bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of Inhibitory Mechanisms of Propeptide-Like Cysteine Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Nga Bui T. T. , Takeshita Yuki , Yamamoto Misa , Yamamoto Yoshimi
Published: June 2014

Mouse cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2α(CTLA-2α),DrosophilaCTLA-2-like protein (crammer), andBombyxcysteine protease inhibitor (BCPI) belong to a novel family of cysteine protease inhibitors (I29). Their inhibitory mechanisms were studied comparatively. CTLA-2αcontains a cysteine residue (C75), which is essential for its inhibitory potency. The CTLA-2αmonomer was converted to a disulfide-bonded dimerin vitroandin vivo. The dimer was fully inhibitory, but the monomer, which possessed a free thiol residue, was not. A disulfide-bonded CTLA-2α/cathepsin L complex was isolated, and a cathepsin L subunit with a molecular weight of 24,000 was identified as the interactive enzyme protein. Crammer also contains a cysteine residue (C72). Both dimeric and monomeric forms of crammer were inhibitory. A crammer mutant with Cys72 to alanine (C72A) was fully inhibitory, while the replacement of Gly73 with alanine (G73A) caused a significant loss in inhibitory potency, which suggests a different inhibition mechanism from CTLA-2α. BCPI does not contain cysteine residue. C-terminal region (L77-R80) of BCPI was essential for its inhibitory potency. CTLA-2αwas inhibitory in the acidic pH condition but stabilized cathepsin L under neutral pH conditions. The different inhibition mechanisms and functional considerations of these inhibitors are discussed.
Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of a New Deoiling Agent for Treatment of Waste Oil-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Liu Pingting , Huang Zhiyu , Deng Hao , Wang Rongsha , Xie Shuixiang
Published: June 2014

Oil-based drilling fluid is used more and more in the field of oil and gas exploration. However, because of unrecyclable treating agent and hard treatment conditions, the traditional treating technologies of waste oil-based drilling fluid have some defects, such as waste of resource, bulky equipment, complex treatment processes, and low oil recovery rate. In this work, switchable deoiling agent (SDA), as a novel surfactant for treatment of waste oil-based drilling fluid, was synthesized by amine, formic acid, and formaldehyde solution. With this agent, the waste oil-based drilling fluid can be treated without complex process and expensive equipment. Furthermore, the agent used in the treatment can be recycled, which reduces waste of resource and energy. The switch performance, deoiling performance, structural characterization, and mechanisms of action are studied. The experimental results show that the oil content of the recycled oil is higher than 96% and more than 93% oil in waste oil-based drilling fluid can be recycled. The oil content of the solid residues of deoiling is less than 3%.
Risk-Stratified Cardiovascular Screening Including Angiographic and Procedural Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Renal Transplant Candidates
Authors: König Julian , Möckel Martin , Mueller Eda , Bocksch Wolfgang , Baid-Agrawal Seema , Babel Nina , Schindler Ralf , Reinke Petra , Nickel Peter
Published: June 2014

Background. Benefits of cardiac screening in kidney transplant candidates (KTC) will be dependent on the availability of effective interventions. We retrospectively evaluated characteristics and outcome of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in KTC selected for revascularization by a cardiac screening approach.Methods. In 267 patients evaluated 2003 to 2006, screening tests performed were reviewed and PCI characteristics correlated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during a follow-up of 55 months.Results. Stress tests in 154 patients showed ischemia in 28 patients (89% high risk). Of 58 patients with coronary angiography, 38 had significant stenoses and 18 cardiac interventions (6.7% of all). 29 coronary lesions in 17/18 patients were treated by PCI. Angiographic success rate was 93.1%, but procedural success rate was only 86.2%. Long lesions (P=0.029) and diffuse disease (P=0.043) were associated with MACE. In high risk patients, cardiac screening did not improve outcome as 21.7% of patients with versus 15.5% of patients without properly performed cardiac screening had MACE (P=0.319).Conclusion. The moderate procedural success of PCI and poor outcome in long and diffuse coronary lesions underscore the need to define appropriate revascularization strategies in KTC, which will be a prerequisite for cardiac screening to improve outcome in these high-risk patients.
Regional Warming and Emerging Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dirofilariosis in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Other Post-Soviet States from 1981 to 2011 and Projection by 2030
Authors: Kartashev Vladimir , Afonin Alexandr , González-Miguel Javier , Sepúlveda Rosa , Simón Luis , Morchón Rodrigo , Simón Fernando
Published: June 2014

We analyze through a climatic model the influence of regional warming on the geographical spreading and potential risk of infection of human dirofilariosis in Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet states from 1981 to 2011 and estimate the situation by 2030. The model correctly predicts the spatiotemporal location of 97.10% of 2154 clinical cases reported in the area during the studied period, identified by a retrospective review of the literature. There exists also a significant correlation between annual predictedDirofilariagenerations and calculated morbidity. The model states the progressive increase of 14.8% in the potential transmission area, up to latitude 64°N, and 14.7% in population exposure. By 2030 an increase of 18.5% in transmission area and 10.8% in population exposure is expected. These findings strongly suggest the influence of global warming in both geographical spreading and increase in the number ofDirofilariagenerations. The results should alert about the epidemiological behavior of dirofilariosis and other mosquito-borne diseases in these and other countries with similar climatic characteristics.
Driver Fatigue Features Extraction
Authors: Niu Gengtian , Wang Changming
Published: June 2014

