bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Involvement of Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells in the Development of Immune-Mediated Pancreatitis in MRL/Mp Mice Treated with Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid
Authors: Koyabu Masanori , Uchida Kazushige , Sakaguchi Yutaku , Fukata Norimasa , Kusuda Takeo , Miyoshi Hideaki , Yoshida Katsunori , Sumimoto Kimi , Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Fukui Toshiro , Nishio Akiyoshi , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: May 2013

Objectives. This study was conducted to clarify whether or not Tregs are involved in the development of immune-mediated pancreatitis in MRL/Mp mice as an AIP (autoimmune pancreatitis) model, in order to understand more clearly the pathogenic mechanism of AIP.Methods. We compared the immunohistochemical features of pancreatic forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) in the administration of poly I:C in MRL/Mp mice and two types of control mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6). As a contrast, we analyzed three mouse models of pancreatitis without autoimmune mechanism (Cerulein-, Ligation-, and Ligation + Cerulein-treated mice). After staining these specimens, we compared the ratios of Foxp3-positive cells to infiltrated mononuclear cells (Foxp3/Mono).Results. Our immunohistochemical study of Foxp3 revealed that the infiltration of Foxp3-positive cells increased in poly I:C-treated MRL/Mp mice. The histopathological score of pancreatitis showed no difference among poly I:C-treated MRL/Mp, Ligation-, and Ligation + Cerulein-treated mice; however, the Foxp3/Mono ratio in poly I:C-treated MRL/Mp mice was significantly increased compared with Ligation- and Ligation + Cerulein-treated mice.Conclusions. MRL/Mp mice treated with poly I:C showed early development of pancreatitis with abundant infiltration of Foxp3-positive cells. There may be a possibility that Tregs are involved in the development of pancreatitis in these mice.
Pulse Velocity Measurements in Fly Ash Blended Cementitious Systems Containing 43 Grade Cement
Authors: Sounthararajan V. M. , Sivakumar A.
Published: May 2013

Investigations on the different supplementary cementitious materials based on the hardening properties and the optimized dosage in cementitious systems find the right choice of pozzolanic material. It is essential to combine various additive/admixtures in concrete in proper proportions to maximize the benefits resulting in cost savings in construction. In the recent years, production technology and composition of hydraulic cements affect the setting and early age behavior of cementitious material. The addition of fly ash in cement is one viable technology to derive maximum benefits in terms of the economy and improved pozzolanic reaction. Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing is a feasible method for evaluating the hardening properties of cementitious materials. In this study, an attempt was made to derive the engineering basis for understanding the development of hardness during hydration of fly ash (FA) based cementitious systems. The tests conducted using pulse velocity technique proved to be an effective method for characterizing the early strength gain properties of different cementitious systems.
LMI Approach to Exponential Stability and Almost Sure Exponential Stability for Stochastic Fuzzy Markovian-Jumping Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks with Nonlinearp-Laplace Diffusion
Authors: Rao Ruofeng , Wang Xiongrui , Zhong Shouming , Pu Zhilin
Published: May 2013

The robust exponential stability of delayed fuzzy Markovian-jumping Cohen-Grossberg neural networks (CGNNs) with nonlinearp-Laplace diffusion is studied. Fuzzy mathematical model brings a great difficulty in setting up LMI criteria for the stability, and stochastic functional differential equations model with nonlinear diffusion makes it harder. To study the stability of fuzzy CGNNs with diffusion, we have to construct a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional in non-matrix form. But stochastic mathematical formulae are always described in matrix forms. By way of some variational methods inW1,p(Ω),Itôformula, Dynkin formula, the semi-martingale convergence theorem, Schur Complement Theorem, and LMI technique, the LMI-based criteria on the robust exponential stability and almost sure exponential robust stability are finally obtained, the feasibility of which can efficiently be computed and confirmed by computer MatLab LMI toolbox. It is worth mentioning that even corollaries of the main results of this paper improve some recent related existing results. Moreover, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservatism of the proposed method due to the significant improvement in the allowable upper bounds of time delays.
Carrageenan-Induced Colonic Inflammation Is Reduced in Bcl10 Null Mice and Increased in IL-10-Deficient Mice
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sumit , Xue Liquan , Devkota Suzanne , Chang Eugene , Morris Stephan , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: May 2013

The common food additive carrageenan is a known activator of inflammation in mammalian tissues and stimulates both the canonical and noncanonical pathways of NF-κB activation. Exposure to low concentrations of carrageenan (10 μg/mL in the water supply) has produced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin signaling in C57BL/6 mice. B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 10 (Bcl10) is a mediator of inflammatory signals from Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in myeloid and epithelial cells. Since the TLR4 signaling pathway is activated in diabetes and by carrageenan, we addressed systemic and intestinal inflammatory responses following carrageenan exposure in Bcl10 wild type, heterozygous, and null mice. Fecal calprotectin and circulating keratinocyte chemokine (KC), nuclear RelA and RelB, phospho(Thr559)-NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), and phospho(Ser36)-IκBαin the colonic epithelial cells were significantly less (P<0.001) in the carrageenan-treated Bcl10 null mice than in controls. IL-10-deficient mice exposed to carrageenan in a germ-free environment showed an increase in activation of the canonical pathway of NF-κB (RelA) activation, but without increase in RelB or phospho-Bcl10, and exogenous IL-10 inhibited only the canonical pathway of NF-κB activation in cultured colonic cells. These findings demonstrate a Bcl10 requirement for maximum development of carrageenan-induced inflammation and lack of complete suppression by IL-10 of carrageenan-induced inflammation.
Epidemiological Properties of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Nigeria
Authors: Abdu Lawan
Published: May 2013

