of Prior Hyperthyroidism on Euthyroid Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Termote Karolien , Decallonne Brigitte , Mombaerts Ilse
Published: June 2014

Background. To investigate the influence of previous exposure to elevated thyroid hormones in euthyroid Graves’ ophthalmopathy.Design. Retrospective, observational case series in university setting Median follow-up of 1 year with ranges of 0,8–7,6 years. Study performance of 10 years.Participants. We reviewed the clinical records of 731 Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients. There were 88 (12%) patients with onset of Graves’ ophthalmopathy during euthyroidism: 37 (5%) patients had ophthalmopathy without known history of thyroid dysfunction (group A) and 51 patients (6%) had onset of ophthalmopathy 6 months or more euthyroid after completion of antithyroid therapy (group B).Main Outcome Measures. Graves’ ophthalmopathy was graded using the EUGOGO severity criteria. Unilaterality was investigated. TSH receptor antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody were measured as markers of Graves’ disease.Results. Group A had more often a normal ocular motility (46%) and less proptosis (14±4 mm) compared to group B (22%,16±4 mm) (P=0.032and 0.028, resp.). TSH receptor antibody was more frequently elevated in group B (94%) than in group A (17%)(P<0.001).Conclusion. Patients with euthyroid Graves’ ophthalmopathy present more often with ocular muscle restriction and proptosis when previously exposed to elevated thyroid hormones.
Folding Theory Applied to Residuated Lattices
Authors: Kadji Albert , Lele Celestin , Nganou Jean B. , Tonga Marcel
Published: June 2014

Residuated lattices play an important role in the study of fuzzy logic based ont-norms. In this paper, we introduce some notions ofn-fold filters in residuated lattices, study the relations among them, and compare them with prime, maximal and primary, filters. This work generalizes existing results in BL-algebras and residuated lattices, most notably the works of Lele et al., Motamed et al., Haveski et al., Borzooei et al., Van Gasse et al., Kondo et al., Turunen et al., and Borumand Saeid et al., we draw diagrams summarizing the relations between different types ofn-fold filters andn-fold residuated lattices.
Asymmetric Cell Division in Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells and Low Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Yijia , Zhang Shiwu
Published: June 2014

Asymmetric cell division is critical for generating cell diversity in low eukaryotic organisms. We previously have reported that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) induced by cobalt chloride demonstrate the ability to use an evolutionarily conserved process for renewal and fast reproduction, which is normally confined to simpler organisms. The budding yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which reproduces by asymmetric cell division, has long been a model for asymmetric cell division studies. PGCCs produce daughter cells asymmetrically in a manner similar to yeast, in that both use budding for cell polarization and cytokinesis. Here, we review the results of recent studies and discuss the similarities in the budding process between yeast and PGCCs.
On the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equation by the Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Ahmed Aden , Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: June 2014

Our concern in this paper is to use the homotopy decomposition method to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation (HJB). The approach is obviously extremely well organized and is an influential procedure in obtaining the solutions of the equations. We portrayed particular compensations that this technique has over the prevailing approaches. We presented that the complexity of the homotopy decomposition method is of orderO(n). Furthermore, three explanatory examples established good outcomes and comparisons with exact solution.
Big Data Analytics in Immunology: A Knowledge-Based Approach
Authors: Zhang Guang Lan , Sun Jing , Chitkushev Lou , Brusic Vladimir
Published: June 2014

With the vast amount of immunological data available, immunology research is entering the big data era. These data vary in granularity, quality, and complexity and are stored in various formats, including publications, technical reports, and databases. The challenge is to make the transition from data to actionable knowledge and wisdom and bridge the knowledge gap and application gap. We report a knowledge-based approach based on a framework called KB-builder that facilitates data mining by enabling fast development and deployment of web-accessible immunological data knowledge warehouses. Immunological knowledge discovery relies heavily on both the availability of accurate, up-to-date, and well-organized data and the proper analytics tools. We propose the use of knowledge-based approaches by developing knowledgebases combining well-annotated data with specialized analytical tools and integrating them into analytical workflow. A set of well-defined workflow types with rich summarization and visualization capacity facilitates the transformation from data to critical information and knowledge. By using KB-builder, we enabled streamlining of normally time-consuming processes of database development. The knowledgebases built using KB-builder will speed up rational vaccine design by providing accurate and well-annotated data coupled with tailored computational analysis tools and workflow.
Cyberphysical Security for Industrial Control Systems Based on Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lu Tianbo , Guo Xiaobo , Li Yang , Peng Yong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xie Feng , Gao Yang
Published: June 2014

