bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harmonious functional and aesthetic correction of severe localised pregnancy-induced gingival enlargement associated with capillary haemangioma
Authors: Kaushal Shalini , Kumar Avadhesh , Azmatullah Mohammed , Gupta Sanjay , Singh Rajeev Kumar
Published: June 2013

Gingival enlargement is a clinical condition that has been widely studied and is directly associated with specific local or systemic conditions. Pregnancy has been presented to increase susceptibility to gingival inflammation. Sex hormones are believed to be a risk factor for periodontitis because of their ability to proliferate specific periodontal microorganisms and affect host immunological response, but it is unclear whether pregnancy gingivitis exposes or proceeds to periodontitis. In this case report, the patient reported with severe localised enlarged gingival mass which initiated when she was pregnant. After parturition, gingival enlargement was persisting and causing functional and aesthetic problem. Enlargement did not resolve even after non-surgical therapy; therefore, surgical excision of the entire enlarged gingival mass was preformed. Histopathological examination revealed capillary haemangioma. No evidence of malignancy was seen. No recurrence was seen even after 2 years of follow-up.
Being a badger's advocate
Authors: Cousquer Glen
Published: June 2013

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Being a badger's advocate’, is presented and discussed by Glen Cousquer. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Anaesthetic death: who pays?’, which was published in the May issue of In Practice, appears on page 351.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Applying digital photography in general practice
Authors: Fawcett Anne , Norsworthy Gary D.
Published: June 2013

The widespread availability of digital cameras means that most vets have access to a camera capable of producing high quality clinical images. Photography can be a powerful tool in practice. Anne Fawcett and Gary Norsworthy explore how it can be used to document clinical cases, enhance communication with colleagues and specialists, as well as share information with a wider audience.
Current concepts of navicular syndrome: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Coomer Richard , Thomas Holly , McKane Shaun
Published: June 2013

Navicular syndrome is a complex of degenerative processes arising from many types of injury to structures in the heel area of the foot. Although classically presenting as a chronic forelimb lameness, the clinical signs of horses with navicular syndrome can vary widely, leading to difficulties in making a definitive diagnosis. The recent increase in availability of advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has not only improved our understanding of the disease, but also our ability to localise lesions within the foot that may not be evident on radiographs. Due to the multiple aetiologies that may contribute to any one case, treatment and management of the condition is rarely straightforward and often requires a combination of strategies. This article reviews the current concepts of navicular syndrome and outlines a practical approach to its diagnosis and management.
Historical abundance and spatial distributions of spawners determine juvenile habitat accessibility in salmon: implications for population dynamics and management targets
Authors: Finstad Anders Gravbrøt , Sættem Leif Magnus , Einum Sigurd
Published: June 2013

Spatial distribution of spawning may have important ramifications for population dynamics in species where early life stages suffer from low mobility and high density-dependent mortality. Here, we use time series of spatial spawning distribution in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to test for density-dependent behavioural effects on the spatial utilization of spawning sites and resulting juvenile habitat availability. The probability of utilizing spawning sites in a given year increased both with increasing spawner abundance and proximity to sites used the previous year. The accessible area for juveniles increased asymptotically with both current and time-lagged spawner abundance. Several nonexclusive mechanisms may be responsible for the observed direct and lagged density dependence of spawner distributions, including social aggregation, asymmetric competition for space, local homing, and habitat modification by the previous year’s spawners. Time-lagged density-dependent spawner distributions can be predicted to reduce the realized population growth rate. If such effects are not accounted for, this may lead to a downward bias in estimates of spawning targets or other associated conservation or management measures derived from population abundance time series.
Oral supplementation with glycine reduces oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome, improving their systolic blood pressure
Authors: Díaz-Flores Margarita , Cruz Miguel , Duran-Reyes Genoveva , Munguia-Miranda Catarina , Loza-Rodríguez Hilda , Pulido-Casas Evelyn , Torres-Ramírez Nayeli , Gaja-Rodriguez Olga , Kumate Jesus , Baiza-Gutman Luis Arturo , Hernández-Saavedra Daniel
Published: June 2013

Reactive oxygen species derived from abdominal fat and uncontrolled glucose metabolism are contributing factors to both oxidative stress and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of daily administration of an oral glycine supplement on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in MetS patients. The study included 60 volunteers: 30 individuals that were supplemented with glycine (15 g/day) and 30 that were given a placebo for 3 months. We analysed thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb) in plasma; the enzymatic activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes; and the expression of CAT, GPX, and SOD2 in leukocytes. Individuals treated with glycine showed a 25% decrease in TBARS compared with the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, there was a 20% reduction in SOD-specific activity in the glycine-treated group, which correlated with SOD2 expression. G6PD activity and SNO-Hb levels increased in the glycine-treated male group. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) also showed a significant decrease in the glycine-treated men (p = 0.043). Glycine plays an important role in balancing the redox reactions in the human body, thus protecting against oxidative damage in MetS patients.
DISSIPATIVE SCALAR FIELD THEORY VIA DEFORMATION QUANTIZATION
Authors: CARRILLO-IBARRA ILIANA , GARCÍA-COMPEÁN HUGO , TURRUBIATES FRANCISCO J.
Published: June 2013

