bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine Infusion Associated with Transient Adrenal Insufficiency in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Tucker Elizabeth W. , Cooke David W. , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Klaus Sybil Ann
Published: May 2013

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selectiveα2-adrenoceptor agonist used for sedation due to its anxiolytic and analgesic properties without respiratory compromise. Due to its structural similarity to etomidate, there has been concern that dexmedetomidine may cause adrenal insufficiency. This concern was initially supported by animal studies, but subsequent human studies demonstrated mixed results. We describe the case of transient adrenal insufficiency in a 1-year-old male who presented with 24% total body surface 2nd degree burns. He required sedation with a prolonged, high-dose dexmedetomidine infusion with a peak infusion dose of 2.7 mcg/kg/hr and duration of 6.5 days. The patient developed lethargy and hypotension four days after discontinuation of his infusion. He had a random cortisol level which was low at 0.4 mcg/dL, and the concern for adrenal suppression was confirmed with an ACTH stimulation test with the baseline cortisol of 0.4 mcg/dL and inappropriate 60 minute post-ACTH stimulation cortisol of 7.8 mcg/dL. While further studies will be needed to clarify the risk of adrenal suppression secondary to dexmedetomidine, this case suggests that caution should be taken when administering dexmedetomidine to pediatric patients and highlights the need for future studies to look at appropriate dosing and duration of dexmedetomidine infusions.
A Statistical Estimation Approach for Quantitative Concentrations of Compounds Lacking Authentic Standards/Surrogates Based on Linear Correlations between Directly Measured Detector Responses and Carbon Number of Different Functional Groups
Authors: Kim Yong-Hyun , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: May 2013

A statistical approach was investigated to estimate the concentration of compounds lacking authentic standards/surrogates (CLASS). As a means to assess the reliability of this approach, the response factor (RF) of CLASS is derived by predictive equations based on a linear regression (LR) analysis between the actual RF (by external calibration) of 18 reference volatile organic compounds (VOCs) consisting of six original functional groups and their physicochemical parameters ((1) carbon number (CN), (2) molecular weight (MW), and (3) boiling point (BP)). If the experimental bias is estimated in terms of percent difference (PD) between the actual and projected RF, the least bias for 18 VOCs is found from CN (17.9 ± 19.0%). In contrast, the PD values against MW and BP are 40.6% and 81.5%, respectively. Predictive equations were hence derived via an LR analysis between the actual RF and CN for 29 groups: (1) one group consisting of all 18 reference VOCs, (2) three out of six original functional groups, and (3) 25 groups formed randomly from the six functional groups. The applicability of this method was tested by fitting these 29 equations into each of the six original functional groups. According to this approach, the mean PD for 18 compounds dropped as low as 5.60 ± 5.63%. This approach can thus be used as a practical tool to assess the quantitative data for CLASS.
Fabrication of Large-Grain Thick Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Films via Aluminum-Induced Crystallization for Application in Solar Cells
Authors: Chu Hsiao-Yeh , Weng Min-Hang , Lin Chen
Published: May 2013

The fabrication of large-grain 1.25 μm thick polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) films via two-stage aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) for application in thin-film solar cells is reported. The induced 250 nm thick poly-Si film in the first stage is used as the seed layer for the crystallization of a 1 μm thick amorphous silicon (a-Si) film in the second stage. The annealing temperatures in the two stages are both 500°C. The effect of annealing time (15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes) in the second stage on the crystallization of a-Si film is investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. XRD and Raman results confirm that the induced poly-Si films are induced by the proposed process.
Long-Term Treatment Outcome after Only Popliteal Lymph Node Dissection for Nodal Metastasis in Malignant Melanoma of the Heel: The Only “Interval Node” Dissection Can Be an Adequate Surgical Treatment
Authors: Tanaka Kentaro , Mori Hiroki , Okazaki Mutsumi , Nishizawa Aya , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: May 2013

