bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mild fasting hyperglycemia shifts fuel reliance toward fat during exercise in adults with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Viskochil Richard , Oliver Corianne , Braun Barry
Published: April 2013

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is characterized by decreased oxidative capacity and reduced carbohydrate utilization during exercise. However, it is unclear if the presence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) affects fuel utilization during exercise in adults with IGT. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of IFG in adults with IGT decreases reliance on carbohydrate during exercise. Middle-aged, obese, sedentary individuals ( n = 6, IGT and n = 6, IFG+IGT) were compared during exercise at 60% peak O2 consumption for 45 min on a cycle ergometer. Glucose rates of appearance and disposal and muscle glycogen were assessed by stable isotope dilution methods, and fat utilization was estimated via indirect calorimetry. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was used to determine fasting and 2-h glucose concentrations. A glucose intolerance severity z-score was calculated from the oral glucose tolerance test. Glucose flux (i.e., rates of appearance and disposal) was not different between groups. However, individuals with IFG+IGT had lower muscle glycogen use ( P < 0.05) and elevated fat oxidation ( P < 0.01) during exercise compared with those with isolated IGT. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids and glucose were significantly higher during exercise in subjects with IFG+IGT vs. IGT alone ( P < 0.05). Fat utilization during exercise correlated with fasting glucose ( r = 0.57, P = 0.05), glucose intolerance severity z-score ( r = 0.66, P = 0.01), and nonesterified fatty acids (trend; r = 0.55, P = 0.08). The presence of IFG shifts fuel selection toward increased fat oxidation and decreased muscle glycogen utilization during exercise in adults with IGT. Whether these differences in substrate use contribute to, or are the result of, movement along the continuum from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes awaits further work.
Absence of systematic relationships between REMS duration episodes and spectral power Delta and Ultra-Slow bands in contiguous NREMS episodes in healthy humans
Authors: Le Bon O. , Linkowski P.
Published: April 2013

Previous studies in animals and humans have reported correlations between the durations of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) episodes and immediately preceding or subsequent non-REMS (NREMS) episodes. The relationship between these two types of sleep is a crucial component in understanding the regulation and neurophysiology of ultradian alternations that occur during sleep. Although the present study replicated previous studies, we also measured NREMS in terms of spectral power Delta and Ultra-Slow bands in addition to duration in examining correlations. The spectral power Delta band, also known as slow-wave activity, measures sleep quantity and is believed to reflect sleep physiology better than mere episode durations. The Ultra-Slow spectral power band was analyzed in parallel. Healthy human participants of both sexes ( n = 26, age range 15–45 yr, n = 12 female) were carefully selected to participate in two consecutive series of home polysomnograms performed after 2 nights of habituation to the equipment. In the analyses, REMS episode durations (minutes) were compared with immediately preceding and immediately subsequent NREMS episodes (Delta and Ultra-Slow power) in each sleep cycle. REMS episode duration was more strongly correlated with preceding NREMS episodes than with subsequent NREMS episodes. However, in most cases, no correlations were observed in either direction. One ultradian sleep regulation hypothesis, which is based on stronger correlations between REMS and subsequent NREMS episode durations, holds that the main purpose of REMS is to reactivate NREMS during each sleep cycle. The present results do not support that hypothesis.
Patterns of muscle activity for digital coarticulation
Authors: Winges Sara A. , Furuya Shinichi , Faber Nathaniel J. , Flanders Martha
Published: April 2013

Although piano playing is a highly skilled task, basic features of motor pattern generation may be shared across tasks involving fine movements, such as handling coins, fingering food, or using a touch screen. The scripted and sequential nature of piano playing offered the opportunity to quantify the neuromuscular basis of coarticulation, i.e., the manner in which the muscle activation for one sequential element is altered to facilitate production of the preceding and subsequent elements. Ten pianists were asked to play selected pieces with the right hand at a uniform tempo. Key-press times were recorded along with the electromyographic (EMG) activity from seven channels: thumb flexor and abductor muscles, a flexor for each finger, and the four-finger extensor muscle. For the thumb and index finger, principal components of EMG waveforms revealed highly consistent variations in the shape of the flexor bursts, depending on the type of sequence in which a particular central key press was embedded. For all digits, the duration of the central EMG burst scaled, along with slight variations across subjects in the duration of the interkeystroke intervals. Even within a narrow time frame (about 100 ms) centered on the central EMG burst, the exact balance of EMG amplitudes across multiple muscles depended on the nature of the preceding and subsequent key presses. This fails to support the idea of fixed burst patterns executed in sequential phases and instead provides evidence for neuromuscular coarticulation throughout the time course of a hand movement sequence.
An Improved Generalized-Trend-Diffusion-Based Data Imputation for Steel Industry
Authors: Liu Ying , Lv Zheng , Wang Wei
Published: April 2013