Driver fatigue is the main cause of traffic accidents. How to extract the effective features of fatigue is important for recognition accuracy and traffic safety. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a new method of driver fatigue features extraction based on the facial image sequence. In this method, first, each facial image in the sequence is divided into nonoverlapping blocks of the same size, and Gabor wavelets are employed to extract multiscale and multiorientation features. Then the mean value and standard deviation of each block’s features are calculated, respectively. Considering the facial performance of human fatigue is a dynamic process that developed over time, each block’s features are analyzed in the sequence. Finally, Adaboost algorithm is applied to select the most discriminating fatigue features. The proposed method was tested on a self‐built database which includes a wide range of human subjects of different genders, poses, and illuminations in real‐life fatigue conditions. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Novel Method for Dynamic Multicriteria Decision Making with Hybrid Evaluation Information
Authors: Liu Shihu , Moughal Tauqir Ahmed
Published: June 2014

How to select the most desirable pattern(s) is often a crucial step for decision making problem. By taking uncertainty as well as dynamic of database into consideration, in this paper, we construct a dynamic multicriteria decision making procedure, where the evaluation information of criteria is expressed by real number, intuitionistic fuzzy number, and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number. During the process of algorithm construction, the evaluation information at all time episodes is firstly aggregated into one, and then it is transformed into the unified interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy number representational form. Similar to most multicriteria decision making approaches, the TOPSIS method is applied in the proposed decision making algorithm. In particular, the distance between possible patterns and the ideal solutions is defined in terms of cosine similarity by considering all aspects of the unified evaluation information. Experimental results show that the proposed decision making approach can effectively select desirable pattern(s).
A Formal Specification Framework for Designing and Verifying Reliable and Dependable Software for CNC Systems
Authors: Cao Yunan
Published: June 2014

As a distributed computing system, a CNC system needs to be operated reliably, dependably, and safely. How to design reliable and dependable software and perform effective verification for CNC systems becomes an important research problem. In this paper, we propose a new modeling method called TTM/ATRTTL (timed transition models/all-time real-time temporal logics) for specifying CNC systems. TTM/ATRTTL provides full supports for specifying hard real time and feedback that are needed for modeling CNC systems. We also propose a verification framework with verification rules and theorems and implement it with STeP and SF2STeP. The proposed verification framework can check reliability, dependability, and safety of systems specified by our TTM/ATRTTL method. We apply our modeling and verification techniques on an open architecture CNC (OAC) system and conduct comprehensive studies on modeling and verifying a system controller that is the key part of OAC. The results show that our method can effectively model and verify CNC systems and generate CNC software that can satisfy system requirements in reliability, dependability, and safety.
Agromorphological Traits Variability of the Ethiopian Lentil and Exotic Genotypes
Authors: Mekonnen Fikru , Mekbib Firew , Kumar Shiv , Ahmed Seid , Sharma Tilak R.
Published: June 2014

Understanding the genetic relationships and diversity of Ethiopian lentil in relation to lentil from other countries is important in attempting to widen the genetic base of germplasm in the country. The objectives of this study were to generate information on agromorphological variability, to estimate PCV, GCV, heritability, and expected genetic advance of quantitative traits of lentil. 228 genotypes with different population types were studied for 11 agromorphological traits and rust disease severity score for two seasons (2011-2012) over three locations. The analysis of variance showed highly significant variations (P≤0.01) among genotypes for all characters studied. As per genetic parameter values, four groups of character were deduced. It is inferred that the exotic genotypes introduced from ICARDA showed rich genetic bases for 100-seed weight, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, resistance source for rust, and high yielder in high yielding environment, where rainfall is not a major problem. Use the Ethiopian accessions for developing cultivars that could be used in double cropping and drought prone areas.
Van der Woude Syndrome with Short Review of the Literature
Authors: Deshmukh Pallavi K. , Deshmukh Kiran , Mangalgi Anand , Patil Subhash , Hugar Deepa , Kodangal Saraswathi Fakirappa
Published: June 2014

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition with high penetrance and variable expression. Clinical manifestation of this autosomal dominant clefting syndrome includes bilateral midline lower lip pits, cleft lip, and cleft palate along with hypodontia. These congenital lip pits appear as a malformation in the vermilion border of the lip, with or without excretion. Discomfort caused by spontaneous or induced drainage of saliva/mucus when pressure is applied or during a meal as well as poor aesthetic match is one of the main complaints of patients with congenital lip fistula. The pits are treated by surgical resection. Dentists should be aware of the congenital lip pits as in Van der Woude syndrome because they have been reported to be associated with a variety of malformations or other congenital disorders. Here, the authors report a rare case of Van der Woude syndrome with short review of the literature.
Effect of the CO2/SiH4Ratio in the p-μc-SiO:H Emitter Layer on the Performance of Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Sritharathikhun Jaran , Krajangsang Taweewat , Moollakorn Apichan , Inthisang Sorapong , Limmanee Amornrat , Hongsingtong Aswin , Boriraksantikul Nattaphong , Taratiwat Tianchai , Akarapanjavit Nirod , Sriprapha Kobsak
Published: June 2014

