bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in the Iranian Population: Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index, or Waist to Hip Ratio?
Authors: Gharipour Mojgan , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Andalib Elham , Talaie Mohammad , Shafie Davood , Aghababaie Esmaiel
Published: March 2013

This study aimed to investigate whether body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or waist to hip ratio (WHR) could be a better predictor of metabolic syndrome and, if so, what would be the cutoff points for these surrogates to appropriately differentiate metabolic syndrome in different age and sex subgroups. Methods. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS). In total, 468 individuals (194 with and 274 subjects without metabolic syndrome) according to the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) criteria were selected. Anthropometric indices were measured and plotted using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. According to ROC curve analysis, WC and WHR parameters were better indicators of metabolic syndrome compared to BMI in women, whereas in men WHR had a lower discriminating value compared to the other two parameters. Among these three anthropometric parameters, BMI had a lower sensitivity and WC and WHR both had a higher sensitivity for predicting metabolic syndrome in women compared with in men. The cut points for WC were nearly equal in men and women, 90.3 versus 90.0, respectively. Women had higher cut points for BMI (28.5 kg/m2) compared to men (26.0 kg/m2). Our results showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for WC cut points specially in women. To predict metabolic syndrome, we looked into optimal age-specific cut points for BMI, WC, and WHR. The results indicated that WC had the highest discriminating value compared to other indicators in the different age subgroups. The optimal cut points for all three parameters gradually increased with age. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that regardless of gender and age variables, WC could be a preferred parameter for predicting metabolic syndrome compared to BMI and WHR in Iranian population.
Time Series Expression Analyses Using RNA-seq: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Oh Sunghee , Song Seongho , Grabowski Gregory , Zhao Hongyu , Noonan James P.
Published: March 2013

RNA-seq is becoming thede factostandard approach for transcriptome analysis with ever-reducing cost. It has considerable advantages over conventional technologies (microarrays) because it allows for direct identification and quantification of transcripts. Many time series RNA-seq datasets have been collected to study the dynamic regulations of transcripts. However, statistically rigorous and computationally efficient methods are needed to explore the time-dependent changes of gene expression in biological systems. These methods should explicitly account for the dependencies of expression patterns across time points. Here, we discuss several methods that can be applied to model timecourse RNA-seq data, including statistical evolutionary trajectory index (SETI), autoregressive time-lagged regression (AR(1)), and hidden Markov model (HMM) approaches. We use three real datasets and simulation studies to demonstrate the utility of these dynamic methods in temporal analysis.
Comparative Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Microglial Activation
Authors: Tseng Fan-Wei , Tsai May-Jywan , Yu Li-Yu , Fu Yu-Show , Huang Wen-Cheng , Cheng Henrich
Published: March 2013

After injury to the CNS, microglia are rapidly activated and concentrated and trigger inflammatory reaction at the sites of injury. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) represent attractive cell sources for treating CNS injury. Although anti-inflammatory and paracrine effects of grafted BMMSC have been shown, direct modulation of BMMSC on microgliain situremains unclear. The present work employsin vitrotranswell assay to characterize the effects of BMMSC on LPS-stimulated microglia. BMMSC are cultivated in serum and serum-free (sf) conditions, namely, BMMSC and BMMSC-sf. Both cultures express major surface markers specific for mesenchymal stem cells. However, the BMMSC-sf exhibit sphere-like structure with reduced expression of two adherent cell markers, CD29 and CD90. Compared to BMMSC-sf, BMMSC are fibroblast like and have faster differentiation potential into neural-like cells. Furthermore, BMMSC release significant levels of TIMP-1 and VEGF, regardless of being alone or in coculture. The downregulated MMP-9 mRNA may be caused by TIMP-1 secretion from BMMSC. Our cell culture system provides a powerful tool for investigating the molecular and cellular changes in microglia-BMMSC cocultures.
Some Fixed Point Results for Generalized Weak Contraction Mappings in Modular Spaces
Authors: Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Kumam Poom
Published: March 2013

We prove the existence theorem of fixed points for a generalized
weak contractive mapping in modular spaces.
Diagnosis of Follicular Lesions of Undetermined Significance in Fine-Needle Aspirations of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Ratour J. , Polivka M. , Dahan H. , Hamzi L. , Kania R. , Dumuis M. L. , Cohen R. , Laloi-Michelin M. , Cochand-Priollet B.
Published: March 2013

Aim. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic criteria proposed by the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology for follicular lesions of undetermined significance (FLUS), the risk of cancer and diagnostic improvement with use of immunocytochemistry.Methods. For each FLUS diagnosis, we analyzed the cytological criteria (9 Bethesda criteria), secondary fine-needle aspiration (FNA) results, surgical procedures, contribution of immunocytochemistry with the antibodies cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and monoclonal anti-human mesothelial cell (HBME1).Results. Among patients with 2,210 thyroid FNAs, 244 lesions (337 nodules) were classified as FLUS (11% of all thyroid FNAs). The 3 criteria most often applied were cytological atypia suggesting papillary carcinoma (36%), microfollicular architecture but sparse cellularity (23.1%), cytological atypia (21.5%). With secondary FNA, 48.8% of nodules were reclassified as benign. For about half of all cases (41.4% for the first FNA, 57.6% for the second FNA), immunocytochemistry helped establishing a diagnosis favoring malignant or benign. No benign immunocytochemistry results were associated with a malignant lesion. In all, 22.5% of the 39 removed nodules were malignant.Conclusion. The FLUS category is supported by well-described criteria. The risk of malignancy in our series was 22.5%. Because we had no false-negative immunocytochemistry results, immunocytochemistry could be helpful in FLUS management.
Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis of the Nasal Septum
Authors: Li Yunchuan , Liu Honggang , Han Demin , Zang Hongrui , Wang Tong , Hu Bin
Published: March 2013

