bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic and microwave absorbing performance of ultra-thin Fe attached carbon nanotube hybrid buckypaper
Authors: Lu Shaowei , Zeng Xianjun , Nie Peng , Feng Chunlin , Xiong Xuhai , Ma Keming
Published: December 2013

The ultra-thin Fe attached multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid buckypaper ( Fe /MWCNT hybrid buckypaper) was fabricated by vacuum filtration method with monodispersion solutions of MWCNTs and Fe nanoparticles. The morphology, element composition and magnetic properties of buckypapers were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vibrating sample magnetometer. The complex permittivity and permeability, the reflection loss (RL) properties of buckypapers attached composite were investigated in the frequency range of 12.4–18 GHz. The Fe /MWCNTs hybrid buckypaper attached composite posses much broader absorbing bandwidth and larger reflectivity than those of pure MWCNTs buckypaper attached composite with the same absorbing thickness (dm = 0.1 mm). The best reflectivity below -5 dB is at 14.0–18 GHz, and the minimum value is -14.4 dB at 16.8 GHz. The experimental result indicates that Fe /MWCNTs hybrid buckypaper has potential application in thin thickness and light-weight microwave absorbers.
Enhancement in visible luminescence from nanocomposite ZnO-SiOx thin films due to annealing
Authors: Kumar V. V. Siva , Kanjilal D.
Published: December 2013

The annealing induced enhancement in visible photoluminescence (PL) from nanocomposite (nc) ZnO – SiO x thin films was investigated. Nc ZnO – SiO x thin films consisting of ZnO nanocrystals in silica matrix were grown by depositing the films using radio frequency (rf) reactive co-sputtering and post-annealing them at temperatures of 350°C and 500°C in high vacuum and air. These films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), (PL) spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectrophotometry measurements. Thin films were also deposited on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids in almost identical conditions. The TEM measurement of the thin film deposited on TEM grid shows the formation of ZnO nanocrystals with a size distribution from 3.0 nm to 6.8 nm (+/-0.2 nm) in silica matrix. The UV–Vis spectra of the films show absorption features of ZnO and Zn 2 SiO 4 phases in the films. The visible PL emission intensity and peak width increased in the annealed films. The results suggest increase in the number and size distribution of the ZnO nanocrystals in silica matrix due to the annealing resulting in increase in visible PL emission. The results of vacuum annealed films indicate that these films can be useful in the development of wide band visible light emitting devices using this material.
Microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Ga-DOPED SiGe alloys prepared by mechanical alloying and induction hot pressing
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Wang Chunlin , Chen Haiyan , Huo Dexuan , Savvides Nick , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2013

Ga -doped SiGe alloys were prepared by high energy ball milling followed by induction hot pressing. The grain size decreases dramatically with increasing mill time, and nanostructured features in the range 3–500 nm were introduced after extensive ball milling for 2–12 h. The bulk alloys hot pressed from 2 h and 6 h dry-milled powders consist of different compositions of micron- to nanosized Si y Ge 100-y, where Ga prefers to locate in the submicron- and nanosized Ge -rich phase and form a modulation-doping structure. The samples hot pressed from 12 h wet-milled powders are more homogeneous in microstructure and composition. Property characterization shows that although Ga -doping leads to p-type conduction, only part of Ga atoms is incorporated as dopant in the SiGe solid solution phase. Samples hot pressed from 2 h and 6 h dry-milled powders have higher power factors, while those hot pressed from 12 h wet-milled powders posses much lower thermal conductivity. The maximum figure of merit (ZT) is 0.51 at 805°C for the 6 h dry-milled and hot pressed sample with the nominal composition Si 80 Ge 18 Ga 2.
Approximate Symmetries of the Harry Dym Equation
Authors: Nadjafikhah Mehdi , Kabi-Nejad Parastoo
Published: December 2013

We derive the first-order approximate symmetries for the Harry Dym equation by the method of approximate transformation groups proposed by Baikov et al. (1989, 1996). Moreover, we
investigate the structure of the Lie algebra of symmetries of the perturbed Harry Dym equation. We compute the one-dimensional optimal system of subalgebras as well as point out some approximately differential invariants
with respect to the generators of Lie algebra and optimal system.
Self-Adaptive On-Chip System Based on Cross-Layer Adaptation Approach
Authors: Loukil Kais , Ben Amor Nader , Abid Mohamed , Diguet Jean Philippe
Published: December 2013

The emergence of mobile and battery operated multimedia systems and the diversity of supported applications mount new challenges in terms of design efficiency of these systems which must provide a maximum application quality of service (QoS) in the presence of a dynamically varying environment. These optimization problems cannot be entirely solved at design time and some efficiency gains can be obtained at run-time by means of self-adaptivity. In this paper, we propose a new cross-layer hardware (HW)/software (SW) adaptation solution for embedded mobile systems. It supports application QoS under real-time and lifetime constraints via coordinated adaptation in the hardware, operating system (OS), and application layers. Our method relies on an original middleware solution used on both global and local managers. The global manager (GM) handles large, long-term variations whereas the local manager (LM) is used to guarantee real-time constraints. The GM acts in three layers whereas the LM acts in application and OS layers only. The main role of GM is to select the best configuration for each application to meet the constraints of the system and respect the preferences of the user. The proposed approach has been applied to a 3D graphics application and successfully implemented on an Altera FPGA.
Multinomial Logit Model of Pedestrian Crossing Behaviors at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Zhou Zhu-Ping , Liu Ying-Shun , Wang Wei , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2013