Background. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is progressive chronic optic neuropathy in adults in which intraocular pressure (IOP) and other currently unknown factors contribute to damage. POAG is the second commonest cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria.Pattern of Presentation. POAG is characterized by late presentation. Absence of pain which is a driving force for seeking medical help, inadequacy of trained eye care personnel, paucity of facilities, misdistribution of resources, lack of awareness, poor education, and poverty may all contribute to this. Medical and surgical treatment options available are challenging and tasking.Screening for Glaucoma. Screening is the presumptive identification of unrecognized disease (POAG) by applying test(s) which can be applied rapidly. Such test(s) should be of high reliability, validity, yield, acceptable, and cost effective. The test should ideally be sensitive, specific, and efficient. It is difficult to select a suitable test that meets these criteria. Intraocular pressure (IOP) appears to be the easiest option. But, high IOP is not diagnostic nor does normal value exclude the disease. Health education is a possible strategy in early case detection and management.Treatment of POAG. Glaucoma treatment can either be medical or surgical (this includes laser). Considering unavailability, potency, cost, and long-term effects of medication, surgery (trabeculectomy) could be a better option. Laser trabeculoplasty is available in a few centers. Viscocanalostomy is not routinely performed. Patient education is vital to success as management is for life.Conclusion. POAG remains a cause of avoidable blindness in Nigeria. There is need for long-term strategy to identify patients early and institute prompt management. Improvement in training of eye care personnel and provision of up to date equipment is essential in achieving this goal.
Controllability of Weighted and Directed Networks with Nonidentical Node Dynamics
Authors: Xiang Linying , Zhu Jonathan J. H. , Chen Fei , Chen Guanrong
Published: May 2013

The concept of controllability from control theory is applied to weighted and directed networks with heterogenous linear or linearized node dynamics subject to exogenous inputs, where the nodes are grouped into leaders and followers. Under this framework, the controllability of the controlled network can be decomposed into two independent problems: the controllability of the isolated leader subsystem and the controllability of the extended follower subsystem. Some necessary and/or sufficient conditions for the controllability of the leader-follower network are derived based on matrix theory and graph theory. In particular, it is shown that a single-leader network is controllable if it is a directed path or cycle, but it is uncontrollable for a complete digraph or a star digraph in general. Furthermore, some approaches to improving the controllability of a heterogenous network are presented. Some simulation examples are given for illustration and verification.
Self-Adjointness, Symmetries, and Conservation Laws for a Class of Wave Equations Incorporating Dissipation
Authors: Wang Yang , Wei Long
Published: May 2013

In this work, we study the nonlinear self-adjointness and conservation laws for a class of wave equations with a dissipative source. We show that the equations are nonlinear self-adjoint. As a result, from the general theorem on conservation laws proved by Ibragimov and the symmetry generators, we find some conservation laws for this kind of equations.
Metabolomics Study of Resina Draconis on Myocardial Ischemia Rats Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Pattern Recognition Methods and Metabolic Pathway Analysis
Authors: Qi Yunpeng , Gu Haiwei , Song Yunlong , Dong Xin , Liu Aijun , Lou Ziyang , Fan Guorong , Chai Yifeng
Published: May 2013

Resina draconis (bright red resin isolated fromDracaena cochinchinensis, RD) has been clinically used for treatment of myocardial ischemia (MI) for many years. However, the mechanisms of its pharmacological action on MI are still poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the plasma metabolic profiles of MI and investigate the mechanisms of RD on MI using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics combined with pattern recognition methods and metabolic pathway analysis. Twenty metabolite markers characterizing metabolic profile of MI were revealed, which were mainly involved in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, vascular smooth muscle contraction, sphingolipid metabolism, and so forth. After RD treatment, however, levels of seven MI metabolite markers, including phytosphingosine, sphinganine, acetylcarnitine, cGMP, cAMP, L-tyrosine, and L-valine, were turned over, indicating that RD is likely to alleviate MI through regulating the disturbed vascular smooth muscle contraction, sphingolipid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and BCAA metabolism. To our best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to investigate the mechanisms of RD for treating MI, from a metabolomics point of view. Our findings are very valuable to gain a better understanding of MI metabolic profiles and provide novel insights for exploring the mechanisms of RD on MI.
Increased Expression of TRPS1 Affects Tumor Progression and Correlates with Patients' Prognosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Hong Jun , Sun Jie , Huang Tao
Published: May 2013