The dissipative scalar field theory by means of the deformation quantization formalism is studied. Following the ideas presented by G. Dito and F. J. Turrubiates [Phys. Lett. A352, 309 (2006)] for quantum mechanics, a star product which contains the dissipative effect for the damped oscillation modes of the field is constructed. Employing this approach the expectation values of some observables in the quantum mechanical case as well as certain correlation functions for the field case are obtained under a particular dissipative process.
COMPLETE INTERSECTIONS IN BINOMIAL AND LATTICE IDEALS
Authors: LÓPEZ HIRAM H. , VILLARREAL RAFAEL H.
Published: June 2013

For the family of graded lattice ideals of dimension 1, we establish a complete intersection criterion in algebraic and geometric terms. In positive characteristic, it is shown that all ideals of this family are binomial set-theoretic complete intersections. In characteristic zero, we show that an arbitrary lattice ideal which is a binomial set-theoretic complete intersection is a complete intersection.
EXAMPLES OF POINTED COLOR HOPF ALGEBRAS
Authors: ANDRUSKIEWITSCH NICOLÁS , ANGIONO IVÁN , BAGIO DIRCEU
Published: June 2013

We present examples of color Hopf algebras, i.e. Hopf algebras in color categories (braided tensor categories with braiding induced by a bicharacter on an abelian group), related with quantum doubles of pointed Hopf algebras. We also discuss semisimple color Hopf algebras.
ON CARTAN INVARIANTS FOR GRADED LIE ALGEBRAS OF CARTAN TYPE
Authors: SHU BIN , YAO YU-FENG
Published: June 2013

Let L = X(m; n), X ∈ {W, S, H, K}, be a graded simple Lie algebra of Cartan type over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p > 3. Then L is a so-called generalized restricted Lie algebra. Let [Formula: see text] be the primitive p-envelope of L, and G = X(m; 1), a subalgebra of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, a close connection between Cartan invariants for [Formula: see text] and U(G, χ) is established, where χ ∈ L* is extended to be a linear function on [Formula: see text] trivially, and 1 ≤ ht (χ) < p-2+δXW. This reduces the study of projective representations of the generalized restricted Lie algebra L to the one of the corresponding restricted Lie algebra G. As a special case, we recover some results in [Shu and Jiang, On Cartan invariants and blocks of Zassenhaus algebras, Comm. Algebra33(10) (2005) 3619–3630].
COMPARING FOLDING MECHANISMS OF DIFFERENT PRION PROTEINS BY Gō MODEL
Authors: WU XUE , FU TING , XIU ZHI-LONG , YIN LIU , WANG JIN-GUANG , LI GUO-HUI
Published: June 2013

Prions are associated with neurodegenerative diseases induced by transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The infectious scrapie form is referred to as PrP Sc , which has conformational change from normal prion with predominant α-helical conformation to the abnormal PrP Sc that is rich in β-sheet content. Neurodegenerative diseases have been found from both human and bovine sources, but there are no reports about infected by transmissible spongiform encephalopathies from rabbit, canine and horse sources. Here we used coarse-grained Gō model to compare the difference among human, bovine, rabbit, canine, and horse normal (cellular) prion proteins. The denatured state of normal prion has relation with the conversion from normal to abnormal prion protein, so we used all-atom Gō model to investigate the folding pathway and energy landscape for human prion protein. Through using coarse-grained Gō model, the cooperativity of the five prion proteins was characterized in terms of calorimetric criterion, sigmoidal transition, and free-energy profile. The rabbit and horse prion proteins have higher folding free-energy barrier and cooperativity, and canine prion protein has slightly higher folding free-energy barrier comparing with human and bovine prion proteins. The results from all-atom Gō model confirmed the validity of C α-Gō model. The correlations of our results with previous experimental and theoretical researches were discussed.
MULTISCALE, MULTIPHYSICS AND MULTIDOMAIN MODELS I: BASIC THEORY
Authors: WEI GUO-WEI
Published: June 2013