In recent years, the security of cyberphysical system (CPS) has been focused on increasingly. The most common example of CPS is industrial control system (ICS), which is prevalent in almost every critical infrastructure, such as electricity, oil and gas, water, chemical processing, and healthcare. So ICS security has become a top priority in the security field. Based on a general description of the wireless sensor network (WSN), which is an important element of CPS, this paper first gives a comprehensive and deep understanding of CPS. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive description of the current situation of ICS security in the U.S. and the corresponding approaches the U.S. government and some industries have taken, including management, technology, standards and regulations, and researches of national laboratories. Thirdly, the paper shows the research on ICS in Europe, focusing on the most important report issued by ENISA. Then, compared with developed countries, it presents the grim situation of ICS security and describes the efforts of ICS security management in China.
Signaling Mechanisms and Disrupted Cytoskeleton in the Diphenyl Ditelluride Neurotoxicity
Authors: Pessoa-Pureur Regina , Heimfarth Luana , Rocha João B.
Published: June 2014

Evidence from our group supports that diphenyl ditelluride (PhTe)2neurotoxicity depends on modulation of signaling pathways initiated at the plasma membrane. The (PhTe)2-evoked signal is transduced downstream of voltage-dependent Ca2+channels (VDCC), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA), or metabotropic glutamate receptors activation via different kinase pathways (protein kinase A, phospholipase C/protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt signaling pathway). Among the most relevant cues of misregulated signaling mechanisms evoked by (PhTe)2is the cytoskeleton of neural cells. Thein vivoandin vitroexposure to (PhTe)2induce hyperphosphorylation/hypophosphorylation of neuronal and glial intermediate filament (IF) proteins (neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein, resp.) in different brain structures of young rats. Phosphorylation of IFs at specific sites modulates their association/disassociation and interferes with important physiological roles, such as axonal transport. Disrupted cytoskeleton is a crucial marker of neurodegeneration and is associated with reactive astrogliosis and apoptotic cell death. This review focuses the current knowledge and important results on the mechanisms of (PhTe)2neurotoxicity with special emphasis on the cytoskeletal proteins and their differential regulation by kinases/phosphatases and Ca2+-mediated mechanisms in developmental rat brain. We propose that the disrupted cytoskeletal homeostasis could support brain damage provoked by this neurotoxicant.
Increased Release Time of Antibiotics from Bone Allografts through a Novel Biodegradable Coating
Authors: Hornyák István , Madácsi Edit , Kalugyer Pálma , Vácz Gabriella , Horváthy Dénes B. , Szendrői Miklós , Han Weiping , Lacza Zsombor
Published: June 2014

The use of bone allografts is contraindicated in septic revision surgery due to the high risk of graft reinfection. Antibiotic release from the graft may solve the problem and these combinations can theoretically be used for prevention or even therapy of infection. The present study investigated whether amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin alone or in combination with chitosan or alginate are suitable for short-term or long-term bone coating. Human bone allografts were prepared from femoral head and lyophilized. Antibiotic coating was achieved by incubating the grafts in antibiotic solution and freeze-drying again. Two biopolymers chitosan and alginate were used for creating sustained-release implantable coatings and the drug release profile was characterizedin vitroby spectrophotometry. Using lyophilization with or without chitosan only resulted in short-term release that lasted up to 48 hours. Alginate coating enabled a sustained release that lasted for 8 days with amoxicillin, 28 days with ciprofloxacin coating, and 50 days with vancomycin coating. Using only implantable biodegradable allograft and polymers, a sustained release of antibiotics was achieved with ciprofloxacin and vancomycin for several weeks. Since the calculated daily release of the antibiotic was lower than the recommended IV dose, the calcium alginate coated bone graft can support endoprosthesis revision surgery.
The Study of Naphthoquinones and Their Complexes with DNA by Using Raman Spectroscopy and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy: New Insight into Interactions of DNA with Plant Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Vaverkova Veronika , Vrana Oldrich , Adam Vojtech , Pekarek Tomas , Jampilek Josef , Babula Petr
Published: June 2014