Aim. To detect the expression pattern of tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome-1 (TRPS1) in human colon cancer and to analyze its correlation with prognosis of patients with this disease.Methods. The expressions of TRPS1 in human colon cancer and its corresponding noncancerous colon tissues were detected at both mRNA and protein levels.Results. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPS1 were both significantly higher in colon cancer than in corresponding noncancerous colon tissues (bothP<0.001). The protein level of TRPS1 in colon cancer tissues was significantly correlated with the mRNA level (r=0.9,P<0.001). Additionally, immunohistochemistry analysis also found increased TRPS1 expression in 63.0% (63/100) of colon cancer tissues. High TRPS1 expression was significantly associated with positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.006) and higher pathological stage (P=0.008) of patients with colon cancer. Multivariate Cox regression analysis further suggested that the increased expression of TRPS1 was an independent poor prognostic factor for this disease.Conclusion. Our data offer the convincing evidence for the first time that the increased expression of TRPS1 may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of colon cancer. TRPS1 might be a potential marker to predict the prognosis in colon cancer.
Improved HPLC Method for the Determination of Moxifloxacin in Application to a Pharmacokinetics Study in Patients with Infectious Diseases
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhu Liqin , Zhao Xuequn , Yang Wenjie , Sun He
Published: May 2013

Objective. To develop a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for measuring moxifloxacin concentration in human plasma. Methods. Following a single step liquid-liquid extraction, analytes along with an internal standard (IS) were separated using an isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% triethylamine (adjusted pH to 4.8 with phosphoric acid)/acetonitrile (80/20, v/v) at flow rate of 1 mL/min on reverse phase Kromasil C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at room temperature. Results. Total analytical run time for selecting moxifloxacin was 15 min. The assays exhibited good linearity (r2=0.9998) over the studied range of 25 to 5000 ng/mL. The absolute recovery rate of low, medium, and high concentrations were 69.88%, 78.86%, and 78.51%, respectively. The relative recovery rates were 98.50%, 96.61%, and 101.79%, respectively. Coefficient of variation and error at both of the intraday and interday assessments were less than 4.7%. Conclusions. The results indicated that this method is a simple, rapid, precise and accurate assay for the determination of moxifloxacin concentrations in human plasma. This validated method is sensitive and reproducible enough to be used in pharmacokinetic studies.
Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Perrin Ross Amy , Williamson Alona , Smrtka Jennifer , Flemming Tracy Tracy , Saunders Carol , Easterling Constance , Niewoehner John , Mutschler Nicole
Published: May 2013

There is need for a brief but comprehensive objective assessment tool to help clinicians evaluate relapse symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their impact on daily functioning, as well as response to treatment. The 2-part Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) questionnaire was developed to achieve these aims. Part 1 consists of 7 questions that evaluate relapse symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), overall functioning, and response to treatment for previous relapses. Part 2 consists of 7 questions that evaluate treatment response in terms of symptom relief, functioning, and tolerability. The ARMS questionnaire has been evaluated in 103 patients with MS. The most commonly reported relapse symptoms were numbness/tingling (67%), fatigue (58%), and leg/foot weakness (55%). Over half of patients reported that ADL or overall functioning were affected very much (47%) or severely (11%) by relapses. Prescribed treatments for relapses included intravenous and/or oral corticosteroids (87%) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (13%). Nearly half of patients reported that their symptoms were very much (33%) or completely resolved (16%) following treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were sleep disturbance (45%), mood changes (33%), weight gain (29%), and increased appetite (26%). Systematic assessment of relapses and response to relapse treatment may help clinicians to optimize outcomes for MS patients.
Energy-Optimal Trajectory Planning for Planar UnderactuatedRRRobot Manipulators in the Absence of Gravity
Authors: Gregory John , Olivares Alberto , Staffetti Ernesto
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we study the trajectory planning problem for planar underactuated robot manipulators with two revolute joints in the absence of gravity. This problem is studied as an optimal control problem in which, given the dynamic model of a planar horizontal robot manipulator with two revolute joints one of which is not actuated, the initial state, and some specifications about the final state of the system, we find the available control input and the resulting trajectory that minimize the energy consumption during the motion. Our method consists in a numerical resolution of a reformulation of the optimal control problem as an unconstrained calculus of variations problem in which the dynamic equations of the mechanical system are regarded as constraints and treated using special derivative multipliers. We solve the resulting calculus of variations problem using a numerical approach based on the Euler-Lagrange necessary condition in integral form in which time is discretized and admissible variations for each variable are approximated using a linear combination of piecewise continuous basis functions of time. The use of the Euler-Lagrange necessary condition in integral form avoids the need for numerical corner conditions and the necessity of patching together solutions between corners.
Evaluation of a Multiple-Effect Distillation Unit under Partial Load Operating Conditions
Authors: Georgiou Marios C. , Bonanos Aristides M. , Georgiadis John G.
Published: May 2013