We present a patient with malignant melanoma on his heel. Wide local excision was performed, along with sentinel lymph node biopsy of the inguinal and popliteal lesions. The primary site was clear of tumor at all margins; the inguinal nodes were negative, but the popliteal node was positive for metastatic melanoma. Only radical popliteal lymph node dissection was performed. The patient went on to receive adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. There was no recurrence or complication until the long-term followup. Popliteal drainage from below the knee is uncommon, and the rate of popliteal-positive and inguinal-negative cases is estimated to be less than 1% of all melanomas. There is no established evidence about how to treat lymph nodes in these cases. Because we considered popliteal nodes as a regional, not interval, lymph node basin, only popliteal lymph node dissection was performed, and good postoperative course was achieved. The first site of drainage is the sentinel node, and the popliteal node can be a sentinel node. The inguinal node is not a sentinel node in all lower extremity melanomas. This case illustrates the importance of individual detailed investigation of lymphatic drainage patterns from foot to inguinal and popliteal nodes.
α-Synuclein Modification in an ALS Animal Model
Authors: Yang Eun Jin , Choi Sun-Mi
Published: May 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressively paralytic neurodegenerative disease that can be caused by mutations in Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Transgenic mice that overexpress mutant SOD1 develop paralysis and accumulate aggregates of mutant protein in the brainstem and spinal cord. Bee venom (BV), which is also known as apitoxin, is extracted from honeybees and is commonly used in oriental medicine for the treatment of chronic rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether BV affects misfolded protein aggregates such as alpha-synuclein, which is a known pathological marker in Parkinson disease, and ubiquitin-proteasomal activity inhSOD1G93Amutant mice. BV was bilaterally administered into a 98-day-oldhSOD1G93Aanimal model. We found that BV-treatedhSOD1G93Atransgenic mice showed reduced detergent-insoluble polymerization and phosphorylation ofα-synuclein. Furthermore, phosphorylated or nitratedα-synuclein was significantly reduced in the spinal cords and brainstems of BV-treatedhSOD1G93Amice and reduced proteasomal activity was revealed in the brainstems of BV-treated symptomatichSOD1G93A. From these findings, we suggest that BV treatment attenuates the dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasomal system in a symptomatichSOD1G93AALS model and may help to slow motor neuron loss caused by misfolded protein aggregates in ALS models.
Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis Can Transform into Chronic Pancreatitis: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 73 Japanese Patients
Authors: Maruyama Masahiro , Arakura Norikazu , Ozaki Yayoi , Watanabe Takayuki , Ito Tetsuya , Yoneda Suguru , Maruyama Masafumi , Muraki Takashi , Hamano Hideaki , Matsumoto Akihiro , Kawa Shigeyuki
Published: May 2013

Some patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) form pancreatic stones suggestive of transformation into chronic pancreatitis (CP). The present study examined the underlying risk factors and mechanism of AIP progression to confirmed CP. We compared the clinical and laboratory parameters of subjects who progressed to confirmed CP with those of the subjucts who did not in a cohort of 73 type 1 AIP patients. A total of 16 (22%) AIP patients progressed to CP. Univariate analysis revealed that relapse was significantly more frequent in the progression group, and multivariate analysis indicated that pancreatic head swelling (OR 12.7,P=0.023) and nonnarrowing of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic body (OR 12.6,P=0.001) were significant independent risk factors for progression to CP. Kaplan-Meier testing showed that the progression rate to CP was approximately 10% at 3 years and 30% at 10 years in total AIP patients and 30% at 3 years and 60% at 10 years in subjects with both risk factors. AIP with pancreatic head swelling and a history of relapse may cause pancreatic juice stagnation and nonnarrowing of the main pancreatic duct in the pancreatic body, which can progress to advanced stage chronic pancreatitis.
Association of Reticular Pseudodrusen and Early Onset Drusen
Authors: De Bats Flore , Wolff Benjamin , Mauget-Faÿsse Martine , Meunier Isabelle , Denis Philippe , Kodjikian Laurent
Published: May 2013

Purpose. To report an association between reticular pseudodrusen, located above the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and Early Onset Drusen (EOD) as described using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).
Methods. Eight patients (16 eyes) with EOD were examined. EOD were classified into three entities called Large Colloid Drusen (LCD), Malattia Leventinese (ML), and Cuticular Drusen (CD). Best-corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, color fundus photographs, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and SD-OCT were performed in all study patients.
Results. Four patients had LCD, 2 had ML, and 2 had CD. Reticular pseudodrusen were observed with SD-OCT in all study patients; all these patients had hyperreflective lesions above and below the RPE.
Conclusion. Early Onset Drusen appear to be associated with reticular pseudodrusen. SD-OCT is helpful in distinguishing the location of the deposits that are above and below the RPE in EOD. Further studies are needed to understand the role of reticular pseudodrusen in the pathophysiology of EOD.
Mycobacterium avium Complex-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Sickle Cell Patient: An Unusual Fatal Association
Authors: Chamsi-Pasha Mohammed A. R. , Alraies M. Chadi , Alraiyes Abdul Hamid , Hsi Eric D.
Published: May 2013

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome, characterized clinically by fever, splenomegaly, cytopenia, and high ferritin. Infectious causes have been associated with secondary HLH, with viruses being the most common. We report a case ofMycobacterium avium complex-associated HLH in a sickle cell anemia patient. To the best of our knowledge, this association has never been reported in sickle cell anemia.
Oscillations of a Class of Forced Second-Order Differential Equations with Possible Discontinuous Coefficients
Authors: Miličić Siniša , Pašić Mervan , Žubrinić Darko
Published: May 2013

We study the oscillation of all solutions of a general class of forced second-order differential equations, where their second derivative is not necessarily a continuous function and the coefficients of the main equation may be discontinuous. Our main results are not included in the previously published known oscillation criteria of interval type. Many examples and consequences are presented illustrating the main results.
Solar Radiation: Models and Measurement Techniques
Authors: Pandey C. K. , Katiyar A. K.
Published: May 2013

