bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Calculation on Cavitation Pressure Pulsation in Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Shi Weidong , Wang Chuan , Wang Wei , Pei Bing
Published: February 2014

In order to study the internal flow in centrifugal pump when cavitation occurs, numerical calculation of the unsteady flow field in the WP7 automobile centrifugal pump is conducted based on the Navier-Stokes equations with the RNG k – ε turbulence model and Zwart-Gerber-Belamri cavitation model. The distributions of bubble volume fraction and pressure pulsation laws in the pump are analyzed when cavitation occurs. The conclusions are as follows: the bubble volume fraction is larger on the suction side of impeller blade near the inlet edge, which is consistent with the low-pressure region distribution. Bubble volume is determined by the growth rate and collapse rate of every bubble in the bubble group. The cavitation degree changes over time with the impeller rotation and the bubble growth and collapse coexist in the impeller flow channels. The main pulsation results from the cyclic and static coupling between the impeller and the tongue, while the fluctuating amplitude is increased by the cavitation.
Application of COSMO-RS Method for the Prediction of Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium of Water/n-Dodecane/1-Butanol
Authors: Balasubramonian S. , Kumar Shekhar , Sivakumar D. , Mudali U. Kamachi
Published: February 2014

The liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) for the system water-dodecane-butanol was estimated using the UNIQUAC model. In the UNIQUAC model interaction parameters were estimated from the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) and LLE data of their constituent binary pairs. The water-dodecane-butanol LLE was experimentally measured at 298.15 K. Phase stability constraints were taken into account while calculating the binary interaction parameters from the mutual solubility data. The COSMO-RS method was used to estimate the activity coefficient in the miscible binary pair. The ternary LLE composition was predicted using the experimental VLE data as well as using the COSMO-RS calculated activity coefficient data along with the experimental mutual solubility data. In the latter case the root mean square deviation (RMSD) for the distribution of butanol between aqueous and organic phase is 0.24%. The corresponding UNIFAC model prediction is 7.63%.
Anthelmintic Activity of Crude Extract and Essential Oil ofTanacetum vulgare(Asteraceae) against Adult Worms ofSchistosoma mansoni
Authors: Godinho Loyana Silva , Aleixo de Carvalho Lara Soares , Barbosa de Castro Clarissa Campos , Dias Mirna Meana , Pinto Priscila de Faria , Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller , Pinto Pedro Luiz Silva , de Moraes Josué , Da Silva Filho Ademar A.
Published: February 2014

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genusSchistosoma, affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel.Tanacetum vulgare(Asteraceae) is used in folk medicine as a vermifuge. This study aimed to investigate thein vitroschistosomicidal activity of the crude extract (TV) and the essential oil (TV-EO) from the aerial parts ofT. vulgare. TV-EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS, which allowed the identification ofβ-thujone (84.13%) as the major constituent. TV and TV-EO, at 200 μg/mL, decreased motor activity and caused 100% mortality of all adult worms. At 100 and 50 μg/mL, only TV caused death of all adult worms, while TV-EO was inactive. TV (200 μg/mL) was also able to reduce viability and decrease production of developed eggs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed morphological alterations in the tegument of theS. mansonisurface after incubation with TV (50 and 100 μg/mL). Quantitative analysis on the schistosomes tegument showed that TV caused changes in the numbers of tubercles ofS. mansonimale worms in a dose-dependent manner. The findings suggest thatT. vulgareis a potential source of schistosomicidal compounds.
Development of a Dispersal Model for Balsam Woolly Adelgid,Adelges piceaeRatzeburg (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), to Facilitate Landscape-Level Management Planning
Authors: Lass L. W. , Cook S. P. , Shafii B. , Prather T. S.
Published: February 2014

The balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceaeRatzeburg) attacks subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa(Hook.) Nutt.) in eastern Washington, Oregon, and northern Idaho. Historical balsam woolly adelgid distributions present an opportunity to understand climatic factors that influence the species’ distribution at a landscape scale. The distribution data allows for creation of predictive models that detail the likelihood of occurrence and associated geographic data allow modeling of species dispersal. Predictive variables linked to the distribution of the hosts and to abiotic environmental conditions were utilized to create a spatial probability model of occurrence. Balsam woolly adelgid predominantly disperses by wind, and hence, both wind speed and wind direction were used to create a dispersal probability model. Results from wind dispersal modeling suggested that two-thirds of the new infestations were due to July and August wind direction and speed. Average July winds ranged from 0.5 to 3.27 m/s, flowing south westerly, and August winds ranged from 0.43 to 1.55 m/s, flowing north easterly. Land managers can use the results of the predictive model to better understand where current infestations are likely to expand. Prediction of where the balsam woolly adelgid might move allows managers to adjust actions to respond to future insect movement and establishment.
A Power Buffer in an Electric Driveline: Two Batteries Are Better Than One
Authors: Santiago Juan de , Burmeister Florian , Lundin Johan , Oliveira Janaina G.
Published: February 2014