Background. Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) is a rare benign condition of unknown aetiology that causes stenosis of the upper respiratory tract. It is most commonly found at the nasal septum and sinus mucosa causing mucosal thickening and nasal obstructive symptoms. The diagnosis is mainly based on characteristic histologic findings.Case Report. A 27-year-old young woman presented with a slow growing mass at her anterior nasal septum for over eight years. She complained of persistent nasal obstruction, epistaxis, sometimes diffused facial pain, and chronic headache. 3 years ago, the tumor was partially resected for ventilation and a nasal septum perforation was left. Imaging findings indicated soft-tissue thickening of the anterior part of septum and adjacent lateral nasal walls. Pathological examination showed numerous inflammatory cells infiltrates containing eosinophils, fibroinflammatory lesion with a whorled appearance fibrosis which typically surrounded vessels. A diagnosis of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis was made. All laboratory tests were unremarkable. Skin prick test was positive. The tumor-like lesion was totally resected.Conclusions. EAF is a rare benign and progressive disorder causing destruction. Combined with radiological imaging of EAF historical findings contribute to the diagnosis. It is important to prevent tumor from recurrence by total resection of the lesion.
Optimal Lower Generalized Logarithmic Mean Bound for the Seiffert Mean
Authors: Song Ying-Qing , Qian Wei-Mao , Jiang Yun-Liang , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: March 2013

We present the greatest valuepsuch that the inequalityP(a,b)>Lp(a,b)holds for alla,b>0witha≠b, whereP(a,b)andLp(a,b)denote the Seiffert andpth generalized logarithmic means ofaandb, respectively.
Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: A Paradigm of Paradoxical Immune Reconstitution Syndrome in Non-HIV/AIDS Patients
Authors: Khalil Eltahir Awad Gasim , Khidir Selma Abdelmoneim , Musa Ahmed Mudawi , Musa Brema Younis , Elfaki Mona Elfaki Eltahir , Elkadaru Abdelgadir Mohamed Yousif , Zijlstra Edward , El-Hassan Ahmed Mohamed
Published: March 2013

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease characterized by immune suppression. Successful treatment is usually followed by immune reconstitution and a dermatosis called post-Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Recently, PKDL was described as one of the immune reconstitution syndromes (IRISs) in HIV/VL patients on HAART. This study aimed to present PKDL as a typical example of paradoxical IRIS in non-HIV/AIDS individuals. Published and new data on the pathogenesis and healing of PKDL was reviewed and presented. The data suggested that PKDL is a typical example of paradoxical IRIS, being a new disease entity that follows VL successful treatment and immune recovery. PKDL lesions are immune inflammatory in nature with granuloma, adequate response to immunochemotherapy, and an ensuing hypersensitivity reaction, the leishmanin skin test (LST). The data also suggested that the cytokine patterns of PKDL pathogenesis and healing are probably as follows: an active disease state dominated by IL-10 followed by spontaneous/treatment-induced IL-12 priming, IL-2 stimulation, and INF-γproduction. INF-γ-activated macrophages eliminate theLeishmaniaparasites/antigen to be followed by LST conversion and healing. In conclusion, PKDL is a typical example of paradoxical IRIS in non-HIV/AIDS individuals with anti-inflammatory cytokine patterns that are superseded by treatment-induced proinflammatory cytokines and lesions healing.
The Efficacy of Guanxinning Injection in Treating Angina Pectoris: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jia Yongliang , Leung Siu-wai , Lee Ming-Yuen , Cui Guozhen , Huang Xiaohui , Pan Fongha
Published: March 2013

Objective. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Guanxinning injection (GXN) in treating angina pectoris were published only in Chinese and have not been systematically reviewed. This study aims to provide a PRISMA-compliant and internationally accessible systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of GXN in treating angina pectoris.Methods. The RCTs were included according to prespecified eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the symptomatic (SYMPTOMS) and electrocardiographic (ECG) improvements after treatment. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to measure effect sizes. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.Results. Sixty-five RCTs published between 2002 and 2012 with 6064 participants were included. Overall ORs comparing GXN with other drugs were 3.32 (95% CI: [2.72, 4.04]) in SYMPTOMS and 2.59 (95% CI: [2.14, 3.15]) in ECG. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression found no statistically significant dependence of overall ORs upon specific study characteristics.Conclusion. This meta-analysis of eligible RCTs provides evidence that GXN is effective in treating angina pectoris. This evidence warrants further RCTs of higher quality, longer follow-up periods, larger sample sizes, and multicentres/multicountries for more extensive subgroup, sensitivity, and metaregression analyses.
Application of Adomian Modified Decomposition Method to Free Vibration Analysis of Rotating Beams
Authors: Mao Qibo
Published: March 2013