In order to grasp the significance of the work accomplished by the author, it is necessary to keep abreast of the present developments in this field. The research work reported in the paper is an attempt to get knowledge to assess the solar energy potential for practical and efficient utilization in India. Our work is centered on estimating realistic values of solar (global and diffuse) radiation on horizontal and tilted surfaces using measured meteorological data and geographical and geometrical parameters for India.
Bilateral Vocal Cord Carcinoma in a Sarcoidosis Patient during Infliximab Therapy
Authors: Vorselaars Adriane D. M. , Sjögren Elisabeth V. , van Moorsel Coline H. M. , Grutters Jan C.
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Although the role of TNF-αin tumor development is not fully understood, an increased risk of malignancy with TNF-α-inhibitors, such as infliximab, has been suggested.Case Presentation. We present a 54-year-old nonsmoking female sarcoidosis patient. After seven months of infliximab therapy a T1aN0M0 larynx carcinoma of the right vocal cord was found and excised. Within a year, whilst still on treatment, a second larynx carcinoma of the opposite vocal cord appeared.Discussion. A bilateral vocal cord tumor is rare, especially in a never smoker. Evidence on the role of infliximab in carcinogenesis is inconclusive. To date, there are no follow-up studies evaluating malignancy risk of infliximab therapy in sarcoidosis patients. No studies in other diseases focus on laryngeal carcinomas during infliximab use. We argue that infliximab treatment might have attributed to the rapid progression of vocal cord carcinomas in this patient with an a priori low risk tumor profile. This case illustrates that caution remains warranted in patients with previous malignancies when considering initiation of TNF-α-inhibitors.
Flow Reversal of Fully Developed Mixed Convection in a Vertical Channel with Chemical Reaction
Authors: Saleh Habibis , Hashim Ishak , Basriati Sri
Published: May 2013

The present analysis is concerned with the criteria for the onset of flow reversal of the fully developed mixed convection in a vertical channel under the effect of the chemical reaction. The governing equations and the critical values of the buoyancy force are solved and calculated numerically via MAPLE. Parameter zones for the occurrence of reversed flow are presented. The exothermic chemical reaction is found to enhance the flow reversal and made flow reversal possible for symmetrical walls temperature.
Interactions among Low Dose of Methotrexate and Drugs Used in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Patanè Marinella , Ciriaco Miriam , Chimirri Serafina , Ursini Francesco , Naty Saverio , Grembiale Rosa Daniela , Gallelli Luca , De Sarro Giovambattista , Russo Emilio
Published: May 2013

Methotrexate (MTX) is a nonbiological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that has shown both a good control of clinical disease and a good safety. Usually drug-drug interactions (DDIs) represent the most limiting factor during the clinical management of any disease, in particular when several drugs are coadministered to treat the same disease. In this paper, we report the interactions among MTX and the other drugs commonly used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Using Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane libraries, and Reference lists, we searched for the articles published until June 30, 2012, and we reported the most common DDIs between MTX and antirheumatic drugs. In particular, clinically relevant DDIs have been described during the treatment with MTX and NSAIDs, for example, diclofenac, indomethacin, or COX-2 inhibitors, and between MTX and prednisone or immunosuppressant drugs (e.g., leflunomide and cyclosporine). Finally, an increase in the risk of infections has been recorded during the combination treatment with MTX plus antitumor necrosis factor-αagents. In conclusion, during the treatment with MTX, DDIs play an important role in both the development of ADRs and therapeutic failure.
Using Commercial Compost as Control Measures against Cucumber Root-Rot Disease
Authors: Sabet Kamel Kamal , Saber Magdy Mohamed , El-Naggar Mohamed Adel-Aziz , El-Mougy Nehal Samy , El-Deeb Hatem Mohamed , El-Shahawy Ibrahim El-Saied
Published: May 2013

Five commercial composts were evaluated to suppress the root-rot pathogens (Fusarium solani (Mart.) App. and Wr, Pythium ultimum Trow, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, and Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) of cucumber plants under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. In vitro tests showed that all tested unautoclaved and unfiltrated composts water extracts (CWEs) had inhibitor effect against pathogenic fungi, compared to autoclaved and filtrated ones. Also, the inhibitor effects of 40 bacteria and 15 fungi isolated from composts were tested against the mycelial growth of cucumber root-rot pathogens. Twenty two bacteria and twelve fungal isolates had antagonistic effect against root-rot pathogens. The antagonistic fungal isolates were identified as 6 isolates belong to the genus Aspergillus spp., 5 isolates belong to the genus Penicillium spp. and one isolate belong to the genus Chaetomium spp. Under greenhouse conditions, the obtained results in pot experiment using artificial infested soil with cucumber root-rot pathogens showed that the compost amended soil reduced the percentage of disease incidence, pathogenic fungi population, and improved the cucumber vegetative parameters as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight. These results suggested that composts are consequently considered as control measure against cucumber root-rot pathogens.
Stability of Impulsive Neural Networks with Time-Varying and Distributed Delays
Authors: Luo Qi , Miao Xinjie , Wei Qian , Zhou Zhengxin
Published: May 2013