Fuel cells and high energy density batteries have limited overrated capacity and slow power response. Ultracapacitors and flywheels are proposed to overcome these limitations and to facilitate regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles. The simulations presented in this paper show that a Secondary Energy Storage Unit (SESU) enhances the performance of the drivelines as previously suggested and provides additional improvements. A combined design of the primary energy source and the SESU reduces the total weight and volume and increases the battery lifetime. A full-electric driveline is simulated using a standard EPA FTP-75 drive cycle. Then the same vehicle is simulated with as SESU and the results are compared. The same is done for a hybrid driveline. Two drivelines are used as references and then enhanced with an SESU; four simulations are presented in total. Simulation results show that an energy storage device with very low energy and high power allows better battery selection and energy management.
Histopathological Study of Skin Adnexal Tumours—Institutional Study in South India
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Paricharak Deepak G. , Nigam Jitendra Singh , Rewri Shivani , Soni Priyanka Bhatia , Omhare Anita , Sekar Preethi
Published: February 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was correlation of skin adnexal tumors with age, sex, and location and determining its incidence in the Department of Pathology at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.Material and Methods. 56 cases were included in this study from Jan 2004 to June 2010 with respect to incidence of adnexal tumors, age, and sex distribution. All slides were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and then findings were corroborated with special stains like PAS and reticulin wherever required.Results. 80.36% (45/56) were benign and 19.64% (11/56) were malignant adnexal tumors. The sweat gland tumors constituted the largest group (42.86% 24/56) cases followed by the hair follicle tumors (35.71%, 20/56) of cases and sebaceous gland tumors (21.43%, 12/56) cases. Overall male : female ratio was 1.07 : 1. The commonest age group was 51–60 years and the commonest affected body part was head and neck region (64.28%, 36/56) followed by trunk (14.28%, 8/56). Clear cell hidradenoma and pilomatricoma were commonest benign tumors and sebaceous carcinoma was the only malignant tumor seen.Conclusion. The incidence of benign skin adnexal tumors was more as compared to the malignant tumors. Malignant tumors were seen in older age group, usually over 50 years of age.
Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and GC-MS Studies onCastanospermum australeA. Cunn. & C. FraserexHook.
Authors: Sajeesh Thankarajan , Parimelazhagan Thangaraj
Published: February 2014

The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties ofCastanospermum australeand to profile phytochemicals by GC-MS. The ethanolic extracts were prepared by successive solvent extraction using Soxhlet apparatus. The analgesic activity was analyzed by hot plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing test whereas anti-inflammatory study was done by carrageenan induced paw oedema model. The acute toxicity study revealed that ethanol extracts of leaf and bark ofC. australewere safe even at a higher dose of 2000 mg/kg whereas ethanol extract of seed was toxic at the same dose. In both hot plate method (5.85 s) and acetic acid-induced writhing test (57%), the leaf ethanol extract exhibited significant analgesic activity (P<0.001) at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract was exhibited by the reduction in paw linear diameter by 64.76% at 400 mg/kg in carrageenan induced paw oedema. The GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract of leaf revealed sixteen major compounds of which 1,7-dimethyl-4,10-dioxa-1,7-diazacyclododecane, (+)-N-methylephedrine, and permethylspermine were found to be pharmaceutically and the most important. These findings justify thatC. australecan be a valuable natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory source which seemed to provide potential phytotherapeutics against various ailments.
Numerical Study on Influence of Cross Flow on Rewetting of AHWR Fuel Bundle
Authors: Kumar Mithilesh , Mukhopadhyay D. , Ghosh A. K. , Kumar Ravi
Published: February 2014

Numerical study on AHWR fuel bundle has been carried out to assess influence of circumferential and cross flow rewetting on the conduction heat transfer. The AHWR fuel bundle quenching under accident condition is designed primarily with radial jets at several axial locations. A 3D (r,θ,z) transient conduction fuel pin model has been developed to carry out the study with a finite difference method (FDM) technique with alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme. The single pin has been considered to study effect of circumferential conduction and multipins have been considered to study the influence of cross flow. Both analyses are carried out with the same fluid temperature and heat transfer coefficients as boundary conditions. It has been found from the analyses that, for radial jet, the circumferential conduction is significant and due to influence of overall cross flow the reductions in fuel temperature in the same quench plane in different rings are different with same initial surface temperature. Influence of cross flow on rewetting is found to be very significant. Outer fuel pins rewetting time is higher than inner.
Developing Buoyancy Driven Flow of a Nanofluid in a Vertical Channel Subject to Heat Flux
Authors: Sacheti Nirmal C. , Chandran Pallath , Singh Ashok K. , Bhadauria Beer S.
Published: February 2014