This paper reports the preparation of wide gap p-type hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide (p-μc-SiO:H) films using a 40 MHz very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The reported work focused on the effects of the CO2/SiH4ratio on the properties of p-μc-SiO:H films and the effectiveness of the films as an emitter layer of crystalline silicon heterojunction (c-Si-HJ) solar cells. A p-μc-SiO:H film with a wide optical band gap (E04), 2.1 eV, can be obtained by increasing the CO2/SiH4ratio; however, the tradeoff betweenE04and dark conductivity must be considered. The CO2/SiH4ratio of the p-μc-SiO:H emitter layer also significantly affects the performance of the solar cells. Compared to the cell using p-μc-Si:H (CO2/SiH4= 0), the cell with the p-μc-SiO:H emitter layer performs more efficiently. We have achieved the highest efficiency of 18.3% with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 692 mV from the cell using the p-μc-SiO:H layer. The enhancement in theVocand the efficiency of the solar cells verified the potential of the p-μc-SiO:H films for use as the emitter layer in c-Si-HJ solar cells.
Response Mechanisms of Bacterial Degraders to Environmental Contaminants on the Level of Cell Walls and Cytoplasmic Membrane
Authors: Murínová Slavomíra , Dercová Katarína
Published: June 2014

Bacterial strains living in the environment must cope with the toxic compounds originating from humans production. Surface bacterial structures, cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, surround each bacterial cell and create selective barriers between the cell interior and the outside world. They are a first site of contact between the cell and toxic compounds. Organic pollutants are able to penetrate into cytoplasmic membrane and affect membrane physiological functions. Bacteria had to evolve adaptation mechanisms to counteract the damage originated from toxic contaminants and to prevent their accumulation in cell. This review deals with various adaptation mechanisms of bacterial cell concerning primarily the changes in cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall. Cell adaptation maintains the membrane fluidity status and ratio between bilayer/nonbilayer phospholipids as well as the efflux of toxic compounds, protein repair mechanisms, and degradation of contaminants. Low energy consumption of cell adaptation is required to provide other physiological functions. Bacteria able to survive in toxic environment could help us to clean contaminated areas when they are used in bioremediation technologies.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Fine Particulate Matter Mass and Chemical Composition: The Middle East Consortium for Aerosol Research Study
Authors: Abdeen Ziad , Qasrawi Radwan , Heo Jongbae , Wu Bo , Shpund Jacob , Vanger Arye , Sharf Geula , Moise Tamar , Brenner Shmuel , Nassar Khaled , Saleh Rami , Al-Mahasneh Qusai M. , Sarnat Jeremy A. , Schauer James J.
Published: June 2014

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected from January to December 2007 to investigate the sources and chemical speciation in Palestine, Jordan, and Israel. The 24-h PM2.5samples were collected on 6-day intervals at eleven urban and rural sites simultaneously. Major chemical components including metals, ions, and organic and elemental carbon were analyzed. The mass concentrations of PM2.5across the 11 sites varied from 20.6 to 40.3 μg/m3, with an average of 28.7 μg/m3. Seasonal variation of PM2.5concentrations was substantial, with higher average concentrations (37.3 μg/m3) in the summer (April–June) months compared to winter (October–December) months (26.0 μg/m3) due mainly to high contributions of sulfate and crustal components. PM2.5concentrations in the spring were greatly impacted by regional dust storms. Carbonaceous mass was the most abundant component, contributing 40% to the total PM2.5mass averaged across the eleven sites. Crustal components averaged 19.1% of the PM2.5mass and sulfate, ammonium, and nitrate accounted for 16.2%, 6.4%, and 3.7%, respectively, of the total PM2.5mass. The results of this study demonstrate the need to better protect the health and welfare of the residents on both sides of the Jordan River in the Middle East.
Enhancing Business Intelligence by Means of Suggestive Reviews
Authors: Qazi Atika , Raj Ram Gopal , Tahir Muhammad , Cambria Erik , Syed Karim Bux Shah
Published: June 2014

Appropriate identification and classification of online reviews to satisfy the needs of current and potential users pose a critical challenge for the business environment. This paper focuses on a specific kind of reviews: the suggestive type. Suggestions have a significant influence on both consumers’ choices and designers’ understanding and, hence, they are key for tasks such as brand positioning and social media marketing. The proposed approach consists of three main steps: (1) classify comparative and suggestive sentences; (2) categorize suggestive sentences into different types, either explicit or implicit locutions; (3) perform sentiment analysis on the classified reviews. A range of supervised machine learning approaches and feature sets are evaluated to tackle the problem of suggestive opinion mining. Experimental results for all three tasks are obtained on a dataset of mobile phone reviews and demonstrate that extending a bag-of-words representation with suggestive and comparative patterns is ideal for distinguishing suggestive sentences. In particular, it is observed that classifying suggestive sentences into implicit and explicit locutions works best when using a mixed sequential rule feature representation. Sentiment analysis achieves maximum performance when employing additional preprocessing in the form of negation handling and target masking, combined with sentiment lexicons.
Numerical Well Testing Interpretation Model and Applications in Crossflow Double-Layer Reservoirs by Polymer Flooding
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Guo Hui , He Youwei , Xu Hainan , Li Lei , Zhang Tiantian , Xian Bo , Du Song , Cheng Shiqing
Published: June 2014