The design of a multiple-effect distillation (MED) system is presented, and the results for partial load operation
of a single-effect distillation unit are presented. The MED is designed to be driven by solar energy, and thus the dynamic
performance and partial load operation production are of interest. Two operating modes are considered in the analysis, with and
without the use of a flow distributor. Various tests were performed varying the heating steam flow rate and the intake seawater
flow rate. Results are presented as a function of the performance ratio, representing the amount of distillate produced per unit
mass of steam input. Results indicate that a higher performance is obtained with the use of the flow distributor.
GND-PCA-Based Statistical Modeling of Diaphragm Motion Extracted from 4D MRI
Authors: Swastika Windra , Masuda Yoshitada , Xu Rui , Kido Shoji , Chen Yen-Wei , Haneishi Hideaki
Published: May 2013

We analyzed a statistical model of diaphragm motion using regular principal component analysis (PCA) and generalized N-dimensional PCA (GND-PCA). First, we generate 4D MRI of respiratory motion from 2D MRI using an intersection profile method. We then extract semiautomatically the diaphragm boundary from the 4D-MRI to get subject-specific diaphragm motion. In order to build a general statistical model of diaphragm motion, we normalize the diaphragm motion in time and spatial domains and evaluate the diaphragm motion model of 10 healthy subjects by applying regular PCA and GND-PCA. We also validate the results using the leave-one-out method. The results show that the first three principal components of regular PCA contain more than 98% of the total variation of diaphragm motion. However, validation using leave-one-out method gives up to 5.0 mm mean of error for right diaphragm motion and 3.8 mm mean of error for left diaphragm motion. Model analysis using GND-PCA provides about 1 mm margin of error and is able to reconstruct the diaphragm model by fewer samples.
The Potential of Isotopomers as a Test for the Vibrational Theory of Olfactory Sense Recognition
Authors: Klika Karel D.
Published: May 2013

The continuing debate over the basis of odorant recognition with respect to the molecular shape (“lock and key”) theory versus the vibrational theory could potentially be resolved by the testing of 13C-labeled odorants. The application of 13C isotopomers is discussed herein by means of DFT-calculated IR vibrations and Gibbs’ free energies (Δ) for acetophenone and octan-1-ol, two odorants for which the 2D (deuterium) isotopomers have previously been shown to be discernible from their respective 1H (normal) counterparts by Drosophila melanogaster.
Characterization of Thermally Evaporated In2S3 Films for Solar Cell Application
Authors: Ramya K. , Reddy M. V. , Ramakrishna Reddy K. T.
Published: May 2013

Indium sulphide (In2S3) is one of the best alternatives for CdS as a buffer layer in CuInGaSe2-based thin film heterojunction solar cells. In this work, In2S3 films were prepared by thermal evaporation of In2S3 powder onto glass substrates at different temperatures that vary from 200°C to 300°C. The as-grown films were characterized using appropriate techniques to evaluate the chemical and physical properties. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that all the films were polycrystalline in nature with a strong (109) plane as the preferred orientation and consisted of tetragonal and cubic phases. The crystallite size and the lattice parameters are calculated. The scanning electron micrographs indicated smooth surface with fine grains. The optical analysis revealed a high optical transmittance for the layers with a direct optical band gap that varied in the range of 1.8–2.2 eV.
A Novel Method for Surface Defect Detection of Photovoltaic Module Based on Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuewu , Sun Hao , Zhou Yun , Xi Ji , Li Min
Published: May 2013

This paper proposed a new method for surface defect detection of photovoltaic module based on independent component analysis (ICA) reconstruction algorithm. Firstly, a faultless image is used as the training image. The demixing matrix and corresponding ICs are obtained by applying the ICA in the training image. Then we reorder the ICs according to the range values and reform the de-mixing matrix. Then the reformed de-mixing matrix is used to reconstruct the defect image. The resulting image can remove the background structures and enhance the local anomalies. Experimental results have shown that the proposed method can effectively detect the presence of defects in periodically patterned surfaces.
The Haptoglobin-CD163-Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway for Hemoglobin Scavenging
Authors: Thomsen Jens Haugbølle , Etzerodt Anders , Svendsen Pia , Moestrup Søren K.
Published: May 2013

The haptoglobin- (Hp-) CD163-heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway is an efficient captor-receptor-enzyme system to circumvent the hemoglobin (Hb)/heme-induced toxicity during physiological and pathological hemolyses. In this pathway, Hb tightly binds to Hp leading to CD163-mediated uptake of the complex in macrophages followed by lysosomal Hp-Hb breakdown and HO-1-catalyzed conversion of heme into the metabolites carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and iron. The plasma concentration of Hp is a limiting factor as evident during accelerated hemolysis, where the Hp depletion may cause serious Hb-induced toxicity and put pressure on backup protecting systems such as the hemopexin-CD91-HO pathway. The Hp-CD163-HO-1 pathway proteins are regulated by the acute phase mediator interleukin-6 (IL-6), but other regulatory factors indicate that this upregulation is a counteracting anti-inflammatory response during inflammation. The heme metabolites including bilirubin converted from biliverdin have overall an anti-inflammatory effect and thus reinforce the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the Hp-CD163-HO-1 pathway. Future studies of animal models of inflammation should further define the importance of the pathway in the anti-inflammatory response.
Analysis of the REJ Module of Polycystin-1 Using Molecular Modeling and Force-Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Xu Meixiang , Ma Liang , Bujalowski Paul J. , Qian Feng , Sutton R. Bryan , Oberhauser Andres F.
Published: May 2013