Integrality and validity of industrial data are the fundamental factors in the domain of data-driven modeling. Aiming at the data missing problem of gas flow in steel industry, an improved Generalized-Trend-Diffusion (iGTD) algorithm is proposed in this study, where in particular it considers the sort of problem with data properties of consecutively missing and small samples. And, the imputation accuracy can be greatly increased by the proposed Gaussian membership-based GTD which expands the useful knowledge of data samples. In addition, the imputation order is further discussed to enhance the sequential forecasting accuracy of gas flow. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a series of experiments that consists of three categories of data features in the gas system is presented, and the results indicate that this method is comprehensively better for the imputation of the periodical-like data and the time-series-like data.
Adaptive Redox Response of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Stimulation with Lipopolysaccharide Inflammagen: Mechanisms of Remodeling of Tissue Barriers in Sepsis
Authors: Gorbunov Nikolai V. , Garrison Bradley R. , McDaniel Dennis P. , Zhai Min , Liao Pei-Jyun , Nurmemet Dilber , Kiang Juliann G.
Published: April 2013

Acute bacterial inflammation is accompanied by excessive release of bacterial toxins and production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), which ultimately results in redox stress. These factors can induce damage to components of tissue barriers, including damage to ubiquitous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and thus can exacerbate the septic multiple organ dysfunctions. The mechanisms employed by MSCs in order to survive these stress conditions are still poorly understood and require clarification. In this report, we demonstrated thatin vitrotreatment of MSCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory responses, which included, but not limited to, upregulation of iNOS and release of RNS and ROS. These events triggered in MSCs a cascade of responses driving adaptive remodeling and resistance to a “self-inflicted” oxidative stress. Thus, while MSCs displayed high levels of constitutively present adaptogens, for example, HSP70 and mitochondrial Sirt3, treatment with LPS induced a number of adaptive responses that included induction and nuclear translocation of redox response elements such as NFkB, TRX1, Ref1, Nrf2, FoxO3a, HO1, and activation of autophagy and mitochondrial remodeling. We propose that the above prosurvival pathways activated in MSCsin vitrocould be a part of adaptive responses employed by stromal cells under septic conditions.
A Local Fractional Variational Iteration Method for Laplace Equation within Local Fractional Operators
Authors: Yang Yong-Ju , Baleanu Dumitru , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2013

The local fractional variational iteration method for local fractional Laplace equation is investigated in this paper. The operators are described in the sense of local fractional operators. The obtained results reveal that the method is very effective.
Stochastic Stability for Time-Delay Markovian Jump Systems with Sector-Bounded Nonlinearities and More General Transition Probabilities
Authors: Ye Dan , Fan Quan-Yong , Zhao Xin-Gang , Yang Guang-Hong
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with delay-dependent stochastic stability for time-delay Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with sector-bounded nonlinearities and more general transition probabilities. Different from the previous results where the transition probability matrix is completely known, a more general transition probability matrix is considered which includes completely known elements, boundary known elements, and completely unknown ones. In order to get less conservative criterion, the state and transition probability information is used as much as possible to construct the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and deal with stability analysis. The delay-dependent sufficient conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities to guarantee the stability of systems. Finally, numerical examples are exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Erythema Multiforme-Like Lesions
Authors: Yachoui Ralph , Cronin Patrick M.
Published: April 2013

Erythema multiforme (EM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common diseases. Their coexistence is known as Rowell syndrome (RS), first described in 1963. Only few cases of RS have been described and some of them questioned its existence. We present two cases of SLE in the setting of a newly developed EM-like eruption, which shares many similarities with the so-called Rowell syndrome.
ZHENG-Omics Application in ZHENG Classification and Treatment: Chinese Personalized Medicine
Authors: Dai Jianye , Fang Junwei , Sun Shujun , Chen Qiwen , Cao Huijuan , Zheng Ningning , Zhang Yongyu , Lu Aiping
Published: April 2013

With the hope to provide an effective approach for personalized diagnosis and treatment clinically, traditional chinese medicine (TCM) is being paid increasing attention as a complementary and alternative medicine. It performs treatment based on ZHENG (TCM syndrome) classification, which could be identified clinical special phenotypes by symptoms and signs of patients even if they have a different disease. However, it caused controversy because ZHENG classification only depends on observation, knowledge, and clinical experience of TCM practitioners, which lacks objectivity and repeatability. Although researchers and scientists of TCM have done some work with a lot of beneficial methods, the results could not reach satisfactory with the shortcomings of generalizing the entire state of the body or ignoring the patients' feelings. By total summary, mining, and integration of existing researches, the present paper attempts to introduce a novel macro-microconcept of ZHENG-omics, with the prospect of bright future in providing an objective and repeatable approach for Chinese personalized medicine in an effective way. In this paper, we give the brief introduction and preliminary validation, and discuss strategies and system-oriented technologies for achieving this goal.
Derivative 11;22 (Emanuel) Syndrome: A Case Report and A Review
Authors: Choudhary Madan Gopal , Babaji Prashant , Sharma Nitin , Dhamankar Dilip , Naregal Gururaj , Reddy Vijay Sunil
Published: April 2013