The Adomian modified decomposition method (AMDM) is employed in this paper for dynamic analysis of a rotating Euler-Bernoulli beam under various boundary conditions. Based on AMDM, the governing differential equation for the rotating beam becomes a recursive algebraic equation. By using the boundary condition equations, the dimensionless natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes can be easily obtained simultaneously. The computed results for different boundary conditions as well as different offset length and rotational speeds are presented. The accuracy is assured from the convergence and comparison published results. It is shown that the AMDM offers an accurate and effective method of free vibration analysis of rotating beams with arbitrary boundary conditions.
Significant Increase in Salivary Substance P Level after a Single Oral Dose of Cevimeline in Humans
Authors: Suzuki Yosuke , Itoh Hiroki , Amada Kohei , Yamamura Ryota , Sato Yuhki , Takeyama Masaharu
Published: March 2013

Cevimeline is a novel muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist currently being developed as a therapeutic agent for xerostomia. We examined the effects of cevimeline on salivary and plasma levels of substance-P- (SP-), calcitonin-gene-related-peptide- (CGRP-), and vasoactive-intestinal-polypeptide- (VIP-) like immunoreactive substances (ISs) in humans. An open-labeled crossover study was conducted on seven healthy volunteers. Saliva volume was measured, and saliva and venous blood samples were collected before and 30–240 min after a single oral dose of cevimeline or placebo. Salivary and plasma levels of SP-, CGRP-, and VIP-IS were measured using a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay. A single oral dose of cevimeline resulted in significant increases in salivary but not plasma SP-IS level compared to placebo. Cevimeline administration did not alter the salivary or plasma levels of CGRP-IS or VIP-IS compared to placebo. Significant increases in salivary volume were observed after cevimeline administration compared to placebo. A significant correlation was observed between the total release of SP-IS and that of salivary volume. These findings suggest an association of SP with the enhancement of salivary secretion by cevimeline.
Cytokine Polymorphisms, Their Influence and Levels in Brazilian Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis during Antituberculosis Treatment
Authors: Peresi Eliana , Oliveira Larissa Ragozo Cardoso , da Silva Weber Laurentino , da Costa Érika Alessandra Pellison Nunes , Araujo João Pessoa , Ayres Jairo Aparecido , Fortes Maria Rita Parise , Graviss Edward A. , Pereira Ana Carla , Calvi Sueli Aparecida
Published: March 2013

Cytokines play an essential role during active tuberculosis disease and cytokine genes have been described in association with altered cytokine levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify ifIFNG, IL12B, TNF, IL17A, IL10, and TGFB1gene polymorphisms influence the immune response of Brazilian patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) at different time points of antituberculosis treatment (T1, T2, and T3). Our results showed the following associations:IFNG+874 T allele andIFNG+2109 A allele with higher IFN-γlevels;IL12B+1188 C allele with higher IL-12 levels;TNF−308 A allele with higher TNF-αplasma levels in controls and mRNA levels in PTB patients at T1;IL17AA allele at rs7747909 with higher IL-17 levels;IL10−819 T allele with higher IL-10 levels; andTGFB1+29 CC genotype higher TGF-βplasma levels in PTB patients at T2. The present study suggests thatIFNG+874T/A,IFNG+2109A/G,IL12B+1188A/C,IL10−819C/T, andTGFB1+21C/T are associated with differential cytokine levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients and may play a role in the initiation and maintenance of acquired cellular immunity to tuberculosis and in the outcome of the active disease while on antituberculosis treatment.
Influence of the Mixing Ways of Reactants on ZnO Morphology
Authors: Yang Lining , Xiang Lan
Published: March 2013

ZnO particles with various morphologies were synthesized by mixing ZnSO4 and NaOH solutions at 25°C followed by aging of the suspensions at 40–80°C for 2.0 h, keeping the initial molar ratio of Zn2+ to OH− at 1 : 4. ZnO irregular plates were prepared by adding NaOH to ZnSO4 while ε‐Zn(OH)2 rhombic particles were produced using the opposite mixing way. After aging of the slurries at 80°C for 2.0 h, the ZnO plates were kept stable while the ε‐Zn(OH)2 rhombic particles were converted to ZnO whiskers with a length of 1.0–4.0 μm and a diameter of 0.03–0.3 μm. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the formation of the Zn‐bearing precipitates (ZnO or ε‐Zn(OH)2) at room temperature was connected closely with the solution composition.
Antiadhesive Property of Photoreactive Azidophenyl Low‐Molecular‐Weight Chitosan in Rabbit Laminotomy Model
Authors: Kim Jong Won , Song Kwang-Sup , Kang Hyun , Jang Eui-Chan , Kim Mi Kyung , Son Tae Il
Published: March 2013