Polycystin-1 is a large transmembrane protein, which, when mutated, causes autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases that is a leading cause of kidney failure. The REJ (receptor for egg lelly) module is a major component of PC1 ectodomain that extends to about 1000 amino acids. Many missense disease-causing mutations map to this module; however, very little is known about the structure or function of this region. We used a combination of homology molecular modeling, protein engineering, steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations, and single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to analyze the conformation and mechanical stability of the first ~420 amino acids of REJ. Homology molecular modeling analysis revealed that this region may contain structural elements that have an FNIII-like structure, which we named REJd1, REJd2, REJd3, and REJd4. We found that REJd1 has a higher mechanical stability than REJd2 (~190 pN and 60 pN, resp.). Our data suggest that the putative domains REJd3 and REJd4 likely do not form mechanically stable folds. Our experimental approach opens a new way to systematically study the effects of disease-causing mutations on the structure and mechanical properties of the REJ module of PC1.
Kidney-Targeted Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Promotes Kidney Repair in Diabetic Nephropathy Rats
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ye Chuan , Wang Gong , Gao Yunhua , Tan Kaibin , Zhuo Zhongxiong , Liu Zheng , Xia Hongmei , Yang Dan , Li Peijing
Published: May 2013

We test the hypothesis that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique increases the renoprotective effect of kidney-targeted transplantation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (60 mg/Kg, intraperitoneally) in Sprague-Dawley rats. MSCs were administered alone or in combination with UTMD to DN rats at 4 weeks after diabetes onset. Random blood glucose concentrations were measured at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and plasma insulin levels, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) values, the structures of pancreas and kidney, the expressions of TGF-β1, synaptopodin, and IL-10 were assessed at 8 weeks after MSCs transplantation. MSCs transplantation decreased blood glucose concentrations and attenuated pancreatic islets/βcells damage. The permeability of renal interstitial capillaries and VCAM-1 expression increased after UTMD, which enhanced homing and retention of MSCs to kidneys. MSCs transplantation together with UTMD prevented renal damage and decreased UAER values by inhibiting TGF-β1 expression and upregulating synaptopodin and IL-10 expression. We conclude that MSCs transplantation reverts hyperglycemia; UTMD technique noninvasively increases the homing of MSCs to kidneys and promotes renal repair in DN rats. This noninvasive cell delivery method may be feasible and efficient as a novel approach for personal MSCs therapy to diabetic nephropathy.
Properties of Tin Monosulphide Films Grown by Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Sreedevi Gedi , Tulasi Ramakrishna Reddy Kotte
Published: May 2013

Tin monosulphide (SnS) films have been successfully grown by a simple and low-cost wet chemical process, chemical bath deposition (CBD), using tin chloride and thioacetamide as precursors and tartaric acid as complexing agent. The layers were grown on glass substrate at different bath temperatures (Tb) that varied in the range 50–70°C. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) studies showed that all the grown films were nearly stoichiometric. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the films had an intense peak at 31.6° that corresponds to the (111) plane of SnS and exhibited orthorhombic crystal structure. The intensity of (111) plane increases with the increase in bath temperature and became sharp at Tb=70°C, where the other crystal planes got suppressed, this indicates better crystallinity of the layers grown at this temperature. No other secondary phases of tin sulphide were observed. The structural parameters such as lattice constants and crystallite size were also calculated. The optical studies revealed that the layers had high optical absorption coefficient (>104 cm−1). The energy band gap was found to be allowed and direct and varied between 1.30 eV and 1.35 eV. The band gap decreased with the rise in bath temperature. The refractive index and the extinction coefficient were also evaluated. The details of these results will be presented and discussed.
Association between TLR4 and TLR9 Gene Polymorphisms with Development of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran
Authors: Jahantigh Danial , Salimi Saeedeh , Alavi-Naini Roya , Emamdadi Abolfazl , Owaysee Osquee Hamid , Farajian Mashhadi Farzaneh
Published: May 2013

Some evidence suggests that a variety of genetic factors contribute to development of the tuberculosis (TB). TLR4 and TLR9 have been proposed as susceptibility genes for TB. This study was performed in 124 newly diagnosed TB cases and 149 healthy controls in a TB‐endemic region of Iran. The TLR4 genes Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile, and TLR9 gene T‐1486C polymorphisms were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then detected by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The frequencies of the mutant alleles of TLR4 Arg299Gly, Thr399Ile, and TLR9 T‐1486C polymorphisms were 0.8 versus 0.1, 5.6 versus 3, and 28.6 versus 25.2 in patients and controls, respectively, that were not significant. The synergic effect of TI,II/CC genotypes for TLR4 Thr399Ile and TLR9 T‐1486C polymorphisms showed increased risk of PTB susceptibility. In conclusion, no significant relation was found between TLR4 and TLR9 polymorphisms alone and PTB. However, synergic effects of TLR4 Thr399Ile and TLR9‐1486T/C polymorphisms might increase risk of PTB.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Vlahos N. F. , Triantafyllidou O. , Vitoratos N. , Grigoriadis C. , Creatsas G.
Published: May 2013