Naphthoquinones represent the group of plant secondary metabolites with cytotoxic properties based on their ability to generate reactive oxygen species and interfere with the processes of cell respiration. Due to this fact, the possible cytotoxic mechanisms on cellular and subcellular levels are investigated intensively. There are many targets of cytotoxic action on the cellular level; however, DNA is a critical target of many cytotoxic compounds. Due to the cytotoxic properties of naphthoquinones, it is necessary to study the processes of naphthoquinones, DNA interactions (1,4-naphthoquinone, binapthoquinone, juglone, lawsone, plumbagin), especially by using modern analytical techniques. In our work, the Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the possible binding sites of the naphthoquinones on the DNA and to characterize the bond of naphthoquinone to DNA. Experimental data reveals the relationships between the perturbations of structure-sensitive Raman bands and the types of the naphthoquinones involved. The modification of DNA by the studied naphthoquinones leads to the nonspecific interaction, which causes the transition of B-DNA into A-DNA conformation. The change of the B-conformation of DNA for all measured DNA modified by naphthoquinones except plumbagin is obvious.
Immunomodulatory and Antidiabetic Effects of a New Herbal Preparation (HemoHIM) on Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Kim Jong-Jin , Choi Jina , Lee Mi-Kyung , Kang Kyung-Yun , Paik Man-Jeong , Jo Sung-Kee , Jung Uhee , Park Hae-Ran , Yee Sung-Tae
Published: June 2014

HemoHIM (a new herbal preparation of three edible herbs: Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Paeonia japonica Miyabe) was developed to protect immune, hematopoietic, and self‐renewal tissues against radiation. This study determined whether or not HemoHIM could alter hyperglycemia and the immune response in diabetic mice. Both nondiabetic and diabetic mice were orally administered HemoHIM (100 mg/kg) once a day for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 200 mg/kg, i.p.). In diabetic mice, HemoHIM effectively improved hyperglycemia and glucose tolerance compared to the diabetic control group as well as elevated plasma insulin levels with preservation of insulin staining in pancreatic β‐cells. HemoHIM treatment restored thymus weight, white blood cells, lymphocyte numbers, and splenic lymphocyte populations (CD4+ T and CD8+ T), which were reduced in diabetic mice, as well as IFN‐γ production in response to Con A stimulation. These results indicate that HemoHIM may have potential as a glucose‐lowering and immunomodulatory agent by enhancing the immune function of pancreatic β‐cells in STZ‐induced diabetic mice.
Shock Absorbing Function Study on Denucleated Intervertebral Disc with or without Hydrogel Injection through Static and Dynamic Biomechanical Tests In Vitro
Authors: Zhou Zhiyu , Gao Manman , Wei Fuxin , Liang Jiabi , Deng Wenbin , Dai Xuejun , Zhou Guangqian , Zou Xuenong
Published: June 2014

Hydrogel injection has been recently proposed as a novel therapy for disc degenerative diseases, with the potential to restore the spine motion and the intervertebral disc height. However, it remains unknown whether the new technique could also maintain the shock absorbing property of the treated intervertebral disc. In this study, 18 porcine lumbar bone-disc-bone specimens were collected and randomly divided into three groups: the normal with intact intervertebral discs, the mimic for the injection of disulfide cross-linked hyaluronan hydrogels following discectomy, and the control disc with discectomy only. In the static compression test, specimens in the mimic group exhibited displacements similar to those in the normal discs, whereas the control group showed a significantly larger displacement range in the first two steps (P<0.05). With the frequency increasing, all specimens generally displayed an increasing storage modulus, decreasing loss modulus, and tanδ. At any frequency point, the control group exhibited the largest value in all the three parameters among three groups while the normal group was the lowest, with the mimic group being mostly close to the normal group. Therefore, the hydrogel injection into the intervertebral discs greatly restored their shock absorbing function, suggesting that the technique could serve as an effective approach to maintaining biomechanical properties of the degenerative intervertebral disc.
Denture-Related Stomatitis Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Maciąg Joanna , Osmenda Grzegorz , Nowakowski Daniel , Wilk Grzegorz , Maciąg Anna , Mikołajczyk Tomasz , Nosalski Ryszard , Sagan Agnieszka , Filip Magdalena , Dróżdż Mirosław , Loster Jolanta , Guzik Tomasz J. , Cześnikiewicz-Guzik Marta
Published: June 2014