This work presents numerical well testing interpretation model and analysis techniques to evaluate formation by using pressure transient data acquired with logging tools in crossflow double-layer reservoirs by polymer flooding. A well testing model is established based on rheology experiments and by considering shear, diffusion, convection, inaccessible pore volume (IPV), permeability reduction, wellbore storage effect, and skin factors. The type curves were then developed based on this model, and parameter sensitivity is analyzed. Our research shows that the type curves have five segments with different flow status: (I) wellbore storage section, (II) intermediate flow section (transient section), (III) mid-radial flow section, (IV) crossflow section (from low permeability layer to high permeability layer), and (V) systematic radial flow section. The polymer flooding field tests prove that our model can accurately determine formation parameters in crossflow double-layer reservoirs by polymer flooding. Moreover, formation damage caused by polymer flooding can also be evaluated by comparison of the interpreted permeability with initial layered permeability before polymer flooding. Comparison of the analysis of numerical solution based on flow mechanism with observed polymer flooding field test data highlights the potential for the application of this interpretation method in formation evaluation and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
Currently Available Biomarkers and Strategies for the Validation of Novel Candidates for Neurochemical Dementia Diagnostics in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lewczuk Piotr
Published: June 2014

The number of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementing conditions has grown exponentially in the last decades. This review focuses on the diagnostic role of the classic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of neurochemical dementia diagnostics (NDD) and critically discusses potential strategies for the development and validation of novel potential candidates. In some countries, NDD is already established as a routine diagnostic tool, used for the evaluation of patients with cognitive impairments. On the other hand, preanalytical and technical issues, partly discussed in this paper, prevent NDD from the general acceptance worldwide. Currently, two groups of biomarkers in the CSF are considered in NDD: amyloidβ(Aβ) peptides and Tau proteins, including the hyperphosphorylated forms of the latter (pTau). The analyses of these two groups of biomarkers can reveal pathologic alterations as early as twenty years before the onset of clinical symptoms. In mild cognitive impairment (MCI), NDD can reliably predict which individuals are at risk of converting to AD. The roles of biomarkers of amyloidβdeposition in the brain tissue (including the CSF concentration of Aβ42) and biomarkers of neurodegeneration (including the CSF concentrations of Tau/pTau proteins) are reflected in the currently proposed diagnostic criteria for AD and MCI.
Widespread 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in Affluent and Nonaffluent Pregnant Indian Women
Authors: Jani Rati , Palekar Suhaila , Munipally Tanya , Ghugre Padmini , Udipi Shobha
Published: June 2014

Objectives. This cross-sectional study primarily aimed to assess vitamin D adequacy in the third trimester of pregnancy using 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and explore lifestyle characteristics (sun exposure index, diet, and economic indicators) associated with serum 25(OH)D. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship of serum 25(OH)D with birth weight and gestational age.Methods. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay in 150 pregnant women from Mumbai. Sun exposure index was computed. Dietary calcium, phytate : calcium ratio, and dietary phosphorus was calculated using the 24-hour diet recall method.Results. All women had 25(OH)D levels < 30.00 ng/ml. Multivariable linear regression showed that nonaffluent women had poorer 25(OH)D status than their affluent counterparts (β=-0.20;P=0.03). Higher sun exposure index was associated with higher 25(OH)D concentrations (β=0.31;P<0.001), which remained significant after controlling for covariates. At the bivariate level, mothers of infants weighing <2500 g had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared to mothers whose infants weighed≥2500 g (P=0.02). This association became non-significant after controlling for covariates.Conclusions. Vitamin D deficiency was universally prevalent in the cohort studied. There is a need to develop culturally sensitive strategies for improving the 25(OH)D status.
The Research on Low Carbon Logistics Routing Optimization Based on DNA-Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Liyi , Wang Ying , Fei Teng , Ren Hongwei
Published: June 2014

As the energy conservation and emission reduction and sustainable development have become the hot topics in the world, low carbon issues catch more and more attention. Logistics, which is one of the important economic activities, plays a crucial role in the low carbon development. Logistics leads to some significant issues about consuming energy and carbon emissions. Therefore, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions has become the inevitable trend for logistics industry. Low carbon logistics is introduced in these situations. In this paper, from the microcosmic aspects, we will bring the low carbon idea in the path optimization issues and change the amount of carbon emissions into carbon emissions cost to establish the path optimization model based on the optimization objectives of the lowest cost of carbon emissions. According to different levels of air pollution, we will establish the double objectives path optimization model with the consideration of carbon emissions cost and economy cost. Use DNA-ant colony algorithm to optimize and simulate the model. The simulation indicates that DNA-ant colony algorithm could find a more reasonable solution for low carbon logistics path optimization problems.
Prevalence of Catalase (-21 A/T) Gene Variant in South Indian (Tamil) Population
Authors: Lourdhu Mary A. , Nithya K. , Isabel W. , Angeline T.
Published: June 2014