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a systemic hereditable disorder of the connective tissue with mainly cardiovascular manifestations, such as aortic dilatation and dissection. We describe a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman, clinically asymptomatic with MFS who presented for genetic consultation to prevent the transmission of disease to her offspring. She underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COH), in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and a singleton pregnancy with positive fetal heart rate was revealed. At 34 weeks’ gestation she delivered vaginally a healthy premature male infant weighting 2440 gr. The patient remained asymptomatic during pregnancy, delivery, and 3 months postpartum. It is has to be mentioned that the availability of PGD is essential to prevent the transmission of disease to the next generation.
Strongyloides stercoralisand Organ Transplantation
Authors: Chokkalingam Mani Bhalaghuru , Mathur Moses , Clauss Heather , Alvarez Rene , Hamad Eman , Toyoda Yoshiya , Birkenbach Mark , Ahmed Mustafa
Published: May 2013

Strongyloidesis a parasite that is common in tropical regions. Infection in the immunocompetent host is usually associated with mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, in immunosuppressed individuals it has been known to cause a “hyperinfection syndrome” with fatal complications. Reactivation of latent infection and rarely transmission from donor organs in transplanted patients have been suggested as possible causes. Our case highlights the importance suspectingStrongyloidesin transplant recipients with atypical presentations and demonstrates an incidence of donor derived infection. We also review the challenges associated with making this diagnosis.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Targets for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Monsalve Francisco A. , Pyarasani Radha D. , Delgado-Lopez Fernando , Moore-Carrasco Rodrigo
Published: May 2013

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to affect more than one in five adults, and its prevalence is growing in the adult and pediatric populations. The most widely recognized metabolic risk factors are atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated plasma glucose. Individuals with these characteristics commonly manifest a prothrombotic state and a proinflammatory state as well. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) may serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating the metabolic syndrome and its related risk factors. The PPARs are transcriptional factors belonging to the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily. So far, three isoforms of PPARs have been identified, namely, PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ. Various endogenous and exogenous ligands of PPARs have been identified. PPAR-αand PPAR-γare mainly involved in regulating lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis, and their agonists are used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and T2DM. Whereas PPAR-β/δfunction is to regulate lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, anti-inflammation, and fatty acid oxidation and its agonists are used in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This review mainly focuses on the biological role of PPARs in gene regulation and metabolic diseases, with particular focus on the therapeutic potential of PPAR modulators in the treatment of thrombosis.
Development of Textured ITO Optical Windows for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Tamilselvan N. , Thilakan Periyasamy
Published: May 2013

ITO thin films were deposited on glass substrates using rf magnetron sputtering. Deposition parameters such as the rf power and the oxygen dilution to the plasma are investigated. Films deposited with an increase in rf power were resulting in the film preferential orientation along (100) plane. Oxygen dilution to the plasma at low rf power of 30 W was found to result in a change in preferential orientation from (100) plane to (111) plane. SEM analysis revealed a spotty surface morphology for the (100) films and a granular morphology for the (111) films. The highest transmittance was found for the oxygen diluted (111) film. The highest optical bandgap of 4.33 eV was observed for the pure Ar deposited film. Details are discussed.
A Grid-Connected Multilevel Current Source Inverter and Its Protection for Grid-Disconnection
Authors: Vázquez Nimrod , García Luz del Carmen , Hernández Claudia , Vázquez Eslí , López Héctor , Cervantes Ilse , Iturria Juan
Published: May 2013

Traditionally DC-AC converters are considered with voltage source inverters (VSI); although less studied and discussed, it has started recently to be used current source inverters (CSI). Another possibility for DC/AC conversion is the multilevel configuration. This paper shows experimental operation and simulation analysis of a grid-connected multilevel current source inverter (MCSI), which includes a circuit for equipment safety reasons due to grid disconnections.
The Predicted Proteomic Network Associated with the Antiarthritic Action of Qingfu Guanjieshu in Collagen-II-Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Wang Ting Yu , Zhou Hua , Wong Yuen Fan , Wu Pui Kei , Hsiao Wen-Luan Wendy , Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Liu Liang
Published: May 2013