Emanuel syndrome (ES) is a rare anomaly characterized by a distinctive phenotype, consisting of characteristic facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, severe mental retardation, developmental delay, renal anomalies, congenital cardiac defects, and genital anomalies in boys. Here, we report a male neonate, with the classical features of Emanuel syndrome.
Inhibition Effect of Substituted Thiadiazoles on Corrosion Activity of N80 Steel in HCl Solution
Authors: Yadav M. , Kumar Sumit , Behera Debasis
Published: April 2013

The inhibition effect of some prepared compounds, namely, thiadiazole derivatives, on N80 steel corrosion in 15% HCl solutions has been studied by using the weight loss, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. It was found that the inhibition efficiency of the thiadiazole derivatives, namely, 2-amino-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiazole (AMPT), 2-amino-5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiazole (APT), and 2-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3,4-thiazole (ACPT), increases with the increase in concentration. Inhibition efficiency follows the order AMPT > APT > ACPT. The effect of temperature on the corrosion was investigated by the weight loss method, and some thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The inhibitive action may be attributed to the adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the active sites of the metal surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization measurements indicated that thiadiazole derivatives act as mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of thiadiazole derivatives on N80 surface exposed to inhibitor-containing solutions was confirmed using SEM and FT-IR spectra.
No Difference in Sleep and RBD between Different Types of Patients with Multiple System Atrophy: A Pilot Video-Polysomnographical Study
Authors: Muntean Maria-Lucia , Sixel-Döring Friederike , Trenkwalder Claudia
Published: April 2013

Background. Patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), similarly to patients with alpha-synucleinopathies, can present with different sleep problems. We sought to analyze sleep problems in the two subtypes of the disease MSA cerebellar type (MSA-C) and MSA parkinsonian type (MSA-P), paying special attention to REM sleep disturbances and periodic limb movements (PLMs).Methods. In the study we included 11 MSA-C and 27 MSA-P patients who underwent one night polysomnography. For the analysis, there were 37 valid polysomnographic studies.Results. Sleep efficiency was decreased in both groups (MSA-C, 64.27% ± 12.04%; MSA-P, 60.64% ± 6.01%). The PLM indices using standard measures, in sleep (PLMS) and while awake (PLMW), were high in both groups (MSA-C patients: PLMS index 72 ± 65, PLMW index 38 ± 33; MSA-P patients: PLMS index 66 ± 63, PLMW index 48 ± 37). Almost one-third of the MSA patients of both groups presented features of RLS on video-polysomnography. RBD was described in 8/11 (73%) patients with MSA-C and 19/25 (76%) patients with MSA-P (P=0.849).Conclusion. Our results showed very similar polysomnographic results for both MSA-P and MSA-C patients as a probable indicator for the similar pathologic mechanism of the disease and especially of its sleep problems.
Actinomycetes: A Repertory of Green Catalysts with a Potential Revenue Resource
Authors: Prakash Divya , Nawani Neelu , Prakash Mansi , Bodas Manish , Mandal Abul , Khetmalas Madhukar , Kapadnis Balasaheb
Published: April 2013

Biocatalysis, one of the oldest technologies, is becoming a favorable alternative to chemical processes and a vital part of green technology. It is an important revenue generating industry due to a global market projected at $7 billion in 2013 with a growth of 6.7% for enzymes alone. Some microbes are important sources of enzymes and are preferred over sources of plant and animal origin. As a result, more than 50% of the industrial enzymes are obtained from bacteria. The constant search for novel enzymes with robust characteristics has led to improvisations in the industrial processes, which is the key for profit growth. Actinomycetes constitute a significant component of the microbial population in most soils and can produce extracellular enzymes which can decompose various materials. Their enzymes are more attractive than enzymes from other sources because of their high stability and unusual substrate specificity. Actinomycetes found in extreme habitats produce novel enzymes with huge commercial potential. This review attempts to highlight the global importance of enzymes and extends to signify actinomycetes as promising harbingers of green technology.
CT Findings of Patients with Small Bowel Obstruction due to Bezoar: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Altintoprak Fatih , Degirmenci Bumin , Dikicier Enis , Cakmak Guner , Kivilcim Taner , Akbulut Gokhan , Dilek Osman Nuri , Gunduz Yasemin
Published: April 2013