Catalase, an endogenous antioxidant enzyme, is responsible for regulating reactive species levels. Several epidemiologic studies have suggested that single nucleotide polymorphism in catalase gene may be associated with many diseases. The genotype of CAT (-21 A/T) point mutation in promoter region of catalase gene was determined by polymerase chain based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in the DNA of 100 healthy volunteers. The frequency of CAT (-21 A/T) gene polymorphism AA, AT, and TT genotypes was found to be 7, 23, and 70 percent, respectively. The mutant “T” allele frequency was found to be 0.82 among the south Indian (Tamil) population. Chi square analysis showed that the study population lies within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The wild type genotype (AA) was found to be very low (7%) and the mutant genotype (AT/TT) was found to be more prevalent (93%) among the south Indian population. This suggests that the high prevalence of mutant genotype may increase the susceptibility to oxidative stress associated diseases.
Synthesis of New [1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines and Study of Their Anti-Candidaland Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Bhat Mashooq Ahmad , Khan Abdul Arif , Khan Shahanavaj , Al-Dhfyan Abdullah
Published: June 2014

New triazolothiadiazine derivatives5a–hwere synthesized from 4-amino-3-(4-pyridyl)-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole (3) with substituted aryl hydrazonoyl chlorides4a–h. The compounds were testedin vitroagainst elevenCandidaspecies and compared with standard drug ketoconazole. Among these compounds, the compounds bearingp-chlorophenyl5e,p-methoxyphenyl5c, phenyl5a,andp-sulphonamidophenyl5gsubstituents on triazolothiadiazine system were found to be the most effective derivatives againstCandidaspecies. Compound5ewas the most effective compound againstC. parapsilosis(ATCC 22019),C. albicans(ATCC 66027),C.specie [blood] 12810, andC.specie [urine] 300 with MIC value of 6.25 μg/mL, whereas ketoconazole exhibits the inhibitory activity with MIC value of 3–30 μg/mL against all tested strains. It was clear that there is a positive correlation between anti-Candidalactivity andp-chlorophenyl substitution on triazolothiadiazine ring. All the synthesized compounds were also investigated for their potential cytotoxicity on noncancer cell line (MCF-12) using WST-1 assay. Three compounds5d,5a,and5hwere found to have the same IC50value as that of standard drug ketoconazole against noncancer cell line MCF-12 (IC50≥ 1.0 × 105 μg/mL).
Cleidocranial Dysplasia Case Report: Remodeling of Teeth as Aesthetic Restorative Treatment
Authors: da Cunha Leonardo Fernandes , Caetano Isabela Maria , Dalitz Fernando , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Mondelli José
Published: June 2014

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), is an autosomal dominant disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 1,000,000 individuals. It is generally characterized by orofacial manifestations, including enamel hypoplasia, retained primary teeth, and impacted permanent and supernumerary teeth. The successful treatment involving a timing intervention (orthodontic-maxillofacial surgeons-restorative) is already described. However, the restorative treatment might improve the aesthetic final result in dentistry management for patients with cleidocranial dysplasia.Objective. Therefore, this clinical report presents a conservative restorative management (enamel microabrasion, dental bleaching, and direct composite resin) for aesthetic solution for a patient with CCD.Clinical Considerations. The cosmetic remodeling is a conservative, secure, and low cost therapy that can be associated with other procedures such as enamel microabrasion and dental bleaching to achieve optimal outcome. Additionally, the Golden Proportion can be used to guide dental remodeling to improve the harmony of the smile and the facial composition.Conclusions. Thus, dentists must know and be able to treat dental aesthetic problems in cleidocranial dysplasia patients. The intention of this paper is to describe a restorative approach with the cosmetic remodeling teeth (by grinding or addicting material) associated with enamel microabrasion and dental bleaching to reestablish the form, shape, and color of smile for patients with cleidocranial dysplasia.
Bilateral Congenital Absence of the Stapes Superstructure in Two Siblings
Authors: Undabeitia Jose Ignacio , Undabeitia José , Cianci Laura , Padilla Luis , Petreñas Eduardo , Municio Antonio
Published: June 2014

Middle ear ossicle malformations are an uncommon event. Among them, the congenital absence of the stapes is a very rare condition that is seldom described in the literature. We report the cases of two women, aged 19 and 22 , who presented with a long history of conductive deafness. An exploratory tympanotomy was performed and the absence of the stapes superstructure and an abnormal position of the facial nerve could be observed. A bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) was implanted in both patients with good results. It is believed that stapes agenesis is related to an abnormal development of the facial nerve, which by the 5th to 6th week of gestation would interpose between the otic capsule and the stapes blastema, preventing these structures from contacting. A long history of nonprogressive hearing loss from birth or early childhood is the key to reach a diagnosis. Several treatment options have been described. The authors opted for a hearing aid due to the high risk of facial nerve lesion, with good functional results.
Mobile Robots Path Planning Using the Overall Conflict Resolution and Time Baseline Coordination
Authors: Ma Yong , Wang Hongwei , Gan Langxiong , Guo Min , Huang Liwen , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2014