This work extends our earlier two-domain formulation of a differential geometry based multiscale paradigm into a multidomain theory, which endows us the ability to simultaneously accommodate multiphysical descriptions of aqueous chemical, physical and biological systems, such as fuel cells, solar cells, nanofluidics, ion channels, viruses, RNA polymerases, molecular motors, and large macromolecular complexes. The essential idea is to make use of the differential geometry theory of surfaces as a natural means to geometrically separate the macroscopic domain of solvent from the microscopic domain of solute, and dynamically couple continuum and discrete descriptions. Our main strategy is to construct energy functionals to put on an equal footing of multiphysics, including polar (i.e. electrostatic) solvation, non-polar solvation, chemical potential, quantum mechanics, fluid mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse grained dynamics, and elastic dynamics. The variational principle is applied to the energy functionals to derive desirable governing equations, such as multidomain Laplace–Beltrami (LB) equations for macromolecular morphologies, multidomain Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation or Poisson equation for electrostatic potential, generalized Nernst–Planck (NP) equations for the dynamics of charged solvent species, generalized Navier–Stokes (NS) equation for fluid dynamics, generalized Newton's equations for molecular dynamics (MD) or coarse-grained dynamics and equation of motion for elastic dynamics. Unlike the classical PB equation, our PB equation is an integral-differential equation due to solvent–solute interactions. To illustrate the proposed formalism, we have explicitly constructed three models, a multidomain solvation model, a multidomain charge transport model and a multidomain chemo-electro-fluid-MD-elastic model. Each solute domain is equipped with distinct surface tension, pressure, dielectric function, and charge density distribution. In addition to long-range Coulombic interactions, various non-electrostatic solvent–solute interactions are considered in the present modeling. We demonstrate the consistency between the non-equilibrium charge transport model and the equilibrium solvation model by showing the systematical reduction of the former to the latter at equilibrium. This paper also offers a brief review of the field.
SECOND-HARMONIC GENERATION OF FLUORESCENT PROTEINS
Authors: WEI JING , ZHANG MIN-YI , WANG JIN-YUN , CHAI GUO-LIANG , LIN CHEN-SHENG , CHENG WEN-DAN
Published: June 2013

We theoretically study the second-order nonlinear optical properties of six fluorescent proteins (FPs), such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), BFP, enhanced BFP (eBFP), CFP, YFP, and DsRed. To begin with, the geometries of all these FP chromophores are optimized at B3LYP/6-311++G** level in a water medium and the polarized continuum model (PCM in water) method is adopted. Using a time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method, the electronic structures and excited-state properties of chromophores are determined. Here we employ TDDFT combining with the sum-over-states (SOS) method to calculate the first-order hyperpolarizability for second-harmonic generation (SHG) optical process. Moreover, we discuss the origin of the nonlinear optical response and determine what caused the variation of first-order hyperpolarizability. Our calculations show that the charge transfers of π → π* in the central conjugated structure and p → π* charge transfers from the side chain R1 to conjugated structure of chromophores markedly affect the first-order hyperpolarizability.
CLUSTERING MULTI-DOMAIN PROTEIN STRUCTURES IN THE ESSENTIAL DYNAMICS SUBSPACE
Authors: WEN BIN , SHI YUNYU , ZHANG ZHIYONG
Published: June 2013

A multi-domain protein is able to exist as equilibrium of different conformations in solution, which may be critical to its biological function. Besides experimental techniques, computational methods like molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are suitable to study inter-domain motions of the protein and sample different conformational states. A MD simulation usually generates a trajectory containing large amount of protein structures, and a post-processing cluster analysis would be necessary to group similar structures into clusters and identify these typical conformations of the multi-domain protein. In this paper, the widely used k-means clustering algorithm is implemented in the protein essential dynamics (ED) subspace defined by principal component analysis on the MD trajectory. Cluster analysis of the formin binding protein 21 (FBP21) tandem WW domains demonstrate that the k-means clustering results by measuring distances between structures in the ED subspace are superior to those by using other metrics like pairwise inter-domain residue distances.
DIELECTRIC CONSTANT AND SEEBECK COEFFICIENT FOR SEMICONDUCTORS: THERMODYNAMIC AND DFT STUDIES
Authors: TASI HSIU-YA , ZHU CHAOYUAN
Published: June 2013

Dielectric constants and Seebeck coefficients for semiconductor materials are studied by thermodynamic method plus ab initio quantum density functional theory (DFT). A single molecule which is formed in semiconductor material is treated in gas phase with molecular boundary condition and then electronic polarizability is directly calculated through Mulliken and atomic polar tensor (APT) density charges in the presence of the external electric field. This electronic polarizability can be converted to dielectric constant for solid material through the Clausius–Mossotti formula. Seebeck coefficient is first simulated in gas phase by thermodynamic method and then its value divided by its dielectric constant is regarded as Seebeck coefficient for solid materials. Furthermore, unit cell of semiconductor material is calculated with periodic boundary condition and its solid structure properties such as lattice constant and band gap are obtained. In this way, proper DFT function and basis set are selected to simulate electronic polarizability directly and Seebeck coefficient through chemical potential. Three semiconductor materials Mg 2 Si , β- FeSi 2 and SiGe are extensively tested by DFT method with B3LYP, BLYP and M05 functionals, and dielectric constants simulated by the present method are in good agreement with experimental values. Seebeck coefficients simulated by the present method are in reasonable good agreement with experiments and temperature dependence of Seebeck coefficients basically follows experimental results as well. The present method works much better than the conventional energy band structure theory for Seebeck coefficients of three semiconductors mentioned above. Simulation with periodic boundary condition can be generalized directly to treat with doped semiconductor in near future.
STUDY OF ELECTRON, PHONON AND CRYSTAL STABILITY VERSUS THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES IN Mg2X(X = Si, Sn) COMPOUNDS AND THEIR ALLOYS
Authors: BOURGEOIS J. , TOBOLA J. , WIENDLOCHA B. , CHAPUT L. , ZWOLENSKI P. , BERTHEBAUD D. , GASCOIN F. , RECOUR Q. , SCHERRER H.
Published: June 2013