Newly developed photoreactive azidophenyl chitosan (P‐ALMC) has characteristics of a transformable gel type and its outer layer could be sealed up like a film after UV radiation. We aim to evaluate the antiadhesive properties of P‐ALMC through comparing it with hyaluronic acid‐carboxymethylcellulose membrane (HA‐CMC) in a rabbit laminotomy model. Laminotomies were performed at the L3‐4, L4‐5, and L5‐6 levels in 41 rabbits and each level was randomly assigned to either receive saline (group I), HA‐CMC (group II), or P‐ALMC (group III). The extent of peridural fibrosis, density of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, and dural thickness were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. In the groups II and III, the extents of peridural fibrosis and dural thickness were significantly smaller than those in group I (P < 0.001) and no differences between groups II and III were found at the postoperative 6 and 12 weeks. There were no differences of cell density among groups. P‐ALMC showed effective antiadhesive properties comparable to HA‐CMC and could be one of the candidates as an anti‐adhesive agent for spine surgery even further study is required to identify the effectiveness of its unique characteristics as mechanical barrier.
-Dimensional Fractional Lagrange's Inversion Theorem
Authors: Abd El-Salam F. A.
Published: March 2013

Using Riemann-Liouville fractional differential operator, a fractional extension of the Lagrange inversion theorem and related formulas are developed. The required basic definitions, lemmas, and theorems in the fractional calculus are presented. A fractional form of Lagrange's expansion for one implicitly defined independent variable is obtained. Then, a fractional version of Lagrange's expansion in more than one unknown function is generalized. For extending the treatment in higher dimensions, some relevant vectors and tensors definitions and notations are presented. A fractional Taylor expansion of a function of -dimensional polyadics is derived. A fractional -dimensional Lagrange inversion theorem is proved.
Diapriinae Wasps (Hymenoptera: Diaprioidea: Diapriidae) Associated with Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Argentina
Authors: Loiácono Marta S. , Margaría Cecilia B. , Aquino Daniel A.
Published: March 2013

We provide an overview of diapriid wasps associated with ants in Argentina and the diversity of interactions they have developed with their hosts. As a result, we report 16 species of nine genera of Diapriinae, two new geographic distributions, three new association records, illustrations, and photographs. We highlight myrmecophile symphylic species, with a high degree of integration with the host ants, adaptation being morphological and behavioral. A table with diapriid species and ant hosts is given.
The Geometry Variation of As‐Grown Carbon Coils with Ni Layer Thickness and Hydrogen Plasma Pretreatment
Authors: Jeon Young-Chul , Park Semi , Kim Sung-Hoon
Published: March 2013

Carbon coils could be synthesized using C2H2/H2 as source gases and SF6 as an incorporated additive gas under thermal chemical vapor deposition system. Ni layer on SiO2 substrate was used as a catalyst for the formation of carbon coils. Ni powder was evaporated to form Ni layer on the substrate. The characteristics (formation densities, morphologies, and geometries) of as‐grown carbon coils on the substrate were investigated as a function of the evaporation time for Ni catalyst layer formation. By hydrogen plasma pretreatment prior to carbon coils synthesis reaction, the dominant formation of the nanosized wave‐like geometry of carbon coils could be achieved. The characteristics of as‐grown carbon coils with or without hydrogen plasma pretreatment process were investigated. The cause for the control of the carbon coils geometries from the microsized type to the nanosized wave‐like one by H2 plasma pretreatment was discussed in association with the stress of Ni catalyst layer on the substrate.
A Review of Optical Nondestructive Visual and Near-Infrared Methods for Food Quality and Safety
Authors: Alander Jarmo T. , Bochko Vladimir , Martinkauppi Birgitta , Saranwong Sirinnapa , Mantere Timo
Published: March 2013

This paper is a review of optical methods for online nondestructive food quality monitoring. The key spectral areas are the visual and near-infrared wavelengths. We have collected the information of over 260 papers published mainly during the last 20 years. Many of them use an analysis method called chemometrics which is shortly described in the paper. The main goal of this paper is to provide a general view of work done according to different FAO food classes. Hopefully using optical VIS/NIR spectroscopy gives an idea of how to better meet market and consumer needs for high-quality food stuff.
Stability and Andronov-Hopf Bifurcation of a System with Three Time Delays
Authors: Nikolov Svetoslav
Published: March 2013

A general system of three autonomous ordinary differential equations with three discrete time delays is considered. With respect to the delays, we investigate the local stability of equilibria by analyzing the corresponding characteristic equation. Using the Hopf bifurcation theorem, we predict the occurrence of a limit cycle bifurcation for the time delay parameters. Thus, some new mathematical results are obtained. Finally, the above mentioned criteria are applied to a system modelling miRNA regulation.
Foreign Body in the Oral Cavity Mimicking a Benign Connective Tissue Tumor
Authors: Puliyel Divya , Balouch Amir , Ram Saravanan , Sedghizadeh Parish P.
Published: March 2013

Foreign bodies may be embedded in the oral cavity either by traumatic injury or iatrogenically. The commonly encountered iatrogenic foreign bodies are restorative materials like amalgam, obturation materials, broken instruments, needles, and impression materials. This paper describes an asymptomatic presentation of a foreign body in the oral mucosa which clinically appeared like a benign connective tissue tumor.
Adhesion, Growth, and Maturation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on Low-Density Polyethylene Grafted with Bioactive Substances
Authors: Parizek Martin , Slepickova Kasalkova Nikola , Bacakova Lucie , Svindrych Zdenek , Slepicka Petr , Bacakova Marketa , Lisa Vera , Svorcik Vaclav
Published: March 2013