Oral inflammation, such as periodontitis, can lead to endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, and vascular dysfunction. The relationship between vascular dysfunction and other common forms of oral infections such as denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is unknown. Similar risk factors predispose to both conditions including smoking, diabetes, age, and obesity. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate endothelial function and major vascular disease risk factors in 44 consecutive patients with dentures with clinical and microbiological features of DRS (n=20) and without DRS (n=24). While there was a tendency for higher occurrence of diabetes and smoking, groups did not differ significantly in respect to major vascular disease risk factors. Groups did not differ in main ambulatory blood pressure, total cholesterol, or even CRP. Importantly, flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was significantly lower in DRS than in non-DRS subjects, while nitroglycerin induced vasorelaxation (NMD) or intima-media thickness (IMT) was similar. Interestingly, while triglyceride levels were normal in both groups, they were higher in DRS subjects, although they did not correlate with either FMD or NMD.Conclusions. Denture related stomatitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction in elderly patients with dentures. This is in part related to the fact that diabetes and smoking increase risk of both DRS and cardiovascular disease.
A Study on Surface Modification of Al7075-T6 Alloy against Fretting Fatigue Phenomenon
Authors: Mohseni E. , Zalnezhad E. , Sarhan Ahmed A. D. , Bushroa A. R.
Published: June 2014

Aircraft engines, fuselage, automobile parts, and energy saving strategies in general have promoted the interest and research in the field of lightweight materials, typically on alloys based on aluminum. Aluminum alloy itself does not have suitable wear resistance; therefore, it is necessary to enhance surface properties for practical applications, particularly when aluminum is in contact with other parts. Fretting fatigue phenomenon occurs when two surfaces are in contact with each other and one or both parts are subjected to cyclic load. Fretting drastically decreases the fatigue life of materials. Therefore, investigating the fretting fatigue life of materials is an important subject. Applying surface modification methods is anticipated to be a supreme solution to gradually decreasing fretting damage. In this paper, the authors would like to review methods employed so far to diminish the effect of fretting on the fatigue life of Al7075-T6 alloy. The methods include deep rolling, shot peening, laser shock peening, and thin film hard coatings. The surface coatings techniques are comprising physical vapor deposition (PVD), hard anodizing, ion-beam-enhanced deposition (IBED), and nitriding.
Mine Land Reclamation and Eco-Reconstruction in Shanxi Province I: Mine Land Reclamation Model
Authors: Bing-yuan Hao , Li-xun Kang
Published: June 2014

Coal resource is the main primary energy in our country, while Shanxi Province is the most important province in resource. Therefore Shanxi is an energy base for our country and has a great significance in energy strategy. However because of the heavy development of the coal resource, the ecological environment is worsening and the farmland is reducing continuously in Shanxi Province. How to resolve the contradiction between coal resource exploitation and environmental protection has become the imperative. Thus the concept of “green mining industry” is arousing more and more attention. In this assay, we will talk about the basic mode of land reclamation in mine area, the engineering study of mine land reclamation, the comprehensive model study of mine land reclamation, and the design and model of ecological agricultural reclamation in mining subsidence.
Nonpremixed Counterflow Flames: Scaling Rules for Batch Simulations
Authors: Fiala Thomas , Sattelmayer Thomas
Published: June 2014

A method is presented to significantly improve the convergence behavior of batch nonpremixed counterflow flame simulations with finite-rate chemistry. The method is applicable to simulations with varying pressure or strain rate, as it is, for example, necessary for the creation of flamelet tables or the computation of the extinction point. The improvement is achieved by estimating the solution beforehand. The underlying scaling rules are derived from theory, literature, and empirical observations. The estimate is used as an initialization for the actual solver. This enhancement leads to a significantly improved robustness and acceleration of batch simulations. The extinction point can be simulated without cumbersome code extensions. The method is demonstrated on two test cases and the impact is discussed.
A New Multiconstraint Method for Determining the Optimal Cable Stresses in Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Asgari B. , Osman S. A. , Adnan A.
Published: June 2014