We present results of extensive theoretical and experimental investigations of Mg 2 Si and Mg 2 Sn and their Mg 2 Si 1-x Sn x alloys. Electronic and phonon properties of binary compounds were studied by ab initio calculations. Then, both compounds were synthesized by the solid-state reaction and electrical resistivity and thermopower was measured at high temperature (300–900 K). In both the compounds, the theoretical bandgaps (0.56 eV in Mg 2 Si and 0.16 eV in Mg 2 Sn ) agree very well with the experimental values (0.6 eV in Mg 2 Si and 0.17 eV from activation law in Mg 2 Sn ) upon applying the modified Becke–Johnson semilocal exchange potential and including spin–orbit coupling in the calculations. Calculated phonon spectra support crystal stability of both compounds. For Mg 2 Si , the contributions from Si and Mg are spread over all the spectrum (0–10 THz), whereas in the case of Mg 2 Sn , a gap opens around 4 THz with Sn and Mg contributions dominating in lower and higher energy range, respectively. The calculated heat capacity at low temperature (0–300 K) fairly agrees with available experimental data. The crystal structure of Mg 2 Si 1-x Sn x with x = 0, 0.25, 0.4, 0.75, 1 was studied by X-ray diffraction measurements. The alloy compositions exist in the ranges 0 < x < 0.4 and 0.6 < x < 1 and the obtained samples are almost single phased. Detailed crystal stability study with temperature revealed that all powder samples started to decompose into MgO , Si and Sn at ~ 630 K. For hot pressed bulk materials, the decomposition is much slower than in powder compounds but it still appears. Interestingly, thermoelectric properties measurements performed in Mg 2 Si 1-x Sn x show that both electrical resistivity and thermopower curves are repeatable during temperature cycles up to 770 K. On the other hand, temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction suggests that these compounds are not stable. Furthermore, electronic structure calculations of almost 40 impurities (s- and p-block, 3d and 4d transition metal elements) diluted in Mg 2 Si and Mg 2 Si 0.75 Sn 0.25 were performed by the KKR-CPA method. Based on calculated impurity density of states the character of doping (n or p) is predicted, which, however, strongly depends on the substituted crystallographic site.
PARTICLE-BASED TRANSPARENT FUSED VISUALIZATION APPLIED TO MEDICAL VOLUME DATA
Authors: HASEGAWA KYOKO , OJIMA SAORI , SHIMOKUBO YOSHIYUKI , NAKATA SUSUMU , HACHIMURA KOZABURO , TANAKA SATOSHI
Published: June 2013

This paper proposes a method to create 3D fusion images, such as volume–volume, volume–surface, and surface–surface fusion. Our method is based on the particle-based rendering, which uses tiny particles as rendering primitives. The method can create natural and comprehensible 3D fusion images simply by merging particles prepared for each element to be fused. Moreover, the method does not require particle sorting along the line of sight to realize right depth feel. We apply our method to realize comprehensible visualization of medical volume data.
ADAPTIVE BACKSTEPPING SLIDING MODE CONTROLLER FOR FLIGHT SIMULATOR BASED ON RBFNN
Authors: WU YUNJIE , LIU BAITING , ZHANG WULONG , LIU XIAODONG
Published: June 2013

For flight simulator system, a kind of Adaptive Backstepping Sliding Mode Controller (ABSMC) based on Radial Base Function Neural Network (RBFNN) observer is presented. The sliding mode control theory is famous by its characteristic that it is insensitive to the external disturbances and parameters uncertainties. Combining this characteristic with Backstepping method can simplifies the controller design. And the addition of the terminal attractor can make the arrival time shorten greatly. However, too large external disturbances and parameters uncertainties are still not allowed to the system, and the design process of ABSMC does not have the upper bound information of disturbance until a RBFNN observer is designed to solve the problems. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can improve the tracking precision and reduce the chattering of the control input, and the system has a higher robustness.
THE SIMULATION EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR WEAPON OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS BASED ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
Authors: JIAO SONG , LI WEI , MA PING , YANG MING
Published: June 2013

The objective of the simulation evaluation system for weapon operational effectiveness based on knowledge management is to solve the problem that the evaluation activities need the participation of many experts in different fields. Three kinds of expert knowledge models used in evaluation activities and the general framework of the evaluation system were proposed. The storage models of evaluation knowledge, simulation experiment database and evaluation project database were designed. The evaluation system has been applied in many evaluation activities and the results show that it can improve the efficiency of simulation evaluation for weapon operational effectiveness and reduce the cost for employing experts.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF GELATORS DERIVED FROM TETRAPHENYLETHYLENE AND GALLIC ACID WITH AGGREGATION-INDUCED EMISSION
Authors: LUO MIAO , ZHOU XIE , CHI ZHENGUO , MA CHUNPING , ZHANG YI , LIU SIWEI , XU JIARUI
Published: June 2013