The attractiveness of synthetic polymers for cell colonization can be affected by physical, chemical, and biological modification of the polymer surface. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was treated by an Ar+plasma discharge and then grafted with biologically active substances, namely, glycine (Gly), polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), colloidal carbon particles (C), or BSA+C. All modifications increased the oxygen content, the wettability, and the surface free energy of the materials compared to the pristine LDPE, but these changes were most pronounced in LDPE with Gly or PEG, where all the three values were higher than in the only plasma-treated samples. When seeded with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the Gly- or PEG-grafted samples increased mainly the spreading and concentration of focal adhesion proteins talin and vinculin in these cells. LDPE grafted with BSA or BSA+C showed a similar oxygen content and similar wettability, as the samples only treated with plasma, but the nano- and submicron-scale irregularities on their surface were more pronounced and of a different shape. These samples promoted predominantly the growth, the formation of a confluent layer, and phenotypic maturation of VSMC, demonstrated by higher concentrations of contractile proteins alpha-actin and SM1 and SM2 myosins. Thus, the behavior of VSMC on LDPE can be regulated by the type of bioactive substances that are grafted.
Ovarian Metastasis from Lung Cancer: A Rare Entity
Authors: Cengiz Huseyin , Yıldız Şükrü , Kaya Cihan , Şenyürek Erdinç , Ekin Murat , Yasar Levent
Published: March 2013

This paper describes a case of ovarian metastasis from lung carcinoma along with its diagnostic challenges, clinical management, and review of the literature. A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to acute appendicitis, and a unilateral oophorectomy (left side) via laparoscopy was performed due to the detection of an ovarian mass. Immunohistochemical staining of the ovarian mass revealed that it was reactive to cytokeratin-7 (CK-7) but negative for CK-20. The immunohistochemical and pathological features of the tumor indicated an ovarian metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer. The patient underwent chemotherapy and was followed up by the oncology department. Her postoperative regular followup of 6 months showed that her condition was stable with no recurrence. The management of female patients with acute abdominal pain and pelvic masses should consist of a multidisciplinary approach to include the diagnosis of any distant organ metastasis.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Physicians in Oriental Medicine Hospitals in Vietnam: A Hospital-Based Survey
Authors: Pham Duong Duc , Yoo Jong Hyang , Tran Binh Quoc , Ta Thuy Thu
Published: March 2013

Interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing worldwide, even in Vietnam where traditional medicine is considered mainstream. We conducted a survey of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of CAM therapies among physicians in oriental medicine (OM) hospitals in Vietnam. A two-stage random selection process selected 337 physicians who were interviewed using a face-to-face method with a standardized structured questionnaire. Data from 312 physicians who completed the questionnaire suggested that oriental herbal medicine and acupuncture (Vietnamese OM version) were the more commonly used CAM modalities compared with Vietnamese folk medicine and other forms of CAM. A broad range of CAM modalities, particularly chiropractice, diet supplements, and dietary therapy, and an excessive proportion of western medication were employed in conjunction with OM in the physicians’ daily practice. Their daily practice was influenced by the source of knowledge, education level, medical specialty, and working environment. These findings suggest that physicians in OM hospitals in Vietnam have interests in various forms of CAM therapies besides traditional modes.
The Visual Callosal Connection: A Connection Like Any Other?
Authors: Schmidt Kerstin E.
Published: March 2013

Recent work about the role of visual callosal connections in ferrets and cats is reviewed, and morphological and functional homologies between the lateral intrinsic and callosal network in early visual areas are discussed. Both networks selectively link distributed neuronal groups with similar response properties, and the actions exerted by callosal input reflect the functional topography of those networks. This supports the notion that callosal connections perpetuate the function of the lateral intrahemispheric circuit onto the other hemisphere. Reversible deactivation studies indicate that the main action of visual callosal input is a multiplicative shift of responses rather than a changing response selectivity. Both the gain of that action and its excitatory-inhibitory balance seem to be dynamically adapted to the feedforward drive by the visual stimulus onto primary visual cortex. Taken together anatomical and functional evidence from corticocortical and lateral circuits further leads to the conclusion that visual callosal connections share more features with lateral intrahemispheric connections on the same hierarchical level and less with feedback connections. I propose that experimental results about the callosal circuit in early visual areas can be interpreted with respect to lateral connectivity in general.
Nonexistence of Homoclinic Solutions for a Class of Discrete Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Wang Xiaoping
Published: March 2013

We give several sufficient conditions under which the first-order nonlinear discrete Hamiltonian systemΔx(n)=α(n)x(n+1)+β(n)|y(n)|μ-2y(n),Δy(n)=-γ(n)|x(n+1)|ν-2x(n+1)-α(n)y(n)has no solution(x(n),y(n))satisfying condition0<∑n=-∞+∞[|x(n)|ν+(1+β(n))|y(n)|μ]<+∞, whereμ,ν>1and1/μ+1/ν=1andα(n),β(n),andγ(n)are real-valued functions defined onℤ.
Internal Solitary Waves in the Brazilian SE Continental Shelf: Observations by Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Lorenzzetti João A. , Dias Fabian G.
Published: March 2013