Pedestrian crashes, making up a large proportion of road casualties, are more likely to occur at signalized intersections in China. This paper aims to study the different pedestrian behaviors of regular users, late starters, sneakers, and partial sneakers. Behavior information was observed manually in the field study. After that, the survey team distributed a questionnaire to the same participant who has been observed, to acquire detailed demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as attitude and preference indicators. Totally, 1878 pedestrians were surveyed at 16 signalized intersections in Nanjing. First, correlation analysis is performed to analyze each factor’s effect. Then, five latent variables including safety, conformity, comfort, flexibility, and fastness are obtained by structure equation modeling (SEM). Moreover, based on the results of SEM, a multinomial logit model with latent variables is developed to describe how the factors influence pedestrians’ behavior. Finally, some conclusions are drawn from the model: (1) for the choice of being late starters, arrival time, the presence of oncoming cars, and crosswalk length are the most important factors; (2) gender has the most significant effect on the pedestrians to be sneakers; and (3) age is the most important factor when pedestrians choose to be partial sneakers.
An Investigation on Low Velocity Impact Response of Multilayer Sandwich Composite Structures
Authors: Jedari Salami S. , Sadighi M. , Shakeri M. , Moeinfar M.
Published: December 2013

The effects of adding an extra layer within a sandwich panel and two different core types in top and bottom cores on low velocity impact loadings are studied experimentally in this paper. The panel includes polymer composite laminated sheets for faces and the internal laminated sheet called extra layer sheet, and two types of crushable foams are selected as the core material. Low velocity impact tests were carried out by drop hammer testing machine to the clamped multilayer sandwich panels with expanded polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane rigid (PUR) in the top and bottom cores. Local displacement of the top core, contact force and deflection of the sandwich panel were obtained for different locations of the internal sheet; meanwhile the EPP and PUR were used in the top and bottom cores alternatively. It was found that the core material type has made significant role in improving the sandwich panel’s behavior compared with the effect of extra layer location.
Targeting Brain Metastases in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Papadatos-Pastos Dionysis , Soultati Aspasia , Harries Mark
Published: December 2013

Patients with brain metastases from malignant melanoma historically have a very poor outcome. Surgery and radiotherapy can be used, but for the majority of patients the disease will progress quickly. In the recent past, patients with brain metastases derived only minimal benefit from cytotoxic chemotherapy. Novel therapies that have been shown to be superior to chemotherapy in metastatic melanoma have made their way in clinic and data regarding their use in patients with treated or untreated brain metastases are encouraging. In this paper we describe the use of vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and ipilimumab in patients with melanoma disseminated to the brain in addition to other treatments currently in development.
IRF5 Is a Specific Marker of Inflammatory MacrophagesIn Vivo
Authors: Weiss Miriam , Blazek Katrina , Byrne Adam J. , Perocheau Dany P. , Udalova Irina A.
Published: December 2013

Macrophages are an integral part of the innate immune system and key players in pathogen clearance and tissue remodelling. Both functions are accomplished by a pivotal network of different macrophage subtypes, including proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Previously, our laboratory identified the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) as the master regulator of the M1 macrophage polarisation. IRF5 was found to be highly expressed in human M1 compared to M2 macrophages. Furthermore, IRF5 dictates the expression of proinflammatory genes such asIL12bandIL23awhilst repressing anti-inflammatory genes likeIL10. Here we show that murine bone marrow derived macrophages differentiatedin vitrowith GM-CSF are also characterised by high levels of IRF5 mRNA and protein and express proinflammatory cytokines upon LPS stimulation. These macrophages display characteristic expression of M1-marker MHC II but lack the M2-marker CD206. Significantly, we develop intracellular staining of IRF5- expressing macrophages and utilise it to recapitulate thein vitroresults in anin vivomodel of antigen-induced arthritis, emphasising their physiological relevance. Thus, we establish the species-invariant role of IRF5 in controlling the inflammatory macrophage phenotype bothin vitroand inin vivo.
Scientific Validation of the Medicinal Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia
Authors: Mishra Amita , Kumar Shashank , Pandey Abhay K.
Published: December 2013