This work is devoted to investigating the stability of impulsive cellular neural networks with time-varying and distributed delays. We use the new method of fixed point theory to obtain some new and concise sufficient conditions to ensure the existence and uniqueness of solution and the global exponential stability of trivial equilibrium. The presented algebraic criteria are easily checked and do not require the differentiability of delays.
The Application of the Homotopy Analysis Method and the Homotopy Perturbation Method to the Davey-Stewartson Equations and Comparison between Them and Exact Solutions
Authors: Zedan Hassan A. , Barakati W. , Hamad Nada
Published: May 2013

We introduce two powerful methods to solve the Davey-Stewartson equations: one is the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and the other is the homotopy analysis method (HAM). HAM is a strong and easy to use analytic tool for nonlinear problems. Comparison of the HPM results with the HAM results, and compute the absolute errors between the exact solutions of the DS equations with the HPM solutions and HAM solutions are obtained.
Stability Analysis of a Harvested Prey-Predator Model with Stage Structure and Maturation Delay
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Qingling , Huang James
Published: May 2013

A harvested prey-predator model with density-dependent maturation delay and stage structure for prey is proposed, where selective harvest effort on predator population is considered. Conditions which influence positiveness and boundedness of solutions of model system are analytically investigated. Criteria for existence of all equilibria and uniqueness of positive equilibrium are also studied. In order to discuss effects of maturation delay and harvesting on model dynamics, local stability analysis around all equilibria of the proposed model system is discussed due to variation of maturation delay and harvest effort level. Furthermore, global stability of positive equilibrium is investigated by utilizing an iterative technique. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to show consistency with theoretical analysis.
Time Course of the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty Rat
Authors: Song Yi-Sun , Fang Cheng-Hu , So Byung-Im , Park Jun-Young , Lee Yonggu , Shin Jeong Hun , Jun Dae Won , Kim Hyuck , Kim Kyung-Soo
Published: May 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated histological and biochemical changes in NAFLD and the gene expression involvingde novolipogenesis in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats. We used OLETF rats and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats as animal models of NAFLD and as controls, respectively. Consistent observations were made at 4-week intervals up to 50 weeks of age, and all rats were fed ad libitum with standard food. Biochemical and histological changes were observed, and gene expression involved inde novolipogenesis was measured using real-time polymerase chain reactions. As a results hepatic micro- and macrovesicular steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning were evident in the OLETF rats at 22–38 weeks of age but disappeared after 42 weeks; no fibrosis or collagen deposition was observed. Gene expression involved inde novolipogenesis followed a pattern similar to that of the histological changes. In conclusion, in the absence of dietary manipulation, hepatic steatosis in OLETF rats is evident at 22–38 weeks and declines after 42 weeks. Therefore, OLETF rats at 22–38 weeks are recommended as animal models of hepatic steatosis.
Clinical Usefulness of Response Profiles to Rapidly Incremental Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Ramos Roberta P. , Alencar Maria Clara N. , Treptow Erika , Arbex Flávio , Ferreira Eloara M. V. , Neder J. Alberto
Published: May 2013

The advent of microprocessed “metabolic carts” and rapidly incremental protocols greatly expanded the clinical applications of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The response normalcy to CPET is more commonly appreciated at discrete time points, for example, at the estimated lactate threshold and at peak exercise. Analysis of the response profiles of cardiopulmonary responses at submaximal exercise and recovery, however, might show abnormal physiologic functioning which would not be otherwise unraveled. Although this approach has long been advocated as a key element of the investigational strategy, it remains largely neglected in practice. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to highlight the usefulness of selected submaximal metabolic, ventilatory, and cardiovascular variables in different clinical scenarios and patient populations. Special care is taken to physiologically justify their use to answer pertinent clinical questions and to the technical aspects that should be observed to improve responses’ reproducibility and reliability. The most recent evidence in favor of (and against) these variables for diagnosis, impairment evaluation, and prognosis in systemic diseases is also critically discussed.
A Critical Look at Oppositional Culture and the Race Gap in Education
Authors: Mangino William
Published: May 2013

This paper offers a sociological critique of the perceived Black-White gap in education and of the theory of “opposition” that underpins it. The literature extending back a century discusses how oppressed and segregated groups adopt attitudes opposed to those who oppress and contain them. Failure to situate the current oppositional culture in this larger body of literature makes opposition seem specific to Black Americans; it is not. Further, among people with similar economic resources, Black Americans have higher educational aspirations and go to college more than comparable Whites. The continued framing of a “race gap” without reference to economic circumstances reifies race and lays the blame for educational failure on schools, teachers, families, and students, when the real culprits are social and economic issues like jobs, wages, and residential segregation. But because politically we are unwilling to deal with these larger socioeconomic issues, educational professionals are compelled to practice as if economic inequality and poverty do not matter, but in fact they do. Because Black Americans are disproportionately represented in lower economic strata, a spurious correlation exists in professional and popular discourse that mistakenly identifies Black people as “opposed” to education. Net of socioeconomic status, Black Americans are no more opposed than anyone else.
Burkitt's Lymphoma in a Pregnant Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zagalo Carlos , Pierdomenico Francesca , Cabeçadas José , David Santos Pedro
Published: May 2013