The developing natural convective flow of a nanofluid in an infinite vertical channel with impermeable bounding walls has been investigated. It is assumed that the nanofluid is dominated by two specific slip mechanisms and that the channel walls are subject to constant heat flux and isothermal temperature, respectively. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations coupling different transport processes have been solved numerically. The variations of velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles concentration have been discussed in relation to a number of physical parameters. It is seen that the approach to the steady-state profiles of velocity and temperature in the present work is different from the ones reported in a previous study corresponding to isothermal wall conditions.
Diagnosis of Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome by the Measurement of Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein in Serum: A Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Chandran Priscilla Abraham , Wani Basharat Ara , Satish Oruganti Sai , Mohammed Noorjahan
Published: February 2014

A prospective case control study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) in comparison to cardiac TnT and TnI in 33 patients admitted with chest pain, diagnosed as NSTE-ACS (non ST elevation acute coronary syndrome) and 22 healthy controls. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was highest for H-FABP (AUC 0.79; 95% CI 0.66–0.89) versus cTnI (AUC 0.73; 95% CI 0.59–0.84) and cTnT (AUC 0.71; 95% CI 0.57–0.83). The H-FABP level above 6.5 ng/mL showed 56.7% (CI 37.4–74.5) sensitivity, 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.7) negative likelihood ratio (−LR), 100% (CI 84.6–100.0) specificity, and 100% (CI 79.4–100.0) positive predictive value (PPV), 62.9% (CI 44.9–78.5) negative predictive value (NPV). cTnI level above 0.009 μg/L had 40% (CI 22.7–59.4) sensitivity, 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.8) −LR, 100% (CI 84.6–100.0) specificity, 100% (CI 73.5–100.0) PPV, and 55% (CI 38.5–70.7) NPV. cTnT showed 46.7% (CI 28.3–65.7) sensitivity, 0.5 (95% CI 0.4–0.7) −LR, 100% (CI 84.6–100.0) specificity, 100% (CI 76.8–100.0) PPV, and 57.9% (CI 40.8–73.7) NPV at level above 9 μg/L. +LR were 12.5 (95% CI 1.8–86.8), 1.7 (95% CI 1.0–3.0), and 1.2 (95% CI 0.8–1.9) for H-FABP, cTnI, and cTnT respectively. In conclusion measurement of H-FABP is a valuable tool in the early diagnosis of patients with chest pain (6–8 hrs) and seems to be a preferred biomarker in the differential diagnosis of NSTE-ACS. More studies are needed to determine whether serum H-FABP further improves diagnostic performance.
Organic Solvent Tolerant Lipases and Applications
Authors: Sharma Shivika , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: February 2014

Lipases are a group of enzymes naturally endowed with the property of performing reactions in aqueous as well as organic solvents. The esterification reactions using lipase(s) could be performed in water-restricted organic media as organic solvent(s) not only improve(s) the solubility of substrate and reactant in reaction mixture but also permit(s) the reaction in the reverse direction, and often it is easy to recover the product in organic phase in two-phase equilibrium systems. The use of organic solvent tolerant lipase in organic media has exhibited many advantages: increased activity and stability, regiospecificity and stereoselectivity, higher solubility of substrate, ease of products recovery, and ability to shift the reaction equilibrium toward synthetic direction. Therefore the search for organic solvent tolerant enzymes has been an extensive area of research. A variety of fatty acid esters are now being produced commercially using immobilized lipase in nonaqueous solvents. This review describes the organic tolerance and industrial application of lipases. The main emphasis is to study the nature of organic solvent tolerant lipases. Also, the potential industrial applications that make lipases the biocatalysts of choice for the present and future have been presented.
Anti-VEGF for the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Stefanini Francisco Rosa , Badaró Emmerson , Falabella Paulo , Koss Michael , Farah Michel Eid , Maia Maurício
Published: February 2014

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of vision loss around the world, being the leading cause in the population between 20 and 60 years old. Among patients with DR, diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most frequent cause of vision impairment and represents a significant public health issue. Macular photocoagulation has been the standard treatment for this condition reducing the risk of moderate visual loss by approximately 50%. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in DR and DME pathogenesis has been demonstrated in recent studies. This review addresses and summarizes data from the clinical trials that investigated anti-VEGF for the management of DME and evaluates their impact on clinical practice. The literature searches were conducted between August and October 2013 in PubMed and Cochrane Library with no date restrictions and went through the most relevant studies onpegaptanib,ranibizumab,bevacizumab, andafliberceptfor the management of DME. The efficacy and safety of intravitreal anti-VEGF as therapy for DME have recently been proved by various clinical trials providing significantly positive visual and anatomical results. Regarding clinical practice, those outcomes have placed intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF as an option that must be considered for the treatment of DME.
The Relationship Analysis between Water Injection and Microfacies of SHA1 Reservoir of Liao He Basin, China
Authors: Wang Qing , Lu Zhanguo , Guo Shiguang , Wang Chao
Published: February 2014