This paper aims at resolving the path planning problem in a time‐varying environment based on the idea of overall conflict resolution and the algorithm of time baseline coordination. The basic task of the introduced path planning algorithms is to fulfill the automatic generation of the shortest paths from the defined start poses to their end poses with consideration of generous constraints for multiple mobile robots. Building on this, by using the overall conflict resolution, within the polynomial based paths, we take into account all the constraints including smoothness, motion boundary, kinematics constraints, obstacle avoidance, and safety constraints among robots together. And time baseline coordination algorithm is proposed to process the above formulated problem. The foremost strong point is that much time can be saved with our approach. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of our approach.
Upconversion luminescence and Visible‐Infrared Properties of β‐NaLuF4:Er3+ Microcrystals Synthesized by the Surfactant‐Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Lin Han , Yan Xiaohong , Zheng Jin , Dai Changjie , Chen Yuan
Published: June 2014

We report the obtention of β‐NaLuF4 microcrystals doped with Er3+ ions by the surfactant‐assisted hydrothermal method. It was found that shape modulation could be realized by changing the surfactants (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and trisodium citrate) introduced into the reaction system. The surfactants can strongly control the size and shape of as‐prepared samples through absorbing on the surface of primary particles and/or coordinating with rare earth ions. Hexagonal prism‐like β‐NaLuF4:Er3+ microcrystals demonstrate intense upconverted luminescence (UCL) pumped by 1.54 μm infrared laser in comparison with hexagonal tube‐like, disk‐like, and sphere‐like microcrystals, which exhibit great distinction. More interestingly, a synergistic effect combined dual mode (i.e., downconversion and upconversion) with 8% absolute enhancement rate of the red emission centered at 659 nm (4F9/2→4I15/2) is witnessed in hexagonal prisms β‐NaLuF4:Er3+ phosphors by employing the dual wavelength 416 nm and 1.54 μm excitation source for the first time.
Protective Effect and Mechanism of Total Flavones from Rhododendron simsii Planch on Endothelium‐Dependent Dilatation and Hyperpolarization in Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion and Correlation to Hydrogen Sulphide Release in Rats
Authors: Han Jun , He Guo-Wei , Chen Zhi-Wu
Published: June 2014

We for the first time investigated the effect and mechanism of the total flavones of Rhododendron simsii Planch (TFR), a widely‐used Chinese herb for a thousand years, on vasodilatation and hyperpolarization in middle cerebral artery (MCA) of rats subject to global cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (CIR). TFR (11~2700 mg/L) evoked dose‐dependent vasodilation and hyperpolarization in MCA of both sham and CIR that were partially inhibited by 30 μM N‐nitro‐L‐arginine‐methyl‐ester and 10 μM indomethacin and further attenuated by endogenous H2S synthese‐CSE inhibitor PPG (100 μM) or Ca2+‐activated potassium channel (Kca) inhibitor TEA (1 mM). In whole‐cell patch clamp recording, TFR remarkably enhanced the outward current that was inhibited by TEA. CIR increased CSE mRNA expression and the contents of H2S that were further increased by TFR. We conclude that, in MCA of CIR rats, TFR induces non‐NO and non‐PGI2‐mediated effects of vasodilatation and hyperpolarization involving Kca and increases CSE mRNA expression level in endothelial cells and H2S content in the cerebrum. These findings suggest that the response induced by TFR is potentially related to endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor mediated by the endogenous H2S and promote the use of TFR in protection of brain from ischemia‐reperfusion injury.
Effect of Noni (Morinda citrifoliaLinn.) Fruit and Its Bioactive Principles Scopoletin and Rutin on Rat Vas Deferens Contractility: AnEx VivoStudy
Authors: Pandy Vijayapandi , Narasingam Megala , Kunasegaran Thubasni , Murugan Dharmani Devi , Mohamed Zahurin
Published: June 2014

This study examined the effect of methanolic extract ofMorinda citrifoliaLinn. (MMC) and its bioactive principles, scopoletin and rutin, on dopamine- and noradrenaline-evoked contractility in isolated rat vas deferens preparations. MMC (1–40 mg/mL), scopoletin (1–200 μg/mL), and rutin hydrate (0.6–312.6 μg/mL) dose-dependently inhibited the contractility evoked by submaximal concentrations of both dopamine and noradrenaline, respectively. Haloperidol and prazosin, reference dopamine D2, andα1-adrenoceptors antagonists significantly reversed the dopamine- and noradrenaline-induced contractions, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, MMCper seat higher doses (60–100 mg/mL) showed dose-dependent contractile response in rat vas deferens which was partially inhibited by high doses of haloperidol but not by prazosin. These results demonstrated the biphasic effects of MMC on dopaminergic system; that is, antidopaminergic effect at lower concentrations (<40 mg/mL) and dopaminergic agonistic effect at higher concentrations (>60 mg/mL). However, similar contractile response at high doses of scopoletin (0.5–5 mg/mL) and rutin hydrate (0.5–5 mg/mL)per sewas not observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the bioactive principles of MMC, scopoletin, and rutin might be responsible for the antidopaminergic and antiadrenergic activities of MMC.
Massive Multinodular Head and Neck Recurrence of Parotid Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Philouze Pierre , Sigaux Nicolas , Manichon Anne Frédérique , Pignat Jean-Christian , Poupart Marc
Published: June 2014