Purpose. The aim of this study was to present the computed tomography (CT) findings of bezoars that cause obstruction in the small bowel and to emphasize that some CT findings can be considered specific to some bezoar types.
Materials and Methods. The records of 39 patients who underwent preoperative abdominal CT and subsequent operation with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction due to bezoars were retrospectively analyzed. Results. In total, 56 bezoars were surgically removed from 39 patients. Bezoars were most commonly located in the jejunum (n = 26/56, 46.4%). Sixteen (41.0%) patients had multiple bezoar locations in the gastrointestinal tract. Common CT findings in all patients were a mottled gas pattern and a focal ovoid or round intraluminal mass with regular margins and a heterogeneous internal structure. Furthermore, some CT findings were determined to be specific to bezoars caused by persimmons. Conclusions. Preoperative CT is valuable in patients admitted with signs of intestinal obstruction in geographic regions with a high bezoar prevalence. We believe that the correct diagnosis of bezoars and the identification of their number and location provide a great advantage for all physicians and surgeons. In addition, some types of bezoars have unique CT findings, and we believe that these findings may help to establish a diagnosis.
Hepatic Gene Expression Profiling in Nrf2 Knockout Mice after Long-Term High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Chartoumpekis Dionysios V. , Ziros Panos G. , Zaravinos Apostolos , Iskrenova Ralitsa P. , Psyrogiannis Agathoklis I. , Kyriazopoulou Venetsana E. , Sykiotis Gerasimos P. , Habeos Ioannis G.
Published: April 2013

Introduction. The transcription factor NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a central regulator of antioxidant and detoxification gene expression in response to electrophilic or oxidative stress. Nrf2 has recently been shown to cross-talk with metabolic pathways, and its gene deletion protected mice from high-fat-diet-(HFD-) induced obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to identify potential Nrf2-regulated genes of metabolic interest by comparing gene expression profiles of livers of wild-type (WT) versus Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice after a long-term HFD.Methods. WT and Nrf2-KO mice were fed an HFD for 180 days; total RNA was prepared from liver and used for microarray analysis and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).Results. The microarray analysis identified 601 genes that were differentially expressed between WT and Nrf2-KO mice after long-term HFD. Selected genes, including ones known to be involved in metabolic regulation, were prioritized for verification by qRT-PCR:Cyp7a1andFabp5were significantly overexpressed in Nrf2-KO mice; in contrast,Car,Cyp2b10,Lipocalin 13,Aquaporin 8,Cbr3,Me1, andNqo1were significantly underexpressed in Nrf2-KO mice.Conclusion. Transcriptome profiling after HFD-induced obesity confirms thatNrf2is implicated in liver metabolic gene networks. The specific genes identified here may provide insights into Nrf2-dependent mechanisms of metabolic regulation.
Application of Nanoparticles on Diagnosis and Therapy in Gliomas
Authors: Hernández-Pedro Norma Y. , Rangel-López Edgar , Magaña-Maldonado Roxana , de la Cruz Verónica Pérez , Santamaría del Angel Abel , Pineda Benjamín , Sotelo Julio
Published: April 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most deadly diseases that affect humans, and it is characterized by high resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its median survival is only fourteen months, and this dramatic prognosis has stilled without changes during the last two decades; consequently GBM remains as an unsolved clinical problem. Therefore, alternative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are needed for gliomas. Nanoparticles represent an innovative tool in research and therapies in GBM due to their capacity of self-assembly, small size, increased stability, biocompatibility, tumor-specific targeting using antibodies or ligands, encapsulation and delivery of antineoplastic drugs, and increasing the contact surface between cells and nanomaterials. The active targeting of nanoparticles through conjugation with cell surface markers could enhance the efficacy of nanoparticles for delivering several agents into the tumoral area while significantly reducing toxicity in living systems. Nanoparticles can exploit some biological pathways to achieve specific delivery to cellular and intracellular targets, including transport across the blood-brain barrier, which many anticancer drugs cannot bypass. This review addresses the advancements of nanoparticles in drug delivery, imaging, diagnosis, and therapy in gliomas. The mechanisms of action, potential effects, and therapeutic results of these systems and their future applications in GBM are discussed.
Microscopic Colitis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Current Management—An Update 2013
Authors: Storr Martin Alexander
Published: April 2013

Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic diarrhea. Over the last years the incidence and the prevalence of microscopic colitis are rising and this rise is largely attributed to a rising awareness, and concomitantly an increasing number of diagnoses are made. Patients with microscopic colitis report watery, nonbloody diarrhea of chronic, intermittent, or chronic recurrent course. Following an unremarkable physical examination the diagnosis of microscopic colitis is made by colonoscopy, which shows essentially a normal colonic mucosa. Biopsies taken during the colonoscopy procedure will then finally establish the correct diagnosis. Histological workup can then confirm a diagnosis of microscopic colitis and can distinguish the two distinct histological forms, namely, collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Presently both forms are diagnosed and treated in the same way; thus the description of the two forms is not of clinical value, though this may change in future. Depending on the patients age and gender 10–30% of patients investigated for chronic diarrhea will be diagnosed with microscopic colitis if biopsies are taken. Microscopic colitis is most common in older patients, especially in female patients and is frequently associated with autoimmune disorders and the consumption of several drugs. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the epidemiology, the pathophysiology, and the diagnosis of microscopic colitis and discusses the former and the present treatment options.
Physical Stability and HPLC Analysis of Indian Kudzu (Pueraria tuberosaLinn.) Fortified Milk
Authors: Rastogi Subha , Katara Antariksha , Pandey Madan M. , Arora Sumit , Singh R. R. B. , Rawat A. K. S.
Published: April 2013