Two novel organogelators (TEG and TAG) based on tetraphenylethylene and 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy) benzoic acid were synthesized through ester bond and amido bond linkages, respectively. Compounds TEG and TAG were able to induce gelation in ethanol. Aggregation-induced enhanced emission was observed in these organogelator molecules, with increased fluorescence intensity from the solutions to the gels. The completely thermoreversible gelation occurred due to the aggregation of the organogelators. In the process, a fibrous network was formed by a combination of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking and van der Waals interactions. These phenomena were observed in the xerogels by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy indicated that compound TAG exhibited stable liquid crystalline phases over a wide temperature range. The linking groups have severe influence on the properties of the organogelators, which was mainly attributed to the hydrogen bonding interaction in compound TAG.
MOVPE GROWTH OF THE InP BASED MID-IR EMISSION QUANTUM DOT STRUCTURES
Authors: TANG XIAOHONG , YIN ZONGYOU , ZHANG BAOLIN
Published: June 2013

In this paper, semiconductor quantum dot structures for mid-infrared emission were self-assembled on InP substrate by using metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy growth. The InAs quantum dots grown at different conditions have been investigated. To improve the grown quantum dot's shape, the dot density and the dot size uniformity, a two-step growth method has been used and investigated. By changing the composition of the In x Ga 1-x As matrix layer of the InAs / In x Ga 1-x As / InP quantum dot structure, emission wavelength of the InAs quantum dot structure has been extended to the longest > 2.35 μm measured at 77 K. For the narrower bandgap semiconductor InAsSb quantum dots, the emission wavelength was measured at > 2.8 μm.
Effects of Edaravone, a Free Radical Scavenger, on Photochemically Induced Cerebral Infarction in a Rat Hemiplegic Model
Authors: Ikeda Satoshi , Harada Katsuhiro , Ohwatashi Akihiko , Kamikawa Yurie
Published: June 2013

Edaravone is a free radical scavenger that protects the adjacent cortex during cerebral infarction. We created a hemiparetic model of cerebral thrombosis from a photochemically induced infarction with the photosensitive dye, rose bengal, in rats. We examined the effects of edaravone on recovery in the model. A total of 36 adult Wistar rats were used. The right sensorimotor area was irradiated with green light with a wavelength of 533 nm (10 mm diameter), and the rose bengal was injected intravenously to create an infarction. The edaravone group was injected intraperitoneally with edaravone (3 mg/kg), and the control group was injected with saline. The recovery process of the hemiplegia was evaluated with the 7‐step scale of Fenny. The infarcted areas were measured after fixation. The recovery of the paralysis in the edaravone‐treated group was significantly earlier than that in the untreated group. Seven days later, both groups were mostly recovered and had scores of 7, and the infarction region was significantly smaller in the edaravone‐treated group. Edaravone reduced the infarction area and promoted the functional recovery of hemiparesis from cerebral thrombosis in a rat model. These findings suggest that edaravone treatment would be effective in clinical patients recovering from cerebral infarction.
Prescription Pattern of Chinese Herbal Products for Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Chung-Yu , Tsai Yueh-Ting , Lai Jung-Nien , Hsu Feng-Lin
Published: June 2013

Background.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), when given as a therapy for symptom relief, has gained widespread popularity among diabetic patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the utilization of TCM among type 2 diabetic patients in Taiwan.Methods.The use of TCM for type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated using a randomly sampled cohort of 1,000,000 beneficiaries recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database.Results.Overall, 77.9%(n=31,289)of type 2 diabetic patients utilized TCM and 13.9%(n=4,351)of them used TCM for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Among the top ten most frequently prescribed herbal formulae, four remedies,Zhi-Bo-Di-Huang-Wan, Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan, Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-WanandBa-Wei-Di-Huang-Wanare derivative formulae ofLiu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan.In other words,Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wanand its derivatives were found to be the most common herbal formulae prescribed by TCM doctors for the treatment of diabetes in Taiwan.Conclusion.Although some evidence does support the use TCM to treat diabetes, the results from the current study may have been confounded by placebo effect, which emphasize the need for well conducted, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in order to further evaluate the efficacy ofLiu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wanon patients with type 2 diabetes.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Automated ECG Signal Classifier
Authors: El-Khafif Sahar H. , El-Brawany Mohamed A.
Published: June 2013

The ECG signal is well known for its nonlinear dynamic behavior and a key characteristic that is utilized in this research; the nonlinear component of its dynamics changes more significantly between normal and abnormal conditions than does the linear one. As the higher-order statistics (HOS) preserve phase information, this study makes use of one-dimensional slices from the higher-order spectral domain of normal and ischemic subjects. A feedforward multilayer neural network (NN) with error back-propagation (BP) learning algorithm was used as an automated ECG classifier to investigate the possibility of recognizing ischemic heart disease from normal ECG signals. Different NN structures are tested using two data sets extracted from polyspectrum slices and polycoherence indices of the ECG signals. ECG signals from the MIT/BIH CD-ROM, the Normal Sinus Rhythm Database (NSR-DB), and European ST-T database have been utilized in this paper. The best classification rates obtained are 93% and 91.9% using EDBD learning rule with two hidden layers for the first structure and one hidden layer for the second structure, respectively. The results successfully showed that the presented NN-based classifier can be used for diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.
Assessment of Quality of Life and Speech after Implant-Retained Oral Rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Dholam Kanchan P. , Pusalkar Hrishikesh A. , Bachher Gurmeet Kaur , Somani Priyanka Piyush
Published: June 2013