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell malignancy with very high proliferation rate, more common in males than females. Here, we describe a case of Burkitt's lymphoma in a 24-week pregnant woman with cervical and abdominal involvement. The common genetic event of virtually all BL is a reciprocal chromosomal translocation involving the proto-oncogeneMYCand one of the Ig gene heavy or light chain loci. Supportive treatment was administered until early delivery, after which the patient was treated according to protocol LMB96. Pregnancy and tumorogenesis share some important events such as immunologic tolerance, angiogenesis, and editing the host immune response. Little is known about the relationship between these events in pregnancy and in tumorogenesis.
A Modified -Median Model for the Emergency Facilities Location Problem and Its Variable Neighbourhood Search-Based Algorithm
Authors: Xi Menghao , Ye Feng , Yao Zhong , Zhao Qiuhong
Published: May 2013

Emergency incidents, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, public health outbreaks, and industrial and mining accidents, and so forth, result in severe human casualties and property losses. Emergency facilities, which provide relief materials and services, play an important role in rescue management. The decision of where to locate the emergency rescue facilities is very important, as it determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the emergency management process. This paper develops a modified -median problem model that accounts for rescue time limitations. A variable neighbourhood search- (VNS-) based algorithm is developed for the model considered. The modified VNS algorithm exhibits good performance on -median benchmark problems. A case from Western China is studied, and a reasonable location decision is then made for emergency rescue facilities using the modified VNS algorithm. The paper also compares the results with and without considering the rescue time limitation.
Determination of Pesticide Residues in Cannabis Smoke
Authors: Sullivan Nicholas , Elzinga Sytze , Raber Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2013

The present study was conducted in order to quantify to what extent cannabis consumers may be exposed to pesticide and other chemical residues through inhaled mainstream cannabis smoke. Three different smoking devices were evaluated in order to provide a generalized data set representative of pesticide exposures possible for medical cannabis users. Three different pesticides, bifenthrin, diazinon, and permethrin, along with the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol, which are readily available to cultivators in commercial products, were investigated in the experiment. Smoke generated from the smoking devices was condensed in tandem chilled gas traps and analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Recoveries of residues were as high as 69.5% depending on the device used and the component investigated, suggesting that the potential of pesticide and chemical residue exposures to cannabis users is substantial and may pose a significant toxicological threat in the absence of adequate regulatory frameworks.
Segmentation and Morphometric Analysis of Cells from Fluorescence Microscopy Images of Cytoskeletons
Authors: Ujihara Yoshihiro , Nakamura Masanori , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Wada Shigeo
Published: May 2013

We developed a method to reconstruct cell geometry from confocal fluorescence microscopy images of the cytoskeleton. In the method, region growing was implemented twice. First, it was applied to the extracellular regions to differentiate them from intracellular noncytoskeletal regions, which both appear black in fluorescence microscopy imagery, and then to cell regions for cell identification. Analysis of morphological parameters revealed significant changes in cell shape associated with cytoskeleton disruption, which offered insight into the mechanical role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining cell shape. The proposed segmentation method is promising for investigations on cell morphological changes with respect to internal cytoskeletal structures.
Bifurcation of Limit Cycles of a Class of Piecewise Linear Differential Systems in with Three Zones
Authors: Cheng Yanyan
Published: May 2013

We study the bifurcation of limit cycles from periodic orbits of a four-dimensional system when the perturbation is piecewise linear with two switching boundaries. Our main result shows that when the parameter is sufficiently small at most, six limit cycles can bifurcate from periodic orbits in a class of asymmetric piecewise linear perturbed systems, and, at most, three limit cycles can bifurcate from periodic orbits in another class of asymmetric piecewise linear perturbed systems. Moreover, there are perturbed systems having six limit cycles. The main technique is the averaging method.
Scar Endometriosis: A Case Report of This Uncommon Entity and Review of the Literature
Authors: Uzunçakmak Cihangir , Güldaş Ahmet , Özçam Hasene , Dinç Kemal
Published: May 2013

Scar endometriosis is an infrequent type of extrapelvic endometriosis that is rather close together with obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. It is mostly confused with other dermatological or surgical conditions and delays the diagnosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman presenting with scar endometriosis 23 years after her last lower segment caesarean section. The epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of the situation are discussed.
Implant Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Bone Regenerative Techniques after Fracture of the Upper Central Incisors
Authors: Amato Massimo , Bruno Vincenzo , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Cerutti Antonio , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Sammartino Gilberto
Published: May 2013

A case of implant-bone prosthetic rehabilitation, after the fracture of the maxillary central incisors, which had been treated with grafting of a bone substitute, is reported. This case was followed by the normal procedures of implantology within the traditional timeframe for bone regeneration. However, a barrier membrane was not used which shows that even along with the use of graft material a sufficient amount of bone could be achieved for a subsequent rehabilitation. Therefore, after a five-year follow-up period, osseointegration was maintained with no marginal bone loss.
Synthesis and Surface Characterization of γ‐MnO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Chengxiang , Wang Jing , Tian Jiarui , Xiang Lan
Published: May 2013