Present communication reports the scientific evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia for its medicinal efficacy which includes phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the plant. Secondary metabolites including anthraquinones, terpenoids, and saponins were present in many extracts in addition to phenolics. Total phenol contents in various extracts were found in the range of 8.75–52.50 catechol equivalent per gram (CE/g). In disc diffusion assays, polar extracts exhibited considerable inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Several other extracts also showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Proteus spp. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of potential extracts were found between 1.29 and 22.73 mg/mL. The lowest MBC (1.29 mg/mL) was recorded for acetone and ethyl acetate extracts against K. pneumoniae and Pseudomonas spp., respectively. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was comparable to that of standard antioxidants and concentration‐dependent response was shown in reducing power assay. Aqueous extracts demonstrated substantial metal ion chelating activity (67–95%) at lower concentrations (10–40 μg/mL). Other extracts also exhibited considerable metal chelating response. Most of the extracts revealed considerable inhibition of MCF‐7 cancer cell line. The study established remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential in T. cordifolia stem extracts.
Profiling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Cycle Regulating Genes Targeted by Calycosin
Authors: Zhang Dongqing , Wang Shufang , Zhu Liguo , Tian Yaping , Wang Haibao , Zhuang Yuan , Li Yu , Wang Deqing
Published: December 2013

We cocultured calycosin with human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (BEL-7402) to investigate the effect on cell proliferation. Calycosin can markedly block the cell growth in G1phase (P<0.01) on the IC50concentration. There were seventeen genes involved in cell-cycle regulation showing differentially expressed in treated cells detected by gene chip. Eight genes were upregulated and nine genes were downregulated. Downregulated TFDP-1, CDKN2D, and SPK2 and upregulated CDC2 and CCNB1 might affect cell cycle of tumor cells. Furthermore, we checked the transcription pattern using 2D gel method to find different expression of proteins in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells after exposure to calycosin. Fourteen proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Twelve proteins expression were increased such as transgelin 2, pyridoxine 5′-phosphate, stress-induced-phosphoprotein 1, peroxiredoxin 1, endoplasmic reticulum protein 29, and phosphoglycerate mutase 1. Only thioredoxin peroxidase and high-mobility group box1 proteins’ expression decreased. Both genes and proteins changes might be relate to the mechanism of antitumor effect under treatment of calycosin. In conclusion, calycosin has a potential effect to inhibit the BEL-7402 cell growth by inhibiting some oncogene expression and increasing anticancer genes expression, what is more, by blocking cell cycle.
A Note on Hypertension Classification Scheme and Soft Computing Decision Making System
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj , Srivastava Amit , Burande Anjali , Khandelwal Amit
Published: December 2013

Nowadays young professionals are a soft target of hypertension due to the increased work pressure and poor tolerance. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Most of the time, there are no symptoms, but when this condition goes untreated it damages arteries and vital organs throughout the body and that is why it is also termed as the silent killer. Complications arising from hypertension could lead to stroke and heart failure. Soft computing approach provides a sharper conclusion from vague, ambiguous, and imprecise data (generally found in medical field) using linguistic variables. In this study, a soft computing diagnostic support system for the risk assessment of hypertension is proposed.
Thyroid Lobectomy Is Associated with Excellent Clinical Outcomes in Properly Selected Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients with Primary Tumors Greater Than 1 cm
Authors: Vaisman Fernanda , Momesso Denise , Bulzico Daniel A. , Pessoa Cencita H. C. N. , Cruz Manuel Domingos Gonçalves da , Dias Fernando , Corbo Rossana , Vaisman Mario , Tuttle R. Michael
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective. An individualized risk-based approach to the treatment of thyroid cancer is being extensively discussed in the recent literature. However, controversies about the ideal surgical approach remain an important issue with regard to the impact on prognosis and follow-up strategies. This study was designed to describe clinical outcomes in a cohort of low and intermediate risk thyroid cancer patients treated with thyroid lobectomy.Methods. Retrospective review of 70 patients who underwent lobectomy.Results. After a median follow-up of 11 years, 5 patients (5/70, 7.1%) recurred and 5 had a completion for benign lesions, while 60 patients (86%) continued to be observed without evidence for disease recurrence. Suspicious ultrasound findings were significantly more common in patients that had structural disease recurrence (100% versus 4.3%,P<0.001). Furthermore, a rising suppressed Tg value over time was also associated with structural disease recurrence (80% versus 21.5%,P=0.01). After additional therapy, 99% of the patients had no evidence of disease.Conclusions. Properly selected thyroid cancer patients can be treated with lobectomy with excellent clinical outcomes.
Design and Comparison of AFS Controllers with PID, Fuzzy-Logic, and Sliding-Mode Controllers
Authors: Song Jeonghoon
Published: December 2013

Three active front-steering (AFS) controllers were developed to enhance the lateral stability of a vehicle. They were designed using proportional-integral-derivative (PID), fuzzy-logic, and sliding-mode control methods. The controllers were compared under several driving and road conditions with and without the application of braking force. A 14-degree-of-freedom vehicle model, a sliding-mode antilock brake system (ABS) controller, and a driver model were also employed to test the controllers. The results show that the three AFS controllers allowed the yaw rate to follow the reference yaw rate very well, and consequently the lateral stability improved. On a split-μ road, the controllers forced the vehicle to proceed straight ahead. The results also verify that the driver model can sufficiently control the vehicle to allow it to follow a desired path.
Improved Inequalities for the Poisson and Binomial Distribution and Upper Tail Quantile Functions
Authors: Short Michael
Published: December 2013