Aim. To assess quality of life and speech after rehabilitation with implant-retained dental prosthesis in head and neck cancer patients. Material and Methods. Twenty-six patients who were diagnosed with tumour of the maxilla and mandible were selected for rehabilitation with implant-retained dental prosthesis following resection and reconstructive surgery. They were evaluated for quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and H-N35 questionnaires, version 3), speech, and swallowing (questionnaire and Dr. Speech software, version 4) before implant treatment and at six-, twelve-, and eighteen-month followup. Statistical analysis of quality of life, speech, and swallowing for different duration of their preoperative status was done. Quality of life, speech, and swallowing in grafted and native groups and radiated and nonradiated groups were also compared. Results. Quality of life was statistically significant in scale of pain, speech, and trouble with social eating, pain killers, and weight loss. It was insignificant when radiated and nonradiated or grafted and native jaw groups were compared. Improvement in movement of the tongue, swallowing ability, salivation taste, and intelligibility of speech was also observed. Conclusion. The surgical treatment of head and neck cancers with microvascular surgery and dental rehabilitation with implants restores function, esthetics, and patient’s well-being.
A Unique Finite Element Modeling of the Periodic Wave Transformation over Sloping and Barred Beaches by Beji and Nadaoka′s Extended Boussinesq Equations
Authors: Jabbari Mohammad Hadi , Ghadimi Parviz , Sayehbani Mesbah , Reisinezhad Arsham
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a numerical model based on one‐dimensional Beji and Nadaoka′s Extended Boussinesq equations for simulation of periodic wave shoaling and its decomposition over morphological beaches. A unique Galerkin finite element and Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton predictor‐corrector methods are employed for spatial and temporal discretization, respectively. For direct application of linear finite element method in spatial discretization, an auxiliary variable is hereby introduced, and a particular numerical scheme is offered to rewrite the equations in lower‐order form. Stability of the suggested numerical method is also analyzed. Subsequently, in order to display the ability of the presented model, four different test cases are considered. In these test cases, dispersive and nonlinearity effects of the periodic waves over sloping beaches and barred beaches, which are the common coastal profiles, are investigated. Outputs are compared with other existing numerical and experimental data. Finally, it is concluded that the current model can be further developed to model any morphological development of coastal profiles.
Uptake Capacity of Pb2+ by Sulphonated Biomass of Cicer arietinum: Batch Studies
Authors: Kale A. A.
Published: June 2013

Fundamental investigation on the removal of heavy metal Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by sulphonated biomass (S-III) of Cicer arietinum is conducted in batch mode. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, sorbent dose, pH and temperature has been studied. Adsorption kinetic modeling data were found. The kinetics of biosorption results shows that sorption process is well explained by pseudo-second-order model with determination coefficients 0.998 for S-III under all experimental conditions. The sorption mechanism was determined by Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion model. Thermodynamic parameters, namely, KD and ΔG,have also been calculated to determine the spontaneity of the process.
Low Density Solvent‐Based Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction for the Determination of Synthetic Antioxidants in Beverages by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Çabuk Hasan , Köktürk Mustafa
Published: June 2013

A simple and efficient method was established for the determination of synthetic antioxidants in beverages by using dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Butylated hydroxy toluene, butylated hydroxy anisole, and tert‐butylhydroquinone were the antioxidants evaluated. Experimental parameters including extraction solvent, dispersive solvent, pH of sample solution, salt concentration, and extraction time were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the extraction recoveries ranged from 53 to 96%. Good linearity was observed by the square of correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9975 to 0.9997. The relative standard deviations ranged from 1.0 to 5.2% for all of the analytes. Limits of detection ranged from 0.85 to 2.73 ng mL−1. The method was successfully applied for determination of synthetic antioxidants in undiluted beverage samples with satisfactory recoveries.
Assessment of Spatial Variability of Heavy Metals in Metropolitan Zone of Toluca Valley, Mexico, Using the Biomonitoring Technique in Mosses and TXRF Analysis
Authors: Zarazúa-Ortega Graciela , Poblano-Bata Josefina , Tejeda-Vega Samuel , Ávila-Pérez Pedro , Zepeda-Gómez Carmen , Ortiz-Oliveros Huemantzin , Macedo-Miranda Guadalupe
Published: June 2013