A facile method was developed to synthesize γ‐MnO2 with different structures and surface properties in this paper. γ‐MnO2 was prepared by oxidation of MnSO4 with Na2S2O8 at 90°C for 2.0 h. γ‐MnO2 formed at initial pH 1.0 (M1) and 8.5 (M2) was composed of MnO1.93 · 0.23H2O and MnO1.96 · 0.18H2O, respectively. The higher ratio of pyrolusite in M2 (Pr = 43.90%) than that in M1 (Pr = 24.86%) indicated that compared with M1, M2 would absorb more protons since the planar oxygen atoms in pyrolusite were incompletely coordinated and liable to absorb the protons. Meanwhile, the higher oxidation valence of Mn in M2 than that in M1 revealed that the Mn atoms in M2 were more liable to draw the electron density from the surface oxygen atoms in hydroxyl groups. The structural and compositional differences between M1 and M2 were the major reasons why M2 possessed a higher surface potential and a weaker ability to absorb Zn2+ ions.
Comparison of Electroacupuncture in Restrained and Unrestrained Rat Models
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Chan , Zhang Ruixin , Lao Lixing , Wan You , Yi Ming
Published: May 2013

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) are widely used to treat a variety of diseases including pain. In preclinical research, EA is usually applied by inserting acupuncture needles into the hindlimbs of rats restrained in small tubes or bags. This restrained model of EA not only causes stress-like behaviors but also is limited in stimulating locations and intensities. In 2004, a novel, unrestrained model of EA was introduced. However, these two EA methods have never been directly compared regarding their analgesic effects and other features such as stress. In the present study, we reported similar analgesic effects between restrained and unrestrained EA in rats of acute inflammatory pain induced by intraplantar injection of CFA. In addition, rats receiving unrestrained EA showed less significant stress-like behaviors and tolerated higher current intensity. These advantages suggest that this unrestrained EA method can replace the traditional restrained procedure with similar analgesic effects and allow for more choices of stimulating intensities and locations.
Positive Fixed Points for Semipositone Operators in Ordered Banach Spaces and Applications
Authors: Zhao Zengqin , Du Xinsheng
Published: May 2013

The theory of semipositone integral equations and semipositone ordinary differential equations has been emerging as an important area of investigation in recent years, but the research on semipositone operators in abstract spaces is yet rare. By employing a well-known fixed point index theorem and combining it with a translation substitution, we study the existence of positive fixed points for a semipositone operator in ordered Banach space. Lastly, we apply the results to Hammerstein integral equations of polynomial type.
Fractionation and Purification of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from a Brewery Waste Stream
Authors: Barbosa-Pereira Letricia , Pocheville Ainara , Angulo Inmaculada , Paseiro-Losada Perfecto , Cruz Jose M.
Published: May 2013

The brewery industry generates waste that could be used to yield a natural extract containing bioactive phenolic compounds. We compared two methods of purifying the crude extract—solid-phase extraction (SPE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)—with the aim of improving the quality of the final extract for potential use as safe food additive, functional food ingredient, or nutraceutical. The predominant fractions yielded by SPE were the most active, and the fraction eluted with 30% (v/v) of methanol displayed the highest antioxidant activity (0.20 g L−1), similar to that of BHA. The most active fraction yielded by SFE (EC50of 0.23 g L−1) was obtained under the following conditions: temperature 40°C, pressure 140 bar, extraction time 30 minutes, ethanol (6%) as a modifier, and modifier flow 0.2 mL min−1. Finally, we found that SFE is the most suitable procedure for purifying the crude extracts and improves the organoleptic characteristics of the product: the final extract was odourless, did not contain solvent residues, and was not strongly coloured. Therefore, natural extracts obtained from the residual stream and purified by SFE can be used as natural antioxidants with potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Bifurcation and Chaos in a Price Game of Irrigation Water in a Coastal Irrigation District
Authors: Xin Baogui , Li Yuting
Published: May 2013

We propose a price game model of irrigation water in a coastal irrigation district. Then, we discuss the stability and codimension-two period-doubling (flip) bifurcation. Then, the MATLAB package Cl_MatContM is employed to illustrate its numerical bifurcations-based continuation methods. Lastly, the 0-1 test algorithm is used to compute the median value of correlation coefficient which can indicate whether the underlying dynamics is regular or chaotic.
Reliable Path Selection Problem in Uncertain Traffic Network after Natural Disaster
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Jianming , Yang Haoxiong
Published: May 2013

After natural disaster, especially for large-scale disasters and affected areas, vast relief materials are often needed. In the meantime, the traffic networks are always of uncertainty because of the disaster. In this paper, we assume that the edges in the network are either connected or blocked, and the connection probability of each edge is known. In order to ensure the arrival of these supplies at the affected areas, it is important to select a reliable path. A reliable path selection model is formulated, and two algorithms for solving this model are presented. Then, adjustable reliable path selection model is proposed when the edge of the selected reliable path is broken. And the corresponding algorithms are shown to be efficient both theoretically and numerically.
Dynamics Analysis of an HIV Infection Model including Infected Cells in an Eclipse Stage
Authors: Zhou Shengyu , Hu Zhixing , Ma Wanbiao , Liao Fucheng
Published: May 2013