We present an analysis of internal solitary waves (ISWs) on the SE Brazilian continental shelf using a set of Envisat/ASAR satellite images. For the 17-month observation period, 467 ISW packets were detected. Most of observed solitons were associated to 4–6 ms-1 wind. The number of ISW packets shows a seasonal signal with a peak in summer, with higher concentration in the outer shelf in all seasons, followed by midshelf during the summer. Propagation direction of ISWs was predominantly onshore with packets separated by typical M2 internal tide wavelengths (~10–40 km). The highest values of the barotropic tidal forcing F are concentrated at the shelf break between 200 and 500 m isobaths. These characteristics suggest that ISWs are formed from nonlinear disintegration of internal tides generated at the shelf break that propagate shoreward as interfacial internal waves. No significant change in the number of ISWs from spring to neap tides was observed in spite of significant tidal current variation (60%). Even not being a region of strong tides, this study shows that ISWs are a frequent and widespread feature, possibly playing a significant dynamic role, affecting biological production, sediment dispersion, and transport.
Depression in the Spousally Bereaved Elderly: Correlations with Subjective Sleep Measures
Authors: Monk Timothy H. , Pfoff Marissa K. , Zarotney Joette R.
Published: March 2013

Complaints of poor sleep and symptoms of depression are likely to coexist in the spousally bereaved elderly. This study was concerned with the correlation between depressive symptoms and various measures of subjectively reported sleep using questionnaire and diary instruments in 38 bereaved seniors (60y+). Correlations between the sleep measures anddays since lossand grief intensity were also calculated. All sleep disruption measures correlated significantly with depression score, but only sleep duration correlated with grief intensity, and no sleep measure correlated withdays since loss. Therapies which address both sleep and depression are likely to be of benefit to bereaved seniors.
Fast Texture Synthesis in Adaptive Wavelet Packet Trees
Authors: Juang Ying-Shen , Hsin Hsi-Chin , Sung Tze-Yun , Cattani Carlo
Published: March 2013

Wavelet packet transform known as a substantial extension of wavelet transform has drawn a lot of attention to visual applications. In this paper, we advocate using adaptive wavelet packet transform for texture synthesis. The adaptive wavelet packet coefficients of an image are organized into hierarchical trees called adaptive wavelet packet trees, based on which an efficient algorithm has been proposed to speed up the synthesis process, from the low-frequency tree nodes representing the global characteristics of textures to the high-frequency tree nodes representing the local details. Experimental results show that the texture synthesis in the adaptive wavelet packet trees (TSIAWPT) algorithm is suitable for a variety of textures and is preferable in terms of computation time.
Detection of Outliers in a Time Series of Available Parking Spaces
Authors: Ji Yanjie , Tang Dounan , Guo Weihong , Blythe Phil T. , Ren Gang
Published: March 2013

With the provision of any source of real-time information, the timeliness and accuracy of the data provided are paramount to the effectiveness and success of the system and its acceptance by the users. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of parking guidance systems (PGSs), the technique of outlier mining has been introduced for detecting and analysing outliers in available parking space (APS) datasets. To distinguish outlier features from the APS’s overall periodic tendency, and to simultaneously identify the two types of outliers which naturally exist in APS datasets with intrinsically distinct statistical features, a two-phase detection method is proposed whereby an improved density-based detection algorithm named “local entropy based weighted outlier detection” (EWOD) is also incorporated. Real-world data from parking facilities in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne was used to test the hypothesis. Thereafter, experimental tests were carried out for a comparative study in which the outlier detection performances of the two-phase detection method, statistic-based method, and traditional density-based method were compared and contrasted. The results showed that the proposed method can identify two different kinds of outliers simultaneously and can give a high identifying accuracy of 100% and 92.7% for the first and second types of outliers, respectively.
Effects of Acupuncture on Heart Rate Variability in Beagles; Preliminary Results
Authors: Wang Huan , Litscher Gerhard , Shi Xian , Jiang Yue Bo , Wang Lu
Published: March 2013

Evidence-based animal experimental research concerning the effects of acupuncture on autonomic function was performed by two research teams from China and Austria. This study describes measurements in beagles. Heart rate variability (HRV) recordings were performed under stable conditions in Beijing, China, and the data analysis and interpretation were completed in Graz, Austria. The electrocardiograms were recorded during bilateral body acupuncture (PC6, Neiguan). Power of the low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the ratio (LF/HF) changed significantly during acupuncture stimulation in beagles after injection of atropine andβ-blocker. However, there was no significant change in HF power after needling the Neiguan acupoint when a cervical vagotomy has been performed. Our findings show that acupuncture can mediate the HRV even after pharmaceutical blocking of autonomic function. Acupuncture effects on HRV should rely not only on autonomic nervous system but on complete central nervous system.
Differential Evolution Algorithm with Self-Adaptive Population Resizing Mechanism
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhao Shuguang
Published: March 2013

A differential evolution (DE) algorithm with self-adaptive population resizing mechanism, SapsDE, is proposed to enhance the performance of DE by dynamically choosing one of two mutation strategies and tuning control parameters in a self-adaptive manner. More specifically, more appropriate mutation strategies along with its parameter settings can be determined adaptively according to the previous status at different stages of the evolution process. To verify the performance of SapsDE, 17 benchmark functions with a wide range of dimensions, and diverse complexities are used. Nonparametric statistical procedures were performed for multiple comparisons between the proposed algorithm and five well-known DE variants from the literature. Simulation results show that SapsDE is effective and efficient. It also exhibits much more superiorresultsthan the other five algorithms employed in the comparison in most of the cases.
Review of the Bat Flies of Honduras, Central America (Diptera: Streblidae)
Authors: Dick Carl W.
Published: March 2013