SHA1 is the representative reservoir in Liao He Basin. Through the introduction of curvature displayed on the gray scale, we determine the substructure and fractures. Geostatistical inversion method is used to help study the porosity of reservoir. The relationship between interval transit times and resistivity among mudstone and sandstone, before and after water injection, is analyzed. The relationship between porosity and permeability and the relationship between porosity and impedance from core analysis were studied. Through the whole information above, we divide the microfacies of SHA1 reservoir to distributary channel, mouth bar, the leading edge thin sand, and prodelta mud. The water injections in different microfacies are studied. The distributary channel should be used by large distant injection wells or smaller injection pressure injection. The smaller distant injection wells or large injection pressure should be used in the mouth bar. The arrangement of well injection need consider the different sedimentary microfacies.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kobak Senol , Yilmaz Hatice , Karaarslan Ahmet , Yalcin Murat
Published: February 2014

A 26-year-old male patient presented to our rheumatology clinic with pain, swelling and limitation of movement in his right ankle, and also purpuric skin lesions in the lower extremity pretibial region. He was asked questions, and he said that he had been having chronic low back pain and morning stiffness for the last few years. His physical examination revealed that he had arthritis in his right ankle, purpuric skin lesions in pretibial regions of both legs, and bilateral FABERE/FADIR positivity. The sacroiliac joint imaging and MRI revealed bilateral sacroiliitis findings, and the lateral heel imaging revealed enthesitis. HLA-B27 was positive. Skin biopsy from lower skin lesions was reported to be consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Based on clinical, laboratory, radiological, and pathological examinations, the patient was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Administration of corticosteroid, salazopyrin, and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medications was started. Notable clinical and laboratory regression was observed during his checks 3 months later.
Splitting Strategy for Simulating Genetic Regulatory Networks
Authors: You Xiong , Liu Xueping , Musa Ibrahim Hussein
Published: February 2014

The splitting approach is developed for the numerical simulation of genetic regulatory networks with a stable steady-state structure. The numerical results of the simulation of a one-gene network, a two-gene network, and a p53-mdm2 network show that the new splitting methods constructed in this paper are remarkably more effective and more suitable for long-term computation with large steps than the traditional general-purpose Runge-Kutta methods. The new methods have no restriction on the choice of stepsize due to their infinitely large stability regions.
Eddy Heat Conduction and Nonlinear Stability of a Darcy Lapwood System Analysed by the Finite Spectral Method
Authors: Elíasson Jónas
Published: February 2014

A finite Fourier transform is used to perform both linear and nonlinear stability analyses of a Darcy-Lapwood system of convective rolls. The method shows how many modes are unstable, the wave number instability band within each mode, the maximum growth rate (most critical) wave numbers on each mode, and the nonlinear growth rates for each amplitude as a function of the porous Rayleigh number. Single amplitude controls the nonlinear growth rates and thereby the physical flow rate and fluid velocity, on each mode. They are called the flak amplitudes. A discrete Fourier transform is used for numerical simulations and here frequency combinations appear that the traditional cut-off infinite transforms do not have. The discrete show a stationary solution in the weak instability phase, but when carried past 2 unstable modes they show fluctuating motion where all amplitudes except the flak may be zero on the average. This leads to a flak amplitude scaling process of the heat conduction, producing an eddy heat conduction coefficient where a Nu-RaLrelationship is found. It fits better to experiments than previously found solutions but is lower than experiments.
New Approach on Robust and Reliable Decentralized H∞ Tracking Control for Fuzzy Interconnected Systems with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Liu Xinrui , Sun Qiuye , Hou Xinming
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the robust and reliable
decentralized H∞ tracking control issue for the fuzzy large-scale
interconnected systems with time-varying delay, which are composed
of a number of T-S fuzzy subsystems with interconnections.
Firstly, the ordinary fuzzy interconnected systems are equivalently transformed to the fuzzy descriptor systems; then, according to
the Lyapunov direct method and the decentralized control theory
of large-scale interconnected systems, the new linear matrix
inequalities- (LMIs-) based conditions with some free variables
are derived to guarantee the H∞ tracking performance not only
when all control components are operating well, but also in the
presence of some possible actuator failures. Moreover, there is no
need for the precise failure parameters of the actuators, rather than
the lower and upper bound. Finally, two simulation examples are
provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Quetiapine Treated First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Murphy Brendan P. , Pang Terence Y. , Hannan Anthony J. , Proffitt Tina-Marie , McConchie Mirabel , Kerr Melissa , Markulev Connie , O