This study is aimed at assessing atmospheric deposition of heavy metals using the epiphytic moss genera Fabronia ciliaris collected from six urban sites in the Metropolitan Zone of the Toluca Valley in Mexico. The concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Pb were determined by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence technique. Results show that the average metal concentration decrease in the following order: Fe (8207 mg/Kg) > Ca (7315 mg/Kg) > K (3842 mg/Kg) > Ti (387 mg/Kg) > Mn, Zn (191 mg/Kg) > Sr (71 mg/Kg) > Pb (59 mg/Kg) > Cu, V (32 mg/Kg) > Cr (24 mg/Kg) > Rb (13 mg/Kg) > Ni (10 mg/Kg). Enrichment factors show a high enrichment for Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb which provides an evidence of anthropogenic impact in the industrial and urban areas, mainly due to the intense vehicular traffic and the fossil fuel combustion. Monitoring techniques in mosses have proved to be a powerful tool for determining the deposition of heavy metals coming from diverse point sources of pollution.
The Evaluation of a Modified Dufourmentel Flap after S‐Type Excision for Pilonidal Sinus Disease
Authors: Yildar Murat , Cavdar Faruk , Yildiz Mehmet Kamil
Published: June 2013

Purpose. The use of an S‐type oblique excision with a bilateral gluteus maximus advancement flap has recently been described for the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (SPS). Its use in wide lesions has been limited due to the need for a full‐thickness flap. We describe the use of an S‐type oblique incision together with the Dufourmentel flap in wide lesions. Method. Twenty‐one patients were treated using a technique including an S‐shaped oblique excision of the sinus tract and a broad‐pedicled full‐thickness flap resembling a Dufourmentel flap to close the defect. Results. Of the 21 patients, 19 (90.5%) were male and 2 (9.5%) were female. Their mean age was 24.0 ± 6.1 (range 15–36) years. The mean follow‐up period was 14.0 ± 5.8 (range 6–23) months. The postoperative complication rate was 4.8% (one patient), and recurrence was seen in one patient (4.8%). The mean return‐to‐work time was 13.5 ± 1.9 (range 10–18) days. None of the patients reported dissatisfaction with the cosmetic results. Conclusions. This new technique achieved low morbidity and recurrence rates. We anticipate that this will become an important technique in the surgical treatment of SPS if the observed success is confirmed by randomized prospective trials.
Identification of Input Nonlinear Control Autoregressive Systems Using Fractional Signal Processing Approach
Authors: Chaudhary Naveed Ishtiaq , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Khan Junaid Ali , Aslam Muhammad Saeed
Published: June 2013

A novel algorithm is developed based on fractional signal processing approach for parameter estimation of input nonlinear control autoregressive (INCAR) models. The design scheme consists of parameterization of INCAR systems to obtain linear‐in‐parameter models and to use fractional least mean square algorithm (FLMS) for adaptation of unknown parameter vectors. The performance analyses of the proposed scheme are carried out with third‐order Volterra least mean square (VLMS) and kernel least mean square (KLMS) algorithms based on convergence to the true values of INCAR systems. It is found that the proposed FLMS algorithm provides most accurate and convergent results than those of VLMS and KLMS under different scenarios and by taking the low‐to‐high signal‐to‐noise ratio.
The Adsorption Efficiency of Chemically Prepared Activated Carbon from Cola Nut Shells by ZnCl2 on Methylene Blue
Authors: Ndi Nsami Julius , Ketcha Mbadcam Joseph
Published: June 2013

The adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution onto activated carbon prepared from cola nut shell has been investigated under batch mode. The influence of major parameters governing the efficiency of the process such as, solution pH, sorbent dose, initial concentration, and contact time on the removal process was investigated. The time‐dependent experimental studies showed that the adsorption quantity of methylene blue increases with initial concentration and decreasing adsorbent dosage. The equilibrium time of 180 min was observed and maximum adsorption was favoured at pH 3.5. The dye removal using 0.1 g of adsorbent was more than 90%. This dosage (0.1 g) was considered as the optimum dosage to remove methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed by the Freundlich, Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. The kinetics of methylene blue solution was discussed by pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, and Elovich models. The adsorption process follows the Elovich rate kinetic model, having a correlation coefficient in the range between 0.9811 and 1.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mollasadeghi Abolfazl , Mehrparvar Amir Houshang , Atighechi Saeid , Davari Mohammad Hossein , Shokouh Pedram , Mostaghaci Mehrdad , Bahaloo Maryam
Published: June 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices produce noise, which may affect patient’s or operators’ hearing. Some cases of hearing impairment after MRI procedure have been reported with different patterns (temporary or permanent, unilateral or bilateral, with or without other symptoms like tinnitus). In this report, a case of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in an otherwise healthy patient underwent brain MRI was described. The patient’s hearing loss was accompanied with tinnitus and was not improved after 3 months of followup.
Aqueous Extract ofSolanum nigrumLeaves Induces Autophagy and Enhances Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Docetaxel, and 5-Fluorouracil in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Tai Chen-Jei , Wang Chien-Kai , Tai Cheng-Jeng , Lin Yi-Feng , Lin Chi-Shian , Jian Jiun-Yu , Chang Yu-Jia , Chang Chun-Chao
Published: June 2013