In this paper, an HIV infection model including an eclipse stage of infected cells is considered. Some quicker cells in this stage become productively infected cells, a portion of these cells are reverted to the uninfected class, and others will be latent down in the body. We consider CTL-response delay in this model and analyze the effect of time delay on stability of equilibrium. It is shown that the uninfected equilibrium and CTL-absent infection equilibrium are globally asymptotically stable for both ODE and DDE model. And we get the global stability of the CTL-present equilibrium for ODE model. For DDE model, we have proved that the CTL-present equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable in a range of delays and also have studied the existence of Hopf bifurcations at the CTL-present equilibrium. Numerical simulations are carried out to support our main results.
Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Peripheral Blood Neutrophils of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Pilkauskaite Guoda , Miliauskas Skaidrius , Sakalauskas Raimundas
Published: May 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as well as obesity is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Neutrophils produce great amounts of ROS. The aim was to evaluate peripheral blood neutrophils ROS production in men with OSA and to establish relations with disease severity and obesity. Methods. Forty‐six men with OSA and 10 controls were investigated. OSA was confirmed by polysomnography (PSG), when apnea/hypopnea index was >5/h. Body mass index (BMI) was evaluated. Neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood in the morning after PSG. Dihydrorhodamine‐123 was used for ROS detection. Data is presented as median (25th and 75th percentiles). All subjects were divided into four groups: nonobese mild‐to‐moderate OSA, obese mild‐to‐moderate OSA, nonobese severe OSA, and obese severe OSA. Results. Neutrophil ROS production was higher in nonobese severe OSA group compared to nonobese mild‐to‐moderate OSA (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) 213.4 (89.0–238.9) versus 44.5 (20.5–58.4), P < 0.05). In obese patient groups, ROS production was more increased in severe OSA compared to mild‐to‐moderate OSA group (MFI 74.5 (47.9–182.4) versus 31.0 (14.8–53.8), P < 0.05). It did not differ in the groups with different BMI and the same severity of OSA. Conclusion. Increased neutrophil ROS production was related to more severe OSA but not obesity.
Numerical Study of Thermal Behavior in Alternating Current Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hwu Farn-Shiun , Hsieh Hung-Lin
Published: May 2013

The thermal characteristics of an alternating current light-emitting diode (AC LED) chip based on a three-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation are discussed. In this model, the difficulties due to the tiny scale and extra-low aspect ratio of the AC LED microchip geometry are resolved. A time lag between the maximum forward voltage and the highest mean junction temperature is observed. The influence of different input power frequencies on the thermal fields is also investigated for AC LEDs with 600 μm × 600 μm area. A numerical simulation of the junction temperature distributions shows that the AC LED has a better performance under a higher frequency than under a lower frequency.
Surgical Outcomes and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients Who Underwent Potentially Noncurative Endoscopic Resection for Gastric Cancer: A Report of a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ito Hiroaki , Inoue Haruhiro , Ikeda Haruo , Odaka Noriko , Yoshida Akira , Satodate Hitoshi , Onimaru Manabu , Takayanagi Daisuke , Santi Esperanza Grace , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: May 2013

Background. Standard treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) after endoscopic resection with risk factors of nodal metastases and incomplete resection is controversial. We investigated optimal management for the patients with potentially noncurative EGC after endoscopic resection.Methods. We retrospectively examined clinicopathological data and surgical outcomes of all patients with clinically solitary gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery after a single peroral endoscopic resection at the Digestive Disease Center of Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital between April 2001 and December 2012. Fisher's exact test was used for univariate analysis. For multivariate analysis, stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify independent predictors related to lymph node metastasis and remnant of primary tumor.Results. A total of 41 patients were studied. Four patients (9.8%) had lymph node metastases. Primary tumors remained in 6 patients (14.6%). Only venous invasion was statistically significant to lymph node metastasis (P=0.017). With respect to remnant of the primary tumor, pT1b2 tumor invasion (P=0.015) and horizontal margin (P=0.013) were statistically significant.Conclusions. Surgery with limited lymphadenectomy is recommended for tumors with venous invasion or pT1b2 tumor invasion, and additional endoscopic resection may be allowed for tumors with horizontal involvement.
Focal Left Atrial Tachycardia in a Patient with Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Parihar Gulam , Rao Rohit , Goyal Vishal
Published: May 2013

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare disease caused by intrauterine failure of the myocardium to compact. The major clinical manifestations of LVNC include heart failure, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, thromboembolic event, and sudden deaths. Atrial arrhythmia usually seen is atrial fibrillation. We report a rare case of focal left atrial tachycardia in an 18-year-old patient who presented for evaluation of persistent tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe systolic dysfunction and evidence of noncompaction of the left ventricle. A detailed review of ECG revealed the possibility of ectopic atrial tachycardia, most likely originating from the left side. Electrophysiology study showed sustained atrial tachycardia originating on the ridge anterior to the left sided pulmonary veins. A successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed at this site without any complications.
Minimum Cost Multicast Routing Using Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hu Xiao-Min , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2013