Functional foods provide health benefit beyond basic nutrition. Functional foods fortified with plant ingredients are well known. Ayurveda (Indian System of Medicine) has found several ways in which the medicinal benefits of herbs can be conveyed via certain foods as carriers. Milk is one such carrier which has been effectively used to deliver phytochemicals for targeted health benefits. Indian Kudzu orPueraria tuberosaLinn. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant of Ayurveda, and experiments suggest that it enhances the health benefits of milk when taken with milk as a carrier. Different milk combinations withP. tuberosawere prepared by homogenizing pasteurized toned milk with its ethanolic and hot water extracts and their stability with reference to pH and coagulation was studied over a period of 15 days. The combinations were also analyzed for puerarin, the major isoflavone C-glucoside present inP. tuberosa, through high-performance liquid chromatography using photo diode array detector. It was observed that there was no precipitate formation and the pH also did not change during the study period indicating their physical stability under the experimental conditions. Also there was no significant change in the content of puerarin during the study period, thereby indicating the chemical stability of the samples. These studies will be useful for developing milk nutraceuticals fortified with Indian Kudzu which has the potential to be included as an ingredient in health and functional foods.
Polymorphisms but Not Mutations of the KCNQ1 Gene Are Associated with Lone Atrial Fibrillation in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Chu Hui-min , Feng Ming-jun , Li Yi-gang , Zhang Yi-xin , Ma Ji-fang , He Bin , Yu Yi-bo , Liu Jing , Chen Xiao-min
Published: April 2013

Background. Recent studies suggest that mutation of the slow delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKs) contributes to familial atrial fibrillation (FAF). In the current study, we identified common genetic variants of KCNQ1 and explored the potential association between KCNQ1 polymorphism with lone AF (LAF). Methods. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from 190 Han Chinese patients with sporadic AF and matched healthy controls. Variants of the KCNQ1 gene were identified using single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. A case‐control association study in KCNQ1 identified six known single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) during SSCP screening of the 190 LAF patients and 190 healthy controls. Results. One of the SNPs in KCNQ1 was strongly associated with LAF; significant allelic association was detected rs59233444 (P = 0.013, OR = 1.469, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.083–1.993). A multiple regression analysis indicated that rs59233444 is an independent risk factor for LAF. Twelve new variants were identified in KCNQ1, including one in the 5′‐UTR, two in the 3′‐UTR, six in introns, two synonymous substitutions, and one missense substitution. Variants c.1009C>T, c.1860C>T, and c.+2285C>T were not present in the 190 controls, and the others were identified in controls at various frequencies. Conclusions. rs59233444, a common SNP but not mutation in the coding regions of the KCNQ1 gene, is a risk factor for LAF in Chinese Han population.
Effect of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Olive (Olea europaeaL.) Leaves Extracts on Male Mice Exposed to Diazinon
Authors: Al-Attar Atef M. , Abu Zeid Isam M.
Published: April 2013

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of tea and olive leaves extracts and their combination in male mice intoxicated with a sublethal concentration of diazinon. Exposure of mice to 6.5 mg/kg body weight of diazinon for seven weeks resulted in statistical increases of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, while the value of serum total protein was declined. Treating diazinon-intoxicated mice with tea and olive leaves extracts or their combination significantly attenuated the severe alterations in these hematobiochemical parameters. Moreover, the results indicated that the supplementation with combination of tea and olive leaves extracts led to more attenuation effect against diazinon toxicity. Additionally, these new findings suggest that the effect of tea and olive leaves extracts and their combination against toxicity of diazinon may be due to antioxidant properties of their chemical constituents. Finally, the present study indicated that the extracts of tea and olive leaves and their combination can be considered as promising therapeutic agents against hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and metabolic disorders induced by diazinon and maybe by other toxicants and pathogenic factors.
A Novel Reinforcement Learning Architecture for Continuous State and Action Spaces
Authors: Uc-Cetina Víctor
Published: April 2013

We introduce a reinforcement learning architecture designed for problems with an infinite number of states, where each state can be seen as a vector of real numbers and with a finite number of actions, where each action requires a vector of real numbers as parameters. The main objective of this architecture is to distribute
in two actors the work required to learn the final policy. One actor decides what action must be performed; meanwhile, a second actor determines the right parameters for the selected action. We tested our architecture and one algorithm based on it solving the robot dribbling problem, a challenging robot control problem taken from the RoboCup competitions. Our experimental work with three different function approximators provides enough evidence to prove that the proposed architecture can be used to implement fast, robust, and reliable reinforcement learning algorithms.
A New Technique of Removing Blind Spots to Optimize Wireless Coverage in Indoor Area
Authors: Reza A. W. , Dimyati K. , Noordin K. A. , Islam M. J. , Sarker M. S. , Ramiah H.
Published: April 2013