The exact evaluation of the Poisson and Binomial cumulative distribution and inverse (quantile) functions may be too challenging or unnecessary for some applications, and simpler solutions (typically obtained by applying Normal approximations or exponential inequalities) may be desired in some situations. Although Normal distribution approximations are easy to apply and potentially very accurate, error signs are typically unknown; error signs are typically known for exponential inequalities at the expense of some pessimism. In this paper, recent work describing universal inequalities relating the Normal and Binomial distribution functions is extended to cover the Poisson distribution function; new quantile function inequalities are then obtained for both distributions. Exponential bounds—which improve upon the Chernoff-Hoeffding inequalities by a factor of at least two—are also obtained for both distributions.
Risk Factors for Thyroid Dysfunction among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in a Highly Diabetes Mellitus Prevalent Society
Authors: Al-Geffari Metab , Ahmad Najlaa A. , Al-Sharqawi Ahmad H. , Youssef Amira M. , AlNaqeb Dhekra , Al-Rubeaan Khalid
Published: December 2013

Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction found to exist simultaneously. In this regard, the present study looked into the prevalence of different forms of thyroid dysfunction and their risk factors among Type 2 diabetic Saudi patients.Methodology. A cross-sectional retrospective randomized hospital-based study of 411 Type 2 diabetic Saudi patients of >25 years of age was conducted to test the prevalence of different types of thyroid dysfunction and their risk factors.Results. The prevalence of different types of thyroid dysfunction is 28.5%, of which 25.3% had hypothyroidism, where 15.3%, 9.5%, and 0.5% are clinical, subclinical, and overt hypothyroidism, respectively. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism is 3.2%, of which subclinical cases accounted for 2.7% and overt hyperthyroidism accounted for 0.5%. Risk factors for thyroid dysfunction among Saudi Type 2 diabetic patients are family history of thyroid disease, female gender, and duration of diabetes of >10 years, while the risk was not significant in patients with history of goiter and patients aged >60 years. Smoking and parity show a nonsignificant reduced risk.Conclusion. Thyroid dysfunction is highly prevalent among Saudi Type 2 diabetic patients, and the most significant risk factors are family history of thyroid disease, female gender, and >10 years duration of diabetes.
Variability of Soil Physical Properties in a Clay-Loam Soil and Its Implication on Soil Management Practices
Authors: Haruna Samuel I. , Nkongolo Nsalambi V.
Published: December 2013

We assessed the spatial variability of soil physical properties in a clay-loam soil cropped to corn and soybean. The study was conducted at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Soil samples were taken at four depths: 0–10 cm, 10–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm and were oven dried at 105°C for 72 hours. Bulk density (BDY), volumetric (VWC) and gravimetric (GWC) water contents, volumetric air content (VAC), total pore space (TPS), air-filled (AFPS) and water-filled (WFPS) pore space, the relative gas diffusion coefficient (DIFF), and the pore tortuosity factor (TORT) were calculated. Results showed that, in comparison to depth 1, means for AFPS, Diff, TPS, and VAC decreased in Depth 2. Opposingly, BDY, Tort, VWC, and WFPS increased in depth 2. Semivariogram analysis showed that GWC, VWC, BDY, and TPS in depth 2 fitted to an exponential variogram model. The range of spatial variability (A0) for BDY, TPS, VAC, WFPS, AFPS, DIFF, and TORT was the same (25.77 m) in depths 1 and 4, suggesting that these soil properties can be sampled together at the same distance. The analysis also showed the presence of a strong (≤25%) to weak (>75%) spatial dependence for soil physical properties.
A Plasma Proteomic Approach in Rett Syndrome: Classical versus Preserved Speech Variant
Authors: Cortelazzo Alessio , Guerranti Roberto , De Felice Claudio , Signorini Cinzia , Leoncini Silvia , Pecorelli Alessandra , Landi Claudia , Bini Luca , Montomoli Barbara , Sticozzi Claudia , Ciccoli Lucia , Valacchi Giuseppe , Hayek Joussef
Published: December 2013

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the gene encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Although over 200 mutations types have been identified so far, nine of which the most frequent ones. A wide phenotypical heterogeneity is a well-known feature of the disease, with different clinical presentations, including the classical form and the preserved speech variant (PSV). Aim of the study was to unveil possible relationships between plasma proteome and phenotypic expression in two cases of familial RTT represented by two pairs of sisters, harbor the sameMECP2gene mutation while being dramatically discrepant in phenotype, that is, classical RTT versus PSV. Plasma proteome was analysed by 2-DE/MALDI-TOF MS. A significant overexpression of six proteins in the classical sisters was detected as compared to the PSV siblings. A total of five out of six (i.e., 83.3%) of the overexpressed proteins were well-known acute phase response (APR) proteins, including alpha-1-microglobulin, haptoglobin, fibrinogen beta chain, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and complement C3. Therefore, the examined RTT siblings pairs proved to be an important benchmark model to test the molecular basis of phenotypical expression variability and to identify potential therapeutic targets of the disease.
Study of Thorium Fuel Cycles for Light Water Reactor VBER-150
Authors: Milian Lorenzo Daniel Evelio , Milian Pérez Daniel , Rodríguez García Lorena Pilar , Salomón Llanes Jesús , Brayner de Oliveira Lira Carlos Alberto , Cadavid Rodríguez Manuel , García Hernández Carlos Rafael
Published: December 2013