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer worldwide, and chemotherapy is a mainstream approach for advanced and recurrent cases. Development of effective complementary drugs could help improve tumor suppression efficiency and control adverse effects from chemotherapy. The aqueous extract ofSolanum nigrumleaves (AE-SN) is an essential component in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for treating cancer, but there is a lack of evidence verifying its tumor suppression efficacy in colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tumor suppression efficacy of AE-SN using DLD-1 and HT-29 human colorectal carcinoma cells and examine the combined drug effect when combined with the chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin, doxorubicin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil. The results indicated that AE-SN induced autophagy via microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 A/B II accumulation but not caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in both cell lines. The IC50s after 48 hours of treatment were 0.541 and 0.948 mg/ml AE-SN in DLD-1 and HT-29, respectively. AE-SN also demonstrated a combined drug effect with all tested drugs by enhancing cytotoxicity in tumor cells. Our results suggest that AE-SN has potential in the development of complementary chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases
Authors: Huynh Tuan-Phat , Mann Shivani N. , Mandal Nawajes A.
Published: June 2013

Botanical compounds have been widely used throughout history as cures for various diseases and ailments. Many of these compounds exhibit strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. These are also common damaging mechanisms apparent in several ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, there have been many epidemiological and clinical studies that have demonstrated the beneficial effects of plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin, lutein and zeaxanthin, danshen, ginseng, and many more, on these ocular pathologies. Studies in cell cultures and animal models showed promising results for their uses in eye diseases. While there are many apparent significant correlations, further investigation is needed to uncover the mechanistic pathways of these botanical compounds in order to reach widespread pharmaceutical use and provide noninvasive alternatives for prevention and treatments of the major eye diseases.
Pathological Vaginal Discharge among Pregnant Women: Pattern of Occurrence and Association in a Population-Based Survey
Authors: Fonseca Tânia Maria M. V. da , Cesar Juraci A. , Mendoza-Sassi Raúl A. , Schmidt Elisabeth B.
Published: June 2013

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pathological vaginal discharge and to describe risk factors associated with pregnant women. All women living in the city of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil, who gave birth in 2010 were included in the study. A standardized questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographic, reproductive, and health-related factors and morbidity during pregnancy. The chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance was performed. Of the 2,395 women studied, 43% had pathological vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The adjusted analysis showed that younger women of lower socioeconomic condition, those with a past history of abortion, vaginal discharge in a previous pregnancy, and treated for depression, anemia, and urinary tract infection during their current pregnancy, were more likely to have pathological vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy was highly prevalent in the sample studied calling for proper risk factor management at the primary care level.
The Adjunctive Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Tsung-Lung , Liang Huei-Lung , Chou Chen-Pin , Huang Jer-Shyung , Pan Huay-Ben
Published: June 2013

Purpose. To compare the diagnostic performance of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and digital mammography (DM) for breast cancers.Materials and Methods. Fifty-seven female patients with pathologically proved breast cancer were enrolled. Three readers gave a subjective assessment superiority of the index lesions (mass, focal asymmetry, architectural distortion, or calcifications) and a forced BIRADS score, based on DM reading alone and with additional DBT information. The relevance between BIRADS category and index lesions of breast cancer was compared by chi-square test.Result. A total of 59 breast cancers were reviewed, including 17 (28.8%) mass lesions, 12 (20.3%) focal asymmetry/density, 6 (10.2%) architecture distortion, 23 (39.0%) calcifications, and 1 (1.7%) intracystic tumor. Combo DBT was perceived to be more informative in 58.8% mass lesions, 83.3% density, 94.4% architecture distortion, and only 11.6% calcifications. As to the forced BIRADS score, 84.4% BIRADS 0 on DM was upgraded to BIRADS 4 or 5 on DBT, whereas only 27.3% BIRADS 4A on DM was upgraded on DBT, as BIRADS 4A lesions were mostly calcifications. A significantPvalue (<0.001) between the BIRADS category and index lesions was noted.Conclusion. Adjunctive DBT gives exquisite information for mass lesion, focal asymmetry, and/or architecture distortion to improve the diagnostic performance in mammography.
Environmental Gradient Favours Functionally Diverse Macrobenthic Community in a Placer Rich Tropical Bay
Authors: Sivadas S. K. , Ingole B. S. , Fernandes C. E. G.
Published: June 2013

The present paper examines the functional diversity‐environment relation in a placer rich tropical bay. Understanding the environmental variables that determine the biodiversity pattern will help in the effective conservation plans of coastal habitat. However, few studies have been carried out on the biodiversity‐environment relation from the diverse tropical coastal ecosystem. The geographic location of Kalbadevi Bay along the west coast of India provides an opportunity to study the functional diversity pattern of macrofauna along an environmental gradient. Additionally, the area is also a potential placer mining site. Seasonal sampling was carried out for macrofauna and environmental variables. Macrofaunal functional diversity showed significant temporal variation related to the environmental parameters. The most important environmental variables were organic matter and sediment texture. Filter feeders dominated during postmonsoon which is a period when the water column is enriched with sinking detritus. The deposit feeders which rapidly ingest the settled detritus and also transport it to deeper sediment for the subsurface deposit feeders dominated during premonsoon. Abundance of carnivores was high during premonsoon, a response to increase in food in terms of deposit feeders. The result thus indicates that the temporal environmental variation influenced the macrofaunal functional diversity pattern in the Kalbadevi Bay.