Blind spots (or bad sampling points) in indoor areas are the positions where no signal exists (or the signal is too weak) and the existence of a receiver within the blind spot decelerates the performance of the communication system. Therefore, it is one of the fundamental requirements to eliminate the blind spots from the indoor area and obtain the maximum coverage while designing the wireless networks. In this regard, this paper combines ray-tracing (RT), genetic algorithm (GA), depth first search (DFS), and branch-and-bound method as a new technique that guarantees the removal of blind spots and subsequently determines the optimal wireless coverage using minimum number of transmitters. The proposed system outperforms the existing techniques in terms of algorithmic complexity and demonstrates that the computation time can be reduced as high as 99% and 75%, respectively, as compared to existing algorithms. Moreover, in terms of experimental analysis, the coverage prediction successfully reaches 99% and, thus, the proposed coverage model effectively guarantees the removal of blind spots.
The Study on Hybridized Two-Band Superconductor
Authors: Chanpoom T. , Seechumsang J. , Chantrapakajee S. , Udomsamuthirun P.
Published: April 2013

The two-band hybridized superconductor which the pairing occurred by conduction electron band and other-electron band are considered within a mean-field approximation. The critical temperature, zero-temperature order parameter, gap-to-Tcratio, and isotope effect coefficient are derived. We find that the hybridization coefficient shows a little effect on the superconductor that conduction electron band has the same energy as other-electron band but shows more effect on the superconductor that conduction electron band coexists with lower-energy other-electron band. The critical temperature is decreased as the hybridization coefficient increases. The higher value of hybridization coefficient, lower value of gap-to-Tcratio, and higher value of isotope effect coefficient are found.
Switching Gain Reduction in Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Rigid Spacecraft Attitude Maneuvers
Authors: Chen Zhen , Cong Binglong , Liu Xiangdong
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the overadaptation problem in current adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) for rigid spacecraft attitude maneuvers. The inertia matrix uncertainty and external disturbance are taken into account, and an adaptive scheme is employed for the switching gain calculation. A detailed analysis of existing ASMC design reveals the fact that the switching gain would be overestimated if the ASMC algorithm is developed in the framework of conventional sliding mode control (SMC), owing to the unrelated adaptation caused by initial tracking error. The global sliding mode concept of integral sliding mode control (ISMC) is exploited to solve such a problem. The advantages of the proposed strategy are twofold. First, a much smaller switching gain is generated as compared to conventional ASMC. Second, the resulting small switching gain would not slow down the system response. The advantages of the proposed strategy are verified by both theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Nearby Construction Impedes the Progression to Overt Autoimmune Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: Hillhouse Erin E. , Collin Roxanne , Chabot-Roy Geneviève , Guyon Marie-Josée , Tessier Nathalie , Boulay Maryse , Liscourt Patricia , Lesage Sylvie
Published: April 2013

Construction nearby animal houses has sporadically been reported to affect various aspects of animal health. Most of the reports have focussed on the impact on stress hormone levels and the hypersensitivity of animals relative to humans. There has also been an anecdotal report on the impact of construction on autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. Here, we describe that nearby construction significantly impedes the progression to overt diabetes in female NOD mice offspring. We demonstrate that this was not due to a genetic drift or to particularities associated with our specific mouse colony. Interestingly, although the glycemia levels remained low in mice born from mothers subject to construction stress during gestation, we detected an active autoimmune reaction towards pancreatic islet cells, as measured by both the degree of insulitis and the presence of insulin autoantibody levels in the serum. These results suggest that the external stress imposed during embryonic development does not prevent but significantly delays the autoimmune process. Together, our findings emphasize the impact of surrounding factors duringin vivostudies and are in agreement with the hypothesis that both environmental and genetic cues contribute to autoimmune diabetes development.
Simultaneous Reconstruction of Coefficients and Source Parameters in Elliptic Systems Modelled with Many Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Roberty Nilson C.
Published: April 2013

In this work the inverse problem for determination of unknown parameters related to both intensities and support of sources and materials coefficients in second-order elliptic equations models is posed with over specification of data on the boundary. A discrepancy function based on difference of two mixed problems formulated by splitting the Cauchy data is introduced. This function controls the measured difference between the two solutions for the same set of Cauchy data. Parameters can be determined by minimization of this function under guess values. The concept of Calderón projector gap is introduced as a tool for checking the consistency of Cauchy data. Numerical implementations based on quadratic finite elements are presented in a two dimensional square (−1, +1) × (−1, +1) model with unknown source, conductivity, and absorption supported by an also unknown characteristic square shape interior domain. Since this minimization involves the iterative solution of a huge number of direct boundary value problems, the adoption of a non-differentiable minimization algorithm is recommended and the Nelder-Mead simplex method is used to search for optimal parameters.
Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome in a Twelve-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Paladini Alessia , Venturoli Vittorio , Mosconi Giovanni , Zambianchi Loretta , Serra Luigi , Valletta Enrico
Published: April 2013