Multicast routing (MR) is a technology for delivering network data from some source node(s) to a group of destination nodes. The objective of the minimum cost MR (MCMR) problem is to find an optimal multicast tree with the minimum cost for MR. This problem is NP complete. In order to tackle the problem, this paper proposes a novel algorithm termed the minimum cost multicast routing ant colony optimization (MCMRACO). Based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) framework, the artificial ants in the proposed algorithm use a probabilistic greedy realization of Prim’s algorithm to construct multicast trees. Moving in a cost complete graph (CCG) of the network topology, the ants build solutions according to the heuristic and pheromone information. The heuristic information represents problem-specific knowledge for the ants to construct solutions. The pheromone update mechanisms coordinate the ants’ activities by modulating the pheromones. The algorithm can quickly respond to the changes of multicast nodes in a dynamic MR environment. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been compared with published results available in the literature. Results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in both static and dynamic MCMR problems.
Dynamics of a Family of Nonlinear Delay Difference Equations
Authors: He Qiuli , Sun Taixiang , Xi Hongjian
Published: May 2013

We study the global asymptotic stability of the following difference equation:xn+1=f(xn-k1,xn-k2,…,xn-ks;xn-m1,xn-m2,…,xn-mt),n=0,1,…,where0≤k1<k2<⋯<ksand0≤m1<m2<⋯<mtwith{k1,k2,…,ks}⋂‍{m1,m2,…,mt}=∅,the initial values are positive, andf∈C(Es+t,(0,+∞))withE∈{(0,+∞),[0,+∞)}. We give sufficient conditions under which the unique positive equilibriumx-of that equation is globally asymptotically stable.
Effect of Formononetin on Mechanical Properties and Chemical Composition of Bones in Rats with Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Kaczmarczyk-Sedlak Ilona , Wojnar Weronika , Zych Maria , Ozimina-Kamińska Ewa , Taranowicz Joanna , Siwek Agata
Published: May 2013

Formononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which can be found in low concentrations in many dietary products, but the greatest sources of this substance areAstragalus membranaceus, Trifolium pratense, Glycyrrhiza glabra,andPueraria lobata, which all belong to Fabaceae family. Due to its structural similarity to 17β-estradiol, it can mimic estradiol’s effect and therefore is considered as a “phytoestrogen.” The aim of this study was to examine the effect of formononetin on mechanical properties and chemical composition of bones in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. 12-week-old female rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, ovariectomized, ovariectomized treated with estradiol (0.2 mg/kg) and ovariectomized treated with formononetin (10 mg/kg). Analyzed substances were administered orally for 4 weeks. Ovariectomy caused osteoporotic changes, which can be observed in bone biomechanical features (decrease of maximum load and fracture load and increase of displacements for maximum and fracture loads) and bone chemical composition (increase of water and organic fraction content, while a decrease of minerals takes place). Supplementation with formononetin resulted in slightly enhanced bone mechanical properties and bone chemistry improvement (significantly lower water content and insignificantly higher mineral fraction content). To summarize, administration of formononetin to ovariectomized rats shows beneficial effect on bone biomechanical features and chemistry; thus, it can prevent osteoporosis development.
Cav1.2, Cell Proliferation, and New Target in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Soldatov Nikolai M.
Published: May 2013

Cav1.2 calcium channels are the principal proteins involved in electrical, mechanical, and/or signaling functions of the cell.Cav1.2 couples membrane depolarization to the transient increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration that is a trigger for muscle contraction and CREB-dependent transcriptional activation. The CACNA1C gene coding for theCav1.2 pore-formingα1Csubunit is subject to extensive alternative splicing. This review is the first attempt to follow the association between cell proliferation,Cav1.2 expression and splice variation, and atherosclerosis. Based on insights into the association between the atherosclerosis-induced molecular remodeling ofCav1.2, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and CREB-dependent transcriptional signaling, this review will give a perspective outlook for the use of the CACNA1C exon skipping as a new potential gene therapy approach to atherosclerosis.
A Design Approach for Controlled Self-Organization-Based Sensor Networks Focused on Control Timescale
Authors: Kominami Daichi , Murata Masayuki
Published: May 2013

Many researches on network control with a design principle of self-organization have been studied for large-scale networks. Since self-organized control is based on local interactions between system elements, it has high scalability, adaptability, and robustness; however, the management of the whole system is very difficult. In order to solve this problem, a controlled self-organization scheme has been proposed, which aims for desired system behavior by controlling a part of self-organized nodes. Although there are many practical proposals on the scheme, no design approach for it has ever been investigated. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a design approach for the network based on controlled self-organization, paying attention to the control timescale. Through computer simulations, we show the adaptability and stability of the proposed design approach.