The main objective of this paper is to examine the use of thorium-based fuel cycle for the transportable reactors or transportable nuclear power plants (TNPP) VBER-150 concept, in particular the neutronic behavior. The thorium-based fuel cycles included Th232+Pu239, Th232+U233, and Th232+U and the standard design fuel UOX. Parameters related to the neutronic behavior such as burnup, nuclear fuel breeding, MA stockpile, and Pu isotopes production (among others) were used to compare the fuel cycles. The Pu transmutation rate and accumulation of Pu with MA in the spent fuel were compared mutually and with an UOX open cycle. The Th232+U233 fuel cycle proved to be the best cycle for minimizing the production of Pu and MA. The neutronic calculations have been performed with the well-known MCNPX computational code, which was verified for this type of fuel performing calculation of the IAEA benchmark announced by IAEA-TECDOC-1349.
Zheng Classification with Missing Feature Values Using Local-Validity Approach
Authors: Wang Yan , Ma Lizhuang
Published: December 2013

Zheng classification is a very important step in the diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In clinical practice of TCM, feature values are often missing and incomplete cases. The performance of Zheng classification is strictly related to rates of missing feature values. Based on the pattern of the missing feature values, a new approach named local-validity is proposed to classify zheng classification with missing feature values. Firstly, the maximum submatrix for the given dataset is constructed and local-validity method finds subsets of cases for which all of the feature values are available. To reduce the computational scale and improve the classification accuracy, the method clusters subsets with similar patterns to form local-validity subsets. Finally, the proposed method trains a classifier for each local-validity subset and combines the outputs of individual classifiers to diagnose zheng classification. The proposed method is applied to the real liver cirrhosis dataset and three public datasets. Experimental results show that classification performance of local-validity method is superior to the widely used methods under missing feature values.
Protein Machineries Involved in the Attachment of Heme to Cytochrome c: Protein Structures and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Travaglini-Allocatelli Carlo
Published: December 2013

Cytochromes c (Cyt c) are ubiquitous heme-containing proteins, mainly involved in electron transfer processes, whose structure and functions have been and still are intensely studied. Surprisingly, our understanding of the molecular mechanism whereby the heme group is covalently attached to the apoprotein (apoCyt) in the cell is still largely unknown. This posttranslational process, known as Cyt c biogenesis or Cyt c maturation, ensures the stereospecific formation of the thioether bonds between the heme vinyl groups and the cysteine thiols of the apoCyt heme binding motif. To accomplish this task, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have evolved distinctive protein machineries composed of different proteins. In this review, the structural and functional properties of the main maturation apparatuses found in gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells will be presented, dissecting the Cyt c maturation process into three functional steps: (i) heme translocation and delivery, (ii) apoCyt thioreductive pathway, and (iii) apoCyt chaperoning and heme ligation. Moreover, current hypotheses and open questions about the molecular mechanisms of each of the three steps will be discussed, with special attention to System I, the maturation apparatus found in gram-negative bacteria.
Formulation and Statistical Optimization of Culture Medium for Improved Production of Antimicrobial Compound byStreptomycessp. JAJ06
Authors: Arul Jose Polpass , Sivakala Kunjukrishnan Kamalakshi , Jebakumar Solomon Robinson David
Published: December 2013

Streptomycessp. JAJ06 is a seawater-dependent antibiotic producer, previously isolated and characterised from an Indian coastal solar saltern. This paper reports replacement of seawater with a defined salt formulation in production medium and subsequent statistical media optimization to ensure consistent as well as improved antibiotic production byStreptomycessp. JAJ06. This strain was observed to be proficient to produce antibiotic compound with incorporation of chemically defined sodium-chloride-based salt formulation instead of seawater into the production medium. Plackett-Burman design experiment was applied, and three media constituents, starch, KBr, and CaCO3, were recognised to have significant effect on the antibiotic production ofStreptomycesJAJ06 at their individual levels. Subsequently, Response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize these influencing medium constituents for the improved antibiotic production ofStreptomycessp. JAJ06. A total of 17 experiments were conducted towards the construction of a quadratic model and a second-order polynomial equation. Optimum levels of medium constituents were obtained by analysis of the model and numerical optimization method. When the strain JAJ06 was cultivated in the optimized medium, the antibiotic activity was increased to 173.3 U/mL, 26.8% increase as compared to the original (136.7 U/mL). This study found a useful way to cultivateStreptomycessp. JAJ06 for enhanced production of antibiotic compound.
Velamentous and Furcate Cord Insertion with Placenta Accreta in an IVF Pregnancy with Unicornuate Uterus
Authors: Canda Mehmet Tunç , Demir Namık , Doganay Latife
Published: December 2013