Streblid bat flies are obligate and host-specific blood-feeding ectoparasites of bats. While the bat flies of some American countries are well studied (e.g., Panama, Venezuela), little is known about Honduran Streblidae. Accumulation of substantial numbers of specimens, from several different collections, has enabled a relatively thorough treatment of the fauna. This study is based on 2,236 specimens representing 17 genera and 43 species of Streblidae. Of those presently reported, 11 genera and 32 species are new records for Honduras, increasing the number of known genera and species by 65% and 74%, respectively. Collection and host data are listed for all known Honduran streblid bat fly species. Comments regarding host associations and specificity, geographic distribution, and taxonomic problems are given in the species accounts.
α-Mangostin fromCratoxylum arborescens(Vahl) Blume Demonstrates Anti-Ulcerogenic Property: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Sidahmed Heyam M. A. , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Mohan Syam , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Mohamed Elhassan Taha Manal , Hashim Najihah Mohd , Hadi A. Hamid A. , Vadivelu Jamunarani , Loke Fai Mun , Rahmani Mawardi , Yahayu Maizatulakmal
Published: March 2013

Cratoxylum arborescens(Vahl) Blume is an Asian herbal medicine with versatile ethnobiological properties including treatment of gastric ulcer. This study evaluated the antiulcerogenic mechanism(s) ofα-mangostin (AM) in a rat model of ulcer. AM is a prenylated xanthone derived through biologically guided fractionation ofC. arborescens. Rats were orally pretreated with AM and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol. Following treatment, ulcer index, gastric juice acidity, mucus content, histological and immunohistochemical analyses, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and nonprotein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) were evaluated. The anti-Helicobacter pylori, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory effect, and antioxidant activity of AM were also investigatedin vitro. AM (10 and 30 mg/kg) inhibited significantly (P<0.05) ethanol-induced gastric lesions by 66.04% and 74.39 %, respectively. The compound induces the expression of Hsp70, restores GSH levels, decreases lipid peroxidation, and inhibits COX-2 activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AM showed an effectivein vitroanti-H. pyloriactivity. The efficacy of the AM was accomplished safely without presenting any toxicological parameters. The results of the present study indicate that the antioxidant properties and the potent anti-H. pylori, in addition to activation of Hsp70 protein, may contribute to the gastroprotective activity ofα-mangostin.
Gamma-Tocotrienol Modulated Gene Expression in Senescent Human Diploid Fibroblasts as Revealed by Microarray Analysis
Authors: Makpol Suzana , Zainuddin Azalina , Chua Kien Hui , Mohd Yusof Yasmin Anum , Ngah Wan Zurinah Wan
Published: March 2013

The effect ofγ-tocotrienol, a vitamin E isomer, in modulating gene expression in cellular aging of human diploid fibroblasts was studied. Senescent cells at passage 30 were incubated with 70 μM ofγ-tocotrienol for 24 h. Gene expression patterns were evaluated using Sentrix HumanRef-8 Expression BeadChip from Illumina, analysed using GeneSpring GX10 software, and validated using quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 100 genes were differentially expressed (P<0.001) by at least 1.5 fold in response toγ-tocotrienol treatment. Amongst the genes wereIRAK3, SelS, HSPA5, HERPUD1, DNAJB9, SEPR1, C18orf55, ARF4, RINT1, NXT1, CADPS2, COG6, andGLRX5. Significant gene list was further analysed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and the Normalized Enrichment Score (NES) showed that biological processes such as inflammation, protein transport, apoptosis, and cell redox homeostasis were modulated in senescent fibroblasts treated withγ-tocotrienol. These findings revealed thatγ-tocotrienol may prevent cellular aging of human diploid fibroblasts by modulating gene expression.
Corrosion Study of Powder-Coated Galvanised Steel
Authors: Bhadu Manish Kumar , Guin Akshya Kumar , Singh Veena , Choudhary Shyam K.
Published: March 2013

In general, steel is protected from corrosive environments by conversion coatings, that is, phosphating, chromating, and so forth, and then followed by different layers of paints. Nowadays, strict pollution laws and regulations are creating significant challenges for coating experts to develop an environmentally friendly product. Powder coatings have demonstrated their ability as alternative to traditional solvent-borne coatings. In the present work, polyester-based two coating systems have been investigated and their performances have been evaluated for surface topographical properties by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX), accelerated corrosion resistance by salt spray test, and impedance property by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Coating adhesion with the steel and hardness were evaluated by bond strength, cross cut adhesion, and pencil hardness. This paper explains the results and performance of the coatings by the above two systems.
Side Branch Interaction with Main Line Standing Waves and Related Signal Handling Approaches
Authors: Ruggles Arthur , Moore Eric M. , Shehane Michael
Published: March 2013