Qingfu Guanjieshu (QFGJS) is an herbal preparation for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies revealed that QFGJS significantly inhibited experimental arthritis and acute inflammation, accompanied by reduction of proinflammatory cytokines and elevation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study aims to identify the targeted proteins and predict the proteomic network associated with the drug action of QFGJS by using 2D gel and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS techniques. Thirty female Wistar rats were evenly grouped as normal and vehicle- and QFGJS-treated CIA rats. The antiarthritic effect of QFGJS was examined with a 19-day treatment course, and the knee synovial tissues of animals from each group were obtained for 2D gel and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Results showed that QFGJS significantly ameliorated collagen II-induced arthritis when administrated at 2.8 g/kg body weight for 19 days. 2D gel image analysis revealed 89 differentially expressed proteins in the synovial tissues among the normal and vehicle- and QFGJS-treated CIA rats from over 1000 proteins of which 63 proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis, and 32 proteins were included for classification of functions using Gene Ontology (GO) method. Finally, 14 proteins were analyzed using bioinformatics, and a predicted proteomic network related to the anti-arthritic effect of QFGJS was established, and Pgk1 plays a central role.
Small Changes in Cardiac Troponin Levels Are Common in Patients with Myocardial Infarction: Diagnostic Implications
Authors: Hammarsten O.
Published: May 2013

Changes in cardiac troponin (cTn) levels are often evaluated when myocardial infarction (MI) is suspected. The change in the troponin level required for diagnosis is being debated but should exceed the natural biological variation according to current guidelines. Despite this, several reports show that MI patients often present at the emergency ward with relatively stable cTn elevations. In this review we discuss the potential problem using a small cTn change as a way to exclude MI and also provide a possible solution to this diagnostic problem using long-term cTn change.
Short- and Long-Term Efficacy of Intensive Rehabilitation Treatment on Balance and Gait in Parkinsonian Patients: A Preliminary Study with a 1-Year Followup
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Bertotti Gabriella , Uccellini Davide , Boveri Natalia , Rovescala R. , Pezzoli Gianni , Maestri Roberto
Published: May 2013

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease in which gait and balance disturbances are relevant symptoms that respond poorly to pharmacological treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 4-week inpatient multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT) is effective in improving balance and gait and whether improvements persist at a one-year followup. We studied 20 PD inpatients (stage 3 Hoehn-Yahr) who underwent a MIRT. Outcome measures were UPDRS items for balance (30), falls (13), and walk (29), Berg Balance Scale, six-minute walking test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Comfortable-Fast gait speeds. Patients were evaluated at admission, at the end of the 4-week treatment, and at a 1-year followup. Pharmacological therapy was unchanged during MIRT and follow-up. All outcome measures improved significantly at the end of treatment. At 1-year follow-up control, UPDRS walk and Comfortable-Fast gait speeds still maintained better values with respect to admission (P=0.009,P=0.03,andP=0.02, resp.), while the remaining scales did not differ significantly. Our results demonstrate that the MIRT was effective in improving balance and gait and that the improvement in gait performances was partially maintained also after 1 year.
Rate Estimation of Identical Synchronization by Designing Controllers
Authors: Islam Mitul , Islam Bipul , Islam Nurul
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the synchronization rate for identical synchronization of chaotic dynamical systems, achieved by using controllers. The paper stresses on the hybrid feedback control technique and the tracking control technique and determines their corresponding maximum, minimum, and average synchronization rates. The results obtained are applied on the Shimizu-Morioka chaotic system, and some necessary and sufficient conditions for synchronization are obtained. Comparison of the two controllers is undertaken on the basis of their synchronization rates, in the context of the Shimizu-Morioka system. The results are analyzed both theoretically and numerically. Moreover, a method of graphical analysis is proposed to completely characterize the set of hybrid controllers for a given system.
Effects of Naked Gold Nanoparticles on Proinflammatory Cytokines mRNA Expression in Rat Liver and Kidney
Authors: Khan Haseeb A. , Abdelhalim Mohamed Anwar K. , Alhomida Abdullah S. , Al-Ayed Mohammed S.
Published: May 2013

The data on the biocompatibility of naked gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are scarce, and their interpretation is controversial. We studied the acute (1 day) and subchronic (5 days) effects of GNPs (10 and 50 nm diameter) on expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the liver and kidneys of rats. In the liver, the GNPs of both sizes (10 and 50 nm) significantly increased the cytokines gene expression on day 1 which was subsided on day 5; the GNPs of 50 nm size produced more severe inflammatory response as compared to smaller sized GNPs. In the kidney, the GNPs did not produce any significant change in the expression of IL-1β. Although the gene expression of IL-6 and TNF-αwas not affected by GNPs of 10 nm size, 50 nm GNPs significantly increased the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αin the kidneys of rats on day 1 after treatment which returned to normalcy on day 5. These findings indicate the possible immunocompatibility of medium sized GNPs as they caused only a transient acute phase increase in proinflammatory cytokines expression followed by their normalcy during the repeated exposure.
Platelet Parameters in Hepatic Hydatid Cysts
Authors: Sit Mustafa , Aktaş Gülali , Yilmaz Edip Erdal , Hakyemez İsmail Necati , Alçelik Aytekin , Küçükbayrak Abdülkadir
Published: May 2013