Introduction. The optimal initial management of parotid pleomorphic adenomas reduces the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. Surgery of recurrence can be difficult in multinodular disseminated forms.Case Report. A 67-years-old patient was referred for management of a large multifocal recurrence of a pleomorphic adenoma operated on 23 years ago. The clinical and radiological assessment found parapharyngeal, infratemporal, and prestyloid invasion, with nodules in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Excision by transmandibular approach was performed. The pathologist found a multinodular recurrent pleomorphic adenoma without criteria of malignancy. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed.Discussion. Multinodular forms and incomplete resections are the most important factors that are thought to predispose to recurrence. A precise analysis of the extension by preoperative MRI is essential. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be given in these recurrent multifocal forms.
Prognostic Factors and Survival in Patients Treated Surgically for Recurrent Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Hoang Han L. T. , Ensor Kelsey , Rosen Gerald , Leon Pachter H. , Raccuia Joseph S.
Published: June 2014

Background. Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare diagnosis, which is seldom cured when it recurs with metastatic disease. We evaluated patients who present with first time recurrence treated surgically to determine prognostic factors associated with long-term survival.Methods. Over a 16-year period, 41 patients were operated on for recurrent uterine sarcoma. Data examined included patient age, date of initial diagnosis, tumor histology, grade at the initial diagnosis, cytopathology changes in tumor activity from the initial diagnosis, residual tumor after all operations, use of adjuvant therapy, dates and sites of all recurrences, and disease status at last followup.Results. 24 patients were operated for first recurrence of metastatic uterine LMS. Complete tumor resection with histologic negative margins was achieved in 16 (67%) patients. Overall survival was significantly affected by the FIGO stage at the time of the initial diagnosis, the ability to obtain complete tumor resection at the time of surgery for first time recurrent disease, single tumor recurrence, and recurrence greater than 12 months from the time of the initial diagnosis. Median disease-free survival was 14 months and overall survival was 27 months.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that stage 1 at the time of initial diagnosis, recurrence greater than 12 months, isolated tumor recurrence, and the ability to remove ability to perform complete tumor resection at the time of the first recurrence can afford improved survival in selected patientsat the time of the first recurrence can afford improved survival in selected patients.
Multiple Effects of Berberine Derivatives on Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Guamán Ortiz Luis Miguel , Tillhon Micol , Parks Michael , Dutto Ilaria , Prosperi Ennio , Savio Monica , Arcamone Andrea G. , Buzzetti Franco , Lombardi Paolo , Scovassi Anna Ivana
Published: June 2014

The pharmacological use of the plant alkaloid berberine is based on its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; recently, anticancer activity has been attributed to this compound. To exploit this interesting feature, we synthesized three berberine derivatives, namely, NAX012, NAX014, and NAX018, and we tested their effects on two human colon carcinoma cell lines, that is, HCT116 and SW613-B3, which are characterized by wt and mutatedp53, respectively. We observed that cell proliferation is more affected by cell treatment with the derivatives than with the lead compound; moreover, the derivatives proved to induce cell cycle arrest and cell death through apoptosis, thus suggesting that they could be promising anticancer drugs. Finally, we detected typical signs of autophagy in cells treated with berberine derivatives.
Fundamental Frequencies of Vibration of Footbridges in Portugal: FromIn SituMeasurements to Numerical Modelling
Authors: Oliveira C. S.
Published: June 2014

Since 1995, we have been measuring thein situdynamic characteristics of different types of footbridges built in Portugal (essentially steel and precast reinforced concrete decks) with single spans running from 11 to 110 m long, using expedite exciting and measuring techniques. A database has been created, containing not only the fundamental dynamic characteristics of those structures (transversal, longitudinal, and vertical frequencies) but also their most important geometric and mechanical properties. This database, with 79 structures organized into 5 main typologies, allows the setting of correlations of fundamental frequencies as a negative power function of span lengthsL  (L-0.6toL-1.4). For 63 footbridges of more simple geometry, it was possible to obtain these correlations by typology. A few illustrative cases representing the most common typologies show that linear numerical models can reproduce thein situmeasurements with great accuracy, not only matching the frequencies of vibration but also the amplitudes of motion caused by several pedestrian load patterns.
Toeplitz Operators on Dirichlet-Type Space of Unit Ball
Authors: Xia Jin , Wang Xiaofeng , Cao Guangfu
Published: June 2014