Velamentous and furcate cord insertion with concomitant placenta accreta is a very rare and life-threatening event of pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Obstetricians should be cautious about umbilical cord insertion and placental adherence abnormalities in pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) particularly in women with Müllerian anomalies.
Metronidazole Induced Liver Injury: A Rare Immune Mediated Drug Reaction
Authors: Kancherla Dayakar , Gajendran Mahesh , Vallabhaneni Priyanka , Vipperla Kishore
Published: December 2013

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) can result either from dose-dependent direct hepatotoxicity or from an unpredictable dose-independent idiosyncratic reaction. Incidence of idiosyncratic DILI is estimated to be approximately 10–15 per 100,000 patient years. Here we report an extremely rare case of metronidazole induced delayed immune-allergic hepatocellular liver injury masquerading as autoimmune hepatitis. A previously healthy 54-year-old Caucasian male, who was treated with metronidazole forClostridium difficileassociated diarrhea, presented 3 months later with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed total bilirubin level of 12.7 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 7.2 mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 973 IU/L, aspartate transaminase (AST) of 867 IU/L, alkaline phosphatase (AP) of 96 IU/L, and an INR of 1.9, suggestive of hepatocellular pattern of injury. A detailed workup for hepatitis revealed no other etiology. A clinical diagnosis of metronidazole induced liver injury was made. With a persistent rise in his bilirubin and transaminase levels, the patient was started on oral prednisone. At the 2-week posthospitalization follow-up visit, the patient reported a significant improvement in his overall sense of being well and liver functions tests trended down substantially (total bilirubin 7.2 mg/dL, ALT 420 IU/L, AST 276 IU/L, AP 183 IU/L, and INR 1.5).
Peristaltic Motion of Viscoelastic Fluid with Fractional Second Grade Model in Curved Channels
Authors: Narla V. K. , Prasad K. M. , Ramanamurthy J. V.
Published: December 2013

Exact analytic solutions are obtained for the flow of a viscoelastic fluid with fractional second grade model by peristalsis through a curved channel. The flow has been investigated under the assumptions
of long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. The streamlines for trapped bolus of Newtonian fluid are analyzed graphically. The fractional calculus approach is used to get analytic solutions of the problem. The influence of fractional parameter, material constant, amplitude, and curvature parameter on the pressure and friction force across one wavelength are discussed numerically with the help of graphs.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Has a Negative Impact on Quality of Life Compared with Other Comorbidities: An Epidemiological Cross‐Sectional Study of 1862 Community‐Dwelling Individuals
Authors: Otani Koji , Kikuchi Shinichi , Yabuki Shoji , Igarashi Tamaki , Nikaido Takuya , Watanabe Kazuyuki , Konno Shinichi
Published: December 2013

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is common in the elderly. However, there have been few reports on its impact on quality of life (QoL) in community‐dwelling individuals. The purpose of this study was to clarify how symptomatic LSS affects QoL at the community level. A total of 1862 people (697 males and 1165 females, most subjects were between 40 and 85 y.o.) agreed to participate and were interviewed. The presence of symptomatic LSS was assessed by a specially designed questionnaire. The Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was also administered. In addition, the presence of comorbid conditions that affect QoL, such as osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or respiratory disease, was also analyzed. The prevalence of symptomatic LSS gradually increased with age. Furthermore, the presence of symptomatic LSS had a strong negative effect on all 8 physical and mental domains and the physical component summary (PCS) (OR: 1.547–2.544) but not the mental component summary (MCS). In comparison with comorbid conditions, LSS had a much stronger negative impact on health‐related QoL (HR‐QoL). The current study confirmed that the presence of symptomatic LSS might have a strong negative influence on HR‐QoL in the community setting.
Circulating Th22 and Th9 Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Lin Ying-zhong , Wu Bang-wei , Lu Zheng-de , Huang Ying , Shi Ying , Liu Hao , Liu Ling , Zeng Qiu-tang , Wang Xiang , Ji Qing-wei
Published: December 2013