Data from a low pressure air test facility are used to quantify the influence of the acoustic field in the main line on side branch resonance behavior. The main line of diameter = 7.6 cm may accumulate acoustic energy broadcast from a resonating branch of diameter = 1.9 cm ( = 0.25). The side branch resonance amplitude is a strong function of branch position along the main line with the normalized pressure rising to 1.2 in the most favorable branch positions with Strouhal number near 0.3. Large time variation of the side branch and main line resonance amplitude is apparent for most branch positions. A moving window is used on the time history to collect an array of power spectral densities (PSDs). Peak amplitude values from the PSD array are represented in a probability density function (PDF) that provides a repeatable characterization of data from the system.
Positive Solutions for Resonant and Nonresonant Nonlinear Third-Order Multipoint Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Yang Liu , Shen Chunfang , Xie Dapeng
Published: March 2013

Positive solutions for a kind of third-order multipoint boundary value problem under the nonresonant conditions and the resonant conditions are considered. In the nonresonant case, by using the Leggett-Williams fixed point theorem, the existence of at least three positive solutions is obtained. In the resonant case, by using the Leggett-Williams norm-type theorem due to O’Regan and Zima, the existence result of at least one positive solution is established. It is remarkable to point out that it is the first time that the positive solution is considered for the third-order boundary value problem at resonance. Some examples are given to demonstrate the main results of the paper.
Management of Hemorrhagic Pseudoaneurysmal Arteriovenous Fistula of the Sphenopalatine Artery
Authors: Gordhan Ajeet
Published: March 2013

n-Butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) embolization of a hemorrhagic pseudoaneurysmal arteriovenous fistula of the sphenopalatine artery in a patient with paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma treated with regional surgery and radiation has, to our knowledge, not been previously reported.
Trigger Finger Appearing as Gradually Increasing Digital Nerve Disorder after Surgical Treatment
Authors: Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Nishi Tomio , Abe Hidekazu , Takeshima Masaaki , Shimada Yoichi
Published: March 2013

Trigger finger is a common disease, and operative treatments are often applied for it. Digital nerve injury is one of the complications of this surgical treatment, and paresthesia and sensory disturbance occur early after the operation. This paper presents a case of trigger finger appearing gradually as increasing digital nerve disorder after surgical treatment. In the second surgery, scar tissue covered the palmar MP joint where the A1 pulley had existed before, and palmar digital neurovascular tissue of the ulnar side was found on the inside of the scar. The ulnar digital nerve showed swelling like a neuroma, and bilateral digital nerves existed nearer to the center of the flexor pollicis longus tendon than normal digital nerves. Even when we operate on trigger finger by open release, we should create an appropriate surgical space for observation and be careful of digital nerve injury.
Multicomponent Therapeutics of Berberine Alkaloids
Authors: Luo Jiaoyang , Yan Dan , Yang Meihua , Dong Xiaoping , Xiao Xiaohe
Published: March 2013

Although berberine alkaloids (BAs) are reported to be with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activities, the interactions among BAs have not been elucidated. In the present study, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was chosen as a model organism, and modified broth microdilution was applied for the determination of the fluorescence absorption values to calculate the anti-MRSA activity of BAs. We have initiated four steps to seek the optimal combination of BAs that are (1) determining the anti-MRSA activity of single BA, (2) investigating the two-component combination to clarify the interactions among BAs by checkerboard assay, (3) investigating the multicomponent combination to determine the optimal ratio by quadratic rotation-orthogonal combination design, and (4)in vivoandin vitrovalidation of the optimal combination. The results showed that the interactions among BAs are related to their concentrations. The synergetic combinations included “berberine and epiberberine,” “jatrorrhizine and palmatine” and “jatrorrhizine and coptisine”; the antagonistic combinations included “coptisine and epiberberine”. The optimal combination was berberine : coptisine : jatrorrhizine : palmatine : epiberberine = 0.702 : 0.863 : 1 : 0.491 : 0.526, and the potency of the optimal combination on cyclophosphamide-immunocompromised mouse model was better than the natural combinations of herbs containing BAs.
Multiple Criteria Decision Making Based on Discrete Linguistic Stochastic Variables
Authors: Ren Jian , Gao Yang , Bian Can
Published: March 2013

For solving the discrete linguistic stochastic multiple criteria decision making problems with incomplete information, a new decision making method based on the differences between the superiorities and the inferiorities is proposed. According to the two basic parameters which are the possible outcome and the state probability, the superior decision matrix and the inferior decision matrix of the alternative set under each criterion are first worked out. Then, by the differences between the elements on the appropriate locations of these matrices, the corresponding dominant decision matrices are formed. Subsequently, with the help of the weight vector of the criterion set, the weighted integrated dominant decision matrix of the alternative set is built. Consequently, the weighted integrated dominant indices' sum of each alternative is calculated. Thus, the rank of the alternatives comes out. Finally, a numerical example is given. The result shows the superiority of the method.
Approximate Analytic Solutions of Time-Fractional Hirota-Satsuma Coupled KdV Equation and Coupled MKdV Equation
Authors: Liu Jincun , Li Hong
Published: March 2013

By introducing the fractional derivative in the sense of Caputo and combining the pretreatment technique to deal with long nonlinear items, the generalized two-dimensional differential transform method is proposed for solving the time-fractional Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV equation and coupled MKdV equation. The presented method is a numerical method based on the generalized Taylor series expansion which constructs an analytical solution in the form of a polynomial. The numerical results show that the generalized two-dimensional differential transform method is very effective for the fractional coupled equations.