We construct a functionuinL2Bn, dVwhich is unbounded on any neighborhood of each boundary point ofBnsuch that Toeplitz operatorTuis a Schattenp-class0<p<∞operator on Dirichlet-type spaceDBn, dV. Then, we discuss some algebraic properties of Toeplitz operators with radial symbols on the Dirichlet-type spaceDBn, dV. We determine when the product of two Toeplitz operators with radial symbols is a Toeplitz operator. We investigate the zero-product problem for several Toeplitz operators with radial symbols. Furthermore, the corresponding commuting problem of Toeplitz operators whose symbols are of the formξkuis studied, wherek ∈ Zn,ξ ∈ ∂Bn, anduis a radial function.
Comparative Analysis of Proliferation and Differentiation Potentials of Stem Cells from Inflamed Pulp of Deciduous Teeth and Stem Cells from Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth
Authors: Yu Shi , Diao Shu , Wang Jinsong , Ding Gang , Yang Dongmei , Fan Zhipeng
Published: June 2014

Stem cells isolated from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are highly capable of proliferation and differentiation, and they represent good cell sources for mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) mediated dental tissue regeneration, but the supply of SHEDs is limited. A previous study found that stem cells could be isolated from inflamed tissues, but it is unknown whether primary dental pulp diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis might contain stem cells with appropriate tissue regeneration capacity. In this study, we aimed to isolate stem cells from both inflamed pulps of deciduous teeth (SCIDs) and SHEDs from Chinese children and to compare their proliferation and differentiation potentials. Our results showed that SCIDs were positive for cell surface markers, including CD105, CD90, and CD146, and they had high proliferation ability and osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potentials. There was no significant difference in proliferation and differentiation potentials between SCIDs and SHEDs. The mRNA of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, was expressed at similar levels in SCIDs and SHEDs, but SCIDs secreted more TNF-αprotein. In conclusion, ourin vitroresults showed that SCIDs have proliferation and differentiation potentials similar to those of SHEDs. Thus, SCIDs represent a new potentially applicable source for MSC mediated tissue regeneration.
Development and Characterization of Polyphenon 60 and Caffeine Microemulsion for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Gupta Sonal , Bansal Rakhi , Ali Javed , Gabrani Reema , Dang Shweta
Published: June 2014

Green tea catechins and caffeine have exhibited antibacterial activity; however, their use is limited by lack of stability and effective delivery systems. Polyphenon 60 (P60) and caffeine were encapsulated in a single microemulsion (ME) formulation with an objective to lower the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the individual agents against selected pathogens (S. epidermidisandE. coli). Combination of two natural compounds would advocate two different mechanisms on the bacterial growth thereby providing for better antibacterial activity. Thermodynamically stable ME was developed and characterized with an average particle size of 17.58 nm, further confirmed by TEM analysis. Antibacterial studies included chequerboard microdilution assay to determine the MIC and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of both the natural compounds individually and in combination. MIC and FIC results indicated that the combination of the above two natural compounds was proficient in lowering the MICs of individual agents. Results of DPPH assay indicated that ME system preserved the long term antioxidative potential of P60 and caffeine. The cytotoxicity of the optimized formulation on Vero cell line by MTT assay was found to be nontoxic to mammalian cells.
Catalyst‐Free Vapor‐Phase Method for Direct Integration of Gas Sensing Nanostructures with Polymeric Transducing Platforms
Authors: Vallejos Stella , Gràcia Isabel , Figueras Eduardo , Cané Carles
Published: June 2014

Tungsten oxide nanoneedles (NNs) are grown and integrated directly with polymeric transducing platforms for gas sensors via aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method. Material analysis shows the feasibility to grow highly crystalline nanomaterials in the form of NNs with aspect ratios between 80 and 200 and with high concentration of oxygen vacancies at the surface, whereas gas testing demonstrates moderate sensing responses to hydrogen at concentrations between 10 ppm and 50 ppm, which are comparable with results for tungsten oxide NNs grown on silicon transducing platforms. This method is demonstrated to be an attractive route to fabricate next generation of gas sensors devices, provided with flexibility and functionality, with great potential in a cost effective production for large‐scale applications.
Radiofrequency Ablation Compared to Surgery for the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Bernardi Stella , Dobrinja Chiara , Fabris Bruno , Bazzocchi Gabriele , Sabato Nicoletta , Ulcigrai Veronica , Giacca Massimo , Barro Enrica , De Manzini Nicolò , Stacul Fulvio
Published: June 2014

Objective. Benign thyroid nodules are a common occurrence whose only remedy, in case of symptoms, has always been surgery until the advent of new techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This study aimed at evaluating RFA efficacy, tolerability, and costs and comparing them to hemithyroidectomy for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.Design and Methods. 37 patients who underwent RFA were retrospectively compared to 74 patients surgically treated, either in a standard inpatient or in a short-stay surgical regimen. Efficacy, tolerability, and costs were compared. The contribution of final pathology was also taken into account.Results. RFA reduced nodular volume by 70% after 12 months and it was an effective method for treating nodule-related clinical problems, but it was not as effective as surgery for the treatment of hot nodules. RFA and surgery were both safe, although RFA had less complications and pain was rare. RFA costed €1,661.50, surgery costed €4,556.30, and short-stay surgery costed €4,139.40 per patient. RFA, however, did not allow for any pathologic analysis of the nodules, which, in 6 patients who had undergone surgery (8%), revealed that the nodules harboured malignant cells.Conclusions. RFA might transform our approach to benign thyroid nodules.