Background. CD4+ T helper (Th) cells play critical roles in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and the onset of acute coronary syndromes (ACS, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP)). In addition to Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, Th22 and Th9 subsets have been identified in humans. In the present study, we investigated whether Th22 cells and Th9 cells are involved in the onset of ACS.Methods. The frequencies of Th22 and Th9 cells were detected using a flow cytometric analysis and their related cytokine and transcription factor were measured in the AMI, UAP, stable angina pectoris (SAP), and control groups.Results. The results revealed a significant increase in the peripheral Th22 number, AHR expression, and IL-22 levels in patients with ACS compared with those in the SAP and control groups. Although there was no difference in the peripheral Th9 number among the four groups, the PU.1 expression and IL-9 levels were significantly increased in patients with ACS compared with the SAP and control groups.Conclusions. Circulating Th22 and Th9 type responses may play a potential role in the onset of ACS symptom.
Highlights from the Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Human Muscle Size and Strength or FAMuSS Study
Authors: Pescatello Linda S. , Devaney Joseph M. , Hubal Monica J. , Thompson Paul D. , Hoffman Eric P.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of theFunctional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Human Muscle Size and Strengthstudy or FAMuSS was to identify genetic factors that dictated the response of health-related fitness phenotypes to resistance exercise training (RT). The phenotypes examined were baseline muscle strength and muscle, fat, and bone volume and their response to RT. FAMuSS participants were 1300 young (24 years), healthy men (42%) and women (58%) that were primarily of European-American descent. They were genotyped for ~500 polymorphisms and completed the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess energy expenditure and time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous intensity habitual physical activity and sitting. Subjects then performed a 12-week progressive, unilateral RT program of the nondominant arm with the dominant arm used as a comparison. Before and after RT, muscle strength was measured with the maximum voluntary contraction and one repetition maximum, while MRI measured muscle, fat, and bone volume. We will discuss the history of how FAMuSS originated, provide a brief overview of the FAMuSS methods, and summarize our major findings regarding genotype associations with muscle strength and size, body composition, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and physical activity.
Studies on Carbon-Fly Ash Composites with Chopped PANOX Fibers
Authors: Patel Rakesh V. , Manocha S.
Published: December 2013

Chemical analysis and morphological studies of fly ash reveals the complex chemical constituents present as spherical particles with diameter of less than 25 μm. The constituents of fly ash are silica, alumina, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, calcium and magnesium oxide, and other trace elements. The use of thermosetting as well thermoplastic polymer matrix has been made by several workers to develop polymer matrix fly ash particulate composites by using the hard and abrasive properties of fly ash and lightweight of polymers. Such composites have poor mechanical strength, fracture toughness, and thermal stability. To overcome these shortcomings, in carbonaceous matrix, the carbon fibers were added as additional reinforcement along with the fly ash. The composites were developed with two different methods known as Dry method and Wet method. The processing parameters such as temperature and pressure were optimized in establishing the carbon matrix. Physical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics were studied. The microstructures of composites show good compatibility between fly ash and fibers with the carbon matrix. These composites have higher strength, thermal stability, and toughness as compared to polymer matrix fly ash particulate composites.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: Do We Have the Right Answers?
Authors: Abdel-Hady Hesham , Nasef Nehad , Shabaan Abd Elazeez , Nour Islam
Published: December 2013

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common clinical condition in preterm infants. Preterm newborns with PDA are at greater risk for several morbidities, including higher rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), decreased perfusion of vital organs, and mortality. Therefore, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors and surgical interventions for ligation of PDA are widely used. However, these interventions were reported to be associated with side effects. In the absence of clear restricted rules for application of these interventions, different strategies are adopted by neonatologists. Three different approaches have been investigated including prophylactic treatment shortly after birth irrespective of the state of PDA, presymptomatic treatment using echocardiography at variable postnatal ages to select infants for treatment prior to the duct becoming clinically significant, and symptomatic treatment once PDA becomes clinically apparent or hemodynamically significant. Future appropriately designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to refine selection of patients for medical and surgical treatments should be conducted. Waiting for new evidence, it seems wise to employ available clinical and echocardiographic parameters of a hemodynamically significant (HS) PDA to select patients who are candidates for medical treatment. Surgical ligation of PDA could be used as a back-up tool for those patients who failed medical treatment and continued to have hemodynamic compromise.
Mediterranean Diet and Red Yeast Rice Supplementation for the Management of Hyperlipidemia in Statin-Intolerant Patients with or without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Giovanni Sartore , Silvia Burlina , Eugenio Ragazzi , Stefania Ferraresso , Romina Valentini , Annunziata Lapolla
Published: December 2013

Lipid profile could be modified by Mediterranean diet (MD) and by red yeast rice (RYR). We assessed the lipid-lowering effects of MD alone or in combination with RYR on dyslipidemic statin-intolerant subjects, with or without type 2 diabetes, for 24 weeks. We evaluated the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, liver enzyme, and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. We studied 171 patients: 46 type 2 diabetic patients treated with MD alone (Group 1), 44 type 2 diabetic patients treated with MD associated with RYR (Group 2), 38 dyslipidemic patients treated with MD alone (Group 3), and 43 dyslipidemic patients treated with MD plus RYR (Group 4). The mean percentage changes in LDL cholesterol from the baseline were-7.34±3.14% (P<0.05) for Group 1;-21.02±1.63% (P<0.001) for Group 2;-12.47±1.75% (P<0.001) for Group 3; and-22±2.19% (P<0.001) for Group 4 with significant intergroup difference (Group 1 versus Group 2,P<0.001; Group 3 versus Group 4,P>0.05). No significant increase in AST, ALT, and CPK levels was observed in all groups. Our results indicate that MD alone is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels in statin-intolerant patients with a presumably low cardiovascular risk, but associating MD with the administration of RYR improves patients’ LDL cholesterol levels more, and in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A Comprehensive Review of Graphene Nanocomposites: Research Status and Trends
Authors: Dhand Vivek , Rhee Kyong Yop , Ju Kim Hyun , Ho Jung Dong
Published: December 2013