Cable-stayed bridges are one of the most popular types of long-span bridges. The structural behaviour of cable-stayed bridges is sensitive to the load distribution between the girder, pylons, and cables. The determination of pretensioning cable stresses is critical in the cable-stayed bridge design procedure. By finding the optimum stresses in cables, the load and moment distribution of the bridge can be improved. In recent years, different research works have studied iterative and modern methods to find optimum stresses of cables. However, most of the proposed methods have limitations in optimising the structural performance of cable-stayed bridges. This paper presents a multiconstraint optimisation method to specify the optimum cable forces in cable-stayed bridges. The proposed optimisation method produces less bending moments and stresses in the bridge members and requires shorter simulation time than other proposed methods. The results of comparative study show that the proposed method is more successful in restricting the deck and pylon displacements and providing uniform deck moment distribution than unit load method (ULM). The final design of cable-stayed bridges can be optimised considerably through proposed multiconstraint optimisation method.
Evolution of Helium with Temperature in Neutron-Irradiated10B-Doped Aluminum by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering
Authors: Huang Chaoqiang , Yan Guanyun , Tian Qiang , Sun Guangai , Chen Bo , Sheng Liusi , Liu Yaoguang , Long Xinggui , Liu Xiao , Han Luhui , Wu Zhonghua
Published: June 2014

Helium status is the primary effect of material properties under radiation.10B-doped aluminum samples were prepared via arc melting technique and rapidly cooled with liquid nitrogen to increase the boron concentration during the formation of compounds. An accumulated helium concentration of ~6.2 × 1025 m−3was obtained via reactor neutron irradiation with the reaction of10B(n,α)7Li. Temperature-stimulated helium evolution was observed via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SAXS results show that the volume fraction of helium bubbles significantly increased with temperature. The amount of helium bubbles reached its maximum at 600°C, and the most probable diameter of the helium bubbles increased with temperature until 14.6 nm at 700°C. A similar size distribution of helium bubbles was obtained via TEM after in situ SAXS measurement at 700°C, except that the most probable diameter was 3.9 nm smaller.
ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Liver Transplantation from Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positive Donor to Hepatitis C Liver Cirrhosis Recipient: A Case Report
Authors: Umemura Akira , Nitta Hiroyuki , Sasaki Akira , Takahara Takeshi , Hasegawa Yasushi , Wakabayashi Go
Published: June 2014

Herein, we describe an extremely rare experience of a patient with liver cirrhosis from hepatitis C virus (LC-HCV) who underwent an ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation (ABO-I-LDLT) using a hepatitis B core antibody (HBc-Ab) positive donor’s liver graft. A 47-year-old Japanese woman with end stage LC-HCV, as a recipient, was preoperatively administered rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids without plasma exchange. A routine ABO-I-LDLT procedure was applied using her daughter’s HBc-Ab positive liver graft. Prophylaxis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and entecavir had been properly administered. Three months after the ABO-I-LDLT, HCV hepatitis relapsed. To date, this patient has been under antiviral therapy and prophylaxis of HBV infection using HBIG, while entecavir has been continued. The cognitions and techniques with regard to ABO-I-LDLT, prophylaxis of HBV cross infection, various patterns of immunosuppression, and antiviral therapy for HCV relapse are indispensable in managing a transplant recipient. According to the prophylaxis of HBV cross infection under ABO-I-LDLT, it may be very important to keep the HBs-Ab titer higher than usual for HBV naïve recipients, because severe systemic immunosuppression can causede novohepatitis.
Measurement of Hand/Handrim Grip Forces in Two Different One Arm Drive Wheelchairs
Authors: Mandy Anne , Redhead Lucy , Michaelis Jon
Published: June 2014

Purpose. The aim of this study was to explore the total and regional grip forces in the hand when propelling two different manual one arm drive wheelchairs: the Neater Uni-wheelchair (NUW) and a foot steered Action3 wheelchair.Methods. 17 nondisabled users were randomly assigned to each wheelchair to drive around an indoor obstacle course. TheGrip, a multiple sensor system taking continuous measurement of handgrip force, was attached to the propelling hand. Total grip force in each region of the hand and total grip force across the whole hand were calculated per user per wheelchair.Results. The Action3 with foot steering only generated significantly greater total grip force in straight running compared to the NUW and also in the fingers and thumb in straight running.Conclusions. The results suggest that the Action3 with foot steering generated greater grip forces which may infer a greater potential for repetitive strain injury in the upper limb. Further work is required to explore whether the difference in grip force is of clinical significance in a disabled population.
Isolation, Screening, and Identification of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Natural Reserves in the Subtropical Region of China and Optimization of Cellulase Production byPaenibacillus terraeME27-1
Authors: Liang Yan-Ling , Zhang Zheng , Wu Min , Wu Yuan , Feng Jia-Xun
Published: June 2014