Background. Hepatic hydatid cyst infection is caused by microorganisms namedEchinococcuswhich belong to family Taeniidae. Platelets are considered as a mediator in inflammation and infectious diseases because of the various proinflammatory substances that they contain.Design and Methods. Thirty-three patients who were admitted to Doğubayazıt State Hospital’s General Surgery Clinic with a diagnosis of hepatic cyst hydatid were enrolled in this retrospective study. Laboratory data of the patients in pre- and postoperative periods were obtained from computerized medical records database of the hospital.Results. Preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients was significantly increased compared to postoperative MPV values.Conclusion. We claim that MPV is a useful follow-up marker after surgery in patients with hydatid cyst.
Geometric Description of the Thermodynamics of the Noncommutative Schwarzschild Black Hole
Authors: Larrañaga Alexis , Herrera Natalia , Garcia Juliana
Published: May 2013

The thermodynamics of the noncommutative Schwarzschild black hole is reformulated within the context of the recently developed formalism of geometrothermodynamics (GTD). Using a thermodynamic metric which is invariant with respect to Legendre transformations, we determine the geometry of the space of equilibrium states and show that phase transitions, which correspond to divergencies of the heat capacity, are represented geometrically as singularities of the curvature scalar. This further indicates that the curvature of the thermodynamic metric is a measure of thermodynamic interaction.
Cockroach Infestation and Factors Affecting the Estimation of Cockroach Population in Urban Communities
Authors: Shahraki Gholam Hossein , Parhizkar Saadat , Nejad Alireza Raygan Shirazi
Published: May 2013

Cockroach is one of the most important pests in urban communities. This study was conducted to determine the situation of cockroach infestation and effective factors on cockroach trap count in urban communities of Yasuj City in southwestern Iran. In this study cockroach population in 573 sampling units (residential units, official places, and hospitals) was monitored using sticky traps over a five-week trapping period. Occupants of 348 residential units were also questioned (by means of questionnaire) for cockroach infestation in their respective residence. The study shows almost 39% of sampling units were infested by cockroach. Five species from two families had been identified: Blattidae (comprisingBlatta orientalis,B. lateralis, andPeriplaneta americana) and Blattellidae (comprisingBlattella germanicaandSupella longipalpa). German cockroach,B. germanica, with widespreaddistribution (80% of infested sampling units) showed the highest frequency (96.7%) of trap counts. The expression of the distribution of German cockroach populations and some factors could affect trapping, and population monitoring in an urban community was surveyed. Additionally, affecting some exclusion factors on cockroach infestation was pointed. Rates and source of cockroach infestation were discussed from the viewpoints of the residents.
On Pseudohyperbolical Smarandache Curves in Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Koc Ozturk Esra Betul , Ozturk Ufuk , İlarslan Kazim , Nešović Emilija
Published: May 2013

We define pseudohyperbolical Smarandache curves according to the Sabban frame in Minkowski 3-space. We obtain the geodesic curvatures and the expression for the Sabban frame vectors of special pseudohyperbolic Smarandache curves. Finally, we give some examples of such curves.
Simulation on following Performance of High-Speed Railway In Situ Testing System
Authors: Zheng Fei-Long , Zeng Liang-Cai , Chen Xin-Yuan
Published: May 2013

Subgrade bears both the weight of superstructures and the impacts of running trains. Its stability affects the line smoothness directly, but in situ testing method on it is inadequate. This paper presents a railway roadbed in situ testing device, the key component of which is an excitation hydraulic servo cylinder that can output the static pressure and dynamic pressure simultaneously to simulate the force of the trains to the subgrade. The principle of the excitation system is briefly introduced, and the transfer function of the closed-loop force control system is derived and simulated; that, it shows without control algorithm, the dynamic response is very low and the following performance is quite poor. So, the improvedadaptive model following control (AMFC) algorithm based on direct state method is adopted. Then, control block diagram is built and simulated with the input of different waveforms and frequencies. The simulation results show that the system has been greatly improved; the output waveform can follow the input signal much better except for a little distortion when the signal varies severely. And the following performance becomes even better as the load stiffness increases.
Anthropometric Changes in the Brazilian Cohort of Older Adults: SABE Survey (Health, Well-Being, and Aging)
Authors: Almeida Manuela Ferreira de , Marucci Maria de Fátima Nunes , Gobbo Luís Alberto , Ferreira Luciana Silva , Scarpelli Dourado Daiana Aparecida Quintiliano , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira , Lebrão Maria Lucia
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study was to analyze the anthropometric changes in a home-based cohort of Brazilian older adults who participated in the SABE Survey, conducted in 2000 and 2006. A total of 1030 men and women were examined by age group: 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years. This representative sample consists of the survivors of the 2000 cohort. The following anthropometric variables were assessed: body mass, arm muscle, waist and calf circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and arm muscle area according to mean values and percentile distribution. Except for body mass and body mass index, a significant difference(P<0.05)was observed among the assessed anthropometric variables during the follow-up period. The older adults ≥80 years presented the lowest values. The reduction in the mean values of triceps skinfold thickness was greater (30%) than that of waist circumference (9%) and was more pronounced in women (21%) than in men (9%). Arm muscle circumference and area reduced by 8% and 19%, respectively, in men and 1% and 3%, correspondingly, in women. Our findings revealed reductions in the mean values for all anthropometric variables in the follow-up period from 2000 to 2006 among older adults.