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disorder defined by the combination of biochemical abnormalities, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and uveitis. We describe a 12-year-old female, presented with a ten-day history of fever, characterized by sudden onset and rapid spontaneous resolution in few hours, accompanied by shivering, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Laboratory values were consistent with renal failure of tubular origin. Renal biopsy confirmed a tubulointerstitial nephritis, with acute tubulitis, polymorphonuclear infiltration, and microabscesses. The renal interstitium was occupied by a dense inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Glomerular structures were preserved. Ophthalmological examination that suggested a previous asymptomatic bilateral uveitis and HLA typing (HLA-DQA1*0101/0201 and HLA-DQB1*0303/0503) further supported the suspect of TINU syndrome. TINU syndrome is probably an underdiagnosed disorder, responsible for many cases of idiopathic anterior uveitis in young patients, especially in those who have asymptomatic renal disease and when proper diagnostic tests are not performed at the time of presentation.
Aqueous Medium Synthesis Route for Randomly Stacked Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Panigrahi Pravas Kumar , Pathak Amita
Published: April 2013

Synthesis of poorly crystalline, randomly oriented rag-like structures of molybdenum disulfide has been reported starting from aqueous solutions of ammonium molybdate, and thioacetamide in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate via calcination of the amorphous precipitates, obtained through acidification of the in situ generated intermediate of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction of the calcined samples reveal the formation of single-phase MoS2, while the amorphous precipitates have been found to be a mixture of Mo2S5, MoS3, and a trace amount of H2MoS4. Highly folded and disordered layers of rag-like MoS2 have been confirmed through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity for the cold pressed pellet of the MoS2 sample is found to be significantly higher than that of 2H-MoS2 and increases further on annealing.
Implementation of QbD Approach to the Analytical Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Propafenone Hydrochloride in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Jadhav Monika L. , Tambe Santosh R.
Published: April 2013

Chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were developed according to Quality by Design (QbD) approach as per ICH Q8(R2) guidelines for estimation of propafenone hydrochloride in tablet dosage form. QbD approach was carried out by varying various parameters and these variable parameters were designed into Ishikawa diagram. The critical parameters were determined by using principal component analysis as well as by observation. Estimated critical parameters in HPTLC method include solvent methanol, mode of detection absorbance, precoated aluminium backed TLC plate (10 cm 10 cm), wavelength: 250 nm, saturation time: 20 min, band length: 8 mm, solvent front: 70 mm, volume of mobile phase: 5 mL, type of chamber: 10 cm 10 cm, scanning time: 10 min, and mobile phase methanol : ethyl acetate : triethylamine (1.5 : 3.5 : 0.4 v/v/v). Estimated critical parameters in zero order spectrophotometric method were solvent methanol, sample preparation tablet, wavelength: 247.4 nm, slit width: 1.0, scan speed medium, and sampling interval: 0.2, and for first order derivative spectrophotometric method it was scaling factor: 5 and delta lambda 4. The above methods were validated according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. Proposed methods can be used for routine analysis of propafenone hydrochloride in tablet dosage form as they were found to be robust and specific.
Robust Finite-Time Control for Spacecraft with Coupled Translation and Attitude Dynamics
Authors: Wu Guo-Qiang , Wu Shu-Nan , Wu Zhi-Gang
Published: April 2013

Robust finite-time control for spacecraft with coupled translation and attitude dynamics is investigated in the paper. An error-based spacecraft motion model in six-degree-of-freedom is firstly developed. Then a finite-time controller based on nonsingular terminal sliding mode control technique is proposed to achieve translation and attitude maneuvers in the presence of model uncertainties and environmental perturbations. A finite-time observer is designed and a modified controller is then proposed to deal with uncertainties and perturbations and alleviate chattering. Numerical simulations are finally provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed controllers.
Evaluation of Comorbidities in Patients with OSAS and Simple Snoring
Authors: Hızlı Ömer , Özcan Müge , Ünal Adnan
Published: April 2013

Aim. OSAS is a disease characterized by repetitive air flow constraint or cessation due to airway collapse. Diseases that frequently coexist with OSAS and simple snoring were evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Ankara Numune Hospital between April 2008 and April 2010 with 130 patients who presented with the complaints of snoring, witnessed apnea, and daytime drowsiness. Presence of chronic disease was compared to the demographics, BMIs, Epworth Scale scores, polysomnography, and physical examination findings. Results. Comorbid diseases were present in 56 (43.1%) of the patients, and the most presented disease group was cardiovascular system diseases. Age, BMI, daytime drowsiness, and frequency of septum deviation were observed at higher rates in patients with chronic disease. Age, BMI, and frequency of septum deviation were associated with cardiovascular diseases. Endocrine disease was found to increase with decreased oxygen saturation. Neuropsychiatric diseases were associated with daytime drowsiness and age. The mean age was lower in cases with cigarette smoking compared to cases without. Conclusion. Frequency of the comorbidities mostly increased with age as expected. Comorbid diseases were also associated with obesity and daytime drowsiness. Cigarette smoking was associated with early‐age disease.
Free Vibration Analysis of an Euler Beam of Variable Width on the Winkler Foundation Using Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Mutman Utkan
Published: April 2013

Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) is employed to investigate the vibration of an Euler beam resting on an elastic foundation. The beam is assumed to have variable stiffness along its length. HPM is an easy-to-use and very efficient technique for the solution of linear or nonlinear problems. HPM produces analytical approximate expression which is continuous in the solution domain. This work assures that HPM is a promising method for the vibration analysis of the variable stiffness Euler beams on elastic foundation. Different case problems have been solved by using the technique, and solutions have been compared with those available in the literature.
Anticancer Effects of Geopropolis Produced by Stingless Bees on Canine Osteosarcoma CellsIn Vitro
Authors: Cinegaglia Naiara Costa , Bersano Paulo Ricardo Oliveira , Araújo Maria José Abigail Mendes , Búfalo Michelle Cristiane , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: April 2013

Geopropolis is produced by indigenous stingless bees from the resinous material of plants, adding soil or clay. Its biological properties have not been investigated, such as propolis, and herein its cytotoxic action on canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cells was evaluated. OSA is a primary bone neoplasm diagnosed in dogs being an excellent modelin vivoto study human OSA. spOS-2 primary cultures were isolated from the tumor of a dog with osteosarcoma and incubated with geopropolis, 70% ethanol (geopropolis solvent), and carboplatin after 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell viability was analyzed by the crystal violet method. Geopropolis was efficient against canine OSA cells in a dose- and time-dependent way, leading to a distinct morphology compared to control. Geopropolis cytotoxic action was exclusively due to its constituents since 70% ethanol (its solvent) had no effect on cell viability. Carboplatin had no effect on OSA cells. Geopropolis exerted a cytotoxic effect on canine osteosarcoma, and its introduction as a possible therapeutic agentin vivocould be investigated, providing a new contribution to OSA treatment.
A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water‐Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins
Authors: Hope Janette
Published: April 2013

Physicians are increasingly being asked to diagnose and treat people made ill by exposure to water‐damaged environments, mold, and mycotoxins. In addition to avoidance of further exposure to these environments and to items contaminated by these environments, a number of approaches have been used to help persons affected by exposure to restore their health. Illness results from a combination of factors present in water‐damaged indoor environments including, mold spores and hyphal fragments, mycotoxins, bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, and cell wall components as well as other factors. Mechanisms of illness include inflammation, oxidative stress, toxicity, infection, allergy, and irritant effects of exposure. This paper reviews the scientific literature as it relates to commonly used treatments such as glutathione, antioxidants, antifungals, and sequestering agents such as Cholestyramine, charcoal, clay and chlorella, antioxidants, probiotics, and induced sweating.
Borneol, a Bicyclic Monoterpene Alcohol, Reduces Nociceptive Behavior and Inflammatory Response in Mice
Authors: Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , Souza Grasielly Rocha , Silva Juliane Cabral , Saraiva Sarah Raquel Gomes de Lima , Júnior Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira , Quintans Jullyana de Souza Siqueira , Barreto Rosana de Souza Siqueira , Bonjardim Leonardo Rigoldi , Cavalcanti Sócrates Cabral de Holanda , Junior Lucindo José Quintans
Published: April 2013

Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene, has been evaluated for antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. Antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities were studied by measuring nociception by acetic acid, formalin, hot plate, and grip strength tests, while inflammation was prompted by carrageenan‐induced peritonitis. The rotarod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Borneol produced a significant (P < 0.01) reduction of the nociceptive behavior at the early and late phases of paw licking and reduced the writhing reflex in mice (formalin and writhing tests, resp.). When the hot plate test was conducted, borneol (in higher dose) produced an inhibition (P < 0.05) of the nociceptive behavior. Such results were unlikely to be provoked by motor abnormality. Additionally, borneol‐treated mice reduced the carrageenan‐induced leukocytes migration to the peritoneal cavity. Together, our results suggest that borneol possess significant central and peripheral antinociceptive activity; it has also anti‐inflammatory activity. In addition, borneol did not impair motor coordination.
Well Screen and Optimal Time of Refracturing: A Barnett Shale Well
Authors: Tavassoli Shayan , Yu Wei , Javadpour Farzam , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: April 2013

Gas-production decline in hydraulically fractured wells in shale formations necessitates refracturing. However, the vast number of wells in a field makes selection of the right well challenging. Additionally, the success of a refracturing job depends on the time to refracture a shale-gas well during its production life. In this paper we present a numerical simulation approach to development of a methodology for screening a well and to determine the optimal time of refracturing. We implemented our methodology for a well in the Barnett Shale, where we had access to data. The success of a refracturing job depends on reservoir characteristics and the initial induced fracture network. Systematic sensitivity analyses were performed so that the characteristics of a shale-gas horizontal well could be specified as to the possibility of its candidacy for a successful refracturing job. Different refracturing scenarios must be studied in detail so that the optimal design might be determined. Given the studied trends and implications for a production indicator, the optimal time for refracturing can then be suggested for the studied well. Numerical-simulation results indicate significant improvement (on the order of 30%) in estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) after refracturing, given presented screen criteria and optimal-time selection.