From different natural reserves in the subtropical region of China, a total of 245 aerobic bacterial strains were isolated on agar plates containing sugarcane bagasse pulp as the sole carbon source. Of the 245 strains, 22 showed hydrolyzing zones on agar plates containing carboxymethyl cellulose after Congo-red staining. Molecular identification showed that the 22 strains belonged to 10 different genera, with theBurkholderiagenus exhibiting the highest strain diversity and accounting for 36.36% of all the 22 strains. Three isolates among the 22 strains showed higher carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity, and isolate ME27-1 exhibited the highest CMCase activity in liquid culture. The strain ME27-1 was identified asPaenibacillus terraeon the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as well as physiological and biochemical properties. The optimum pH and temperature for CMCase activity produced by the strain ME27-1 were 5.5 and 50°C, respectively, and the enzyme was stable at a wide pH range of 5.0–9.5. A 12-fold improvement in the CMCase activity (2.08 U/mL) of ME27-1 was obtained under optimal conditions for CMCase production. Thus, this study provided further information about the diversity of cellulose-degrading bacteria in the subtropical region of China and foundP. terraeME27-1 to be highly cellulolytic.
Acute Superoxide Radical Scavenging Reduces Blood Pressure but Does Not Influence Kidney Function in Hypertensive Rats with Postischemic Kidney Injury
Authors: Miloradović Zoran , Ivanov Milan , Mihailović-Stanojević Nevena , Grujić Milanović Jelica , Jovović Đurđica , Vajić Una-Jovana , Marković-Lipkovski Jasmina
Published: June 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hypertensive surroundings. We investigated superoxide radical molecules influence on systemic haemodynamic and kidney function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with induced postischemic AKI. Experiment was performed in anesthetized adult male SHR. The right kidney was removed, and left renal artery was subjected to ischemia by clamping for 40 minutes. The treated group received synthetic superoxide dismutase mimetic TEMPOL in the femoral vein 5 minutes before, during, and 175 minutes after the period of reperfusion, while the control AKI group received the vehicle via the same route. All parameters were measured 24 h after renal reperfusion. TEMPOL treatment significantly decreased mean arterial pressure and total peripheral resistanceP<0.05compared to AKI control. It also increased cardiac output and catalase activityP<0.05. Lipid peroxidation and renal vascular resistance were decreased in TEMPOLP<0.05. Plasma creatinine and kidney morphological parameters were unchanged among TEMPOL treated and control groups. Our study shows that superoxide radicals participate in haemodynamic control, but acute superoxide scavenging is ineffective in glomerular and tubular improvement, probably due to hypertension-induced strong endothelial dysfunction which neutralizes beneficial effects ofO2−scavenging.
Giant Nephrothoracic Abscess: A Misleading Disease, a Surgical Challenge, and an Unexpected Complication
Authors: Kronenberg Peter , Graça Bruno , Ferreira Coelho Manuel
Published: June 2014

A rare case of perinephric abscess with unilateral secondary pulmonary involvement that was further complicated by spillover of purulent content into the contralateral lung is reported here. Its diagnosis, treatment, and evolution are described and discussed along with certain features of nephropulmonary fistulas. The diagnosis of these abscesses is difficult, largely because of the paucity of primary symptoms and the frequent presence of misleading secondary symptoms. Deceptive cases like this one highlight the importance of its contemplation in every physician’s differential diagnosis.
Damage Location Index of Shear Structures Based on Changes in First Two Natural Frequencies
Authors: HoThu Hien , Mita Akira
Published: June 2014

A method of detecting the location of damage in shear structures by using only the changes in first two natural frequencies of the translational modes is proposed. This damage detection method can determine the damage location in a shear building by using a Damage Location Index (DLI) based on two natural frequencies for undamaged and damaged states. In this study, damage is assumed to be represented by the reduction in stiffness. This stiffness reduction results in a change in natural frequencies. The uncertainty associated with system identification methods for obtaining natural frequencies is also carefully considered. Some simulations and experiments on shear structures were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed method.