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the present trends in graphene research with an emphasis on graphene‐based nanocomposites and their applications. Various synthesis routes have recently been devised for mass production of graphene to address the needs of the composite industry. This paper describes the worldwide scenario of research and patents being conducted in the field of graphene nanocomposites. It concludes with a discussion of the impact of graphene in composites and the future challenges to meeting industrial demands.
Scale Alpha and Beta of Quantitative Convergence and Chemical Reactivity Analysis in Dual Cholinesterase/Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors for the Alzheimer Disease Treatment Using Density Functional Theory (DFT)
Authors: Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro , Baldiris Rosa , Vivas-Reyes Ricardo
Published: December 2013

Molecular quantum similarity descriptors and Density Functional Theory (DFT) based reactivity descriptors were studied for a series of cholinesterase/monoamine oxidase inhibitors used for the Alzheimer's disease treatment (AD). This theoretical study is expected to shed some light onto some molecular aspects that could contribute to the knowledge of the molecular mechanics behind interactions of these molecules with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), as well as with monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The Topogeometrical Superposition Algorithm to handle flexible molecules (TGSA-Flex) alignment method was used to solve the problem of the relative orientation in the quantum similarity (QS) field. Using the molecular quantum similarity (MQS) field and reactivity descriptors supported in the DFT was possible the quantification of the steric and electrostatic effects through of the Coulomb and Overlap quantitative convergence scales (alpha and beta). In addition, an analysis of reactivity indexes is development, using global and local descriptors, identifying the binding sites and selectivity in the (cholinesterase/monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, understanding the retrodonor process, and showing new insight for drugs design in a disease of difficult control as Alzheimer.
Modeling of a Small Transportation Company’s Start-Up with Limited Data during Economic Recession
Authors: Fang Xiaoping , Ansell Jake , Chen Weiya
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a modeling method for analyzing a small transportation company’s start-up and growth during a global economic crisis which had an impact on China which is designed to help the owners make better investment and operating decisions with limited data. Since there is limited data, simple regression model and binary regression model failed to generate satisfactory results, so an additive periodic time series model was built to forecast business orders and income. Since the transportation market is segmented by business type and transportation distance, a polynomial model and logistic curve model were constructed to forecast the growth trend of each segmented transportation market, and the seasonal influence function was fitted by seasonal ratio method. Although both of the models produced satisfactory results and showed very nearly the same of goodness-of-fit in the sample, the logistic model presented better forecasting performance out of the sample therefore closer to the reality. Additionally, by checking the development trajectory of the case company’s business and the financial crisis in 2008, the modeling and analysis suggest that the sample company is affected by national macroeconomic factors such as GDP and import & export, and this effect comes with a time lag of one to two years.
Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcuminoids, Turmerones, and Aqueous Extract ofCurcuma longa
Authors: Bagad Ashish Subhash , Joseph Joshua Allan , Bhaskaran Natarajan , Agarwal Amit
Published: December 2013

Curcuma longais widely known for its anti-inflammatory activity in traditional system of medicine for centuries and has been scientifically validated extensively. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of curcuminoids and oil-free aqueous extract (COFAE) ofC. longaand compare it with that of curcuminoids and turmerones (volatile oil), the bioactive components ofC. longathat are proven for the anti-inflammatory potential. The activity against inflammation was evaluated in xylene-induced ear edema, cotton pellet granuloma models in albino Swiss mice and albino Wistar rats, respectively. The results showed that COFAE ofC. longaat three dose levels significantly(P≤0.05)inhibited inflammation in both models, as evidenced by reduction in ear weight and decrease in wet as well as dry weights of cotton pellets, when compared to the vehicle control. The COFAE ofC. longashowed considerable anti-inflammatory effects against acute and chronic inflammation and the effects were comparable to those of curcuminoids and turmerones.
Buckling Analysis of Functionally Graded Material Plates Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Reddy B. Sidda , Kumar J. Suresh , Reddy C. Eswara , Reddy K. Vijaya Kumar
Published: December 2013

The prime aim of the present study is to present analytical formulations and solutions for the buckling analysis of simply supported functionally graded plates (FGPs) using higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) without enforcing zero transverse shear stresses on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. It does not require shear correction factors and transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness. Material properties of the plate are assumed to vary in the thickness direction according to a power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The equations of motion and boundary conditions are derived using the principle of virtual work. Solutions are obtained for FGPs in closed-form using Navier’s technique. Comparison studies are performed to verify the validity of the present results from which it can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and efficient in predicting the buckling behavior of functionally graded plates. The effect of side-to-thickness ratio, aspect ratio, modulus ratio, the volume fraction exponent, and the loading conditions on the critical buckling load of FGPs is also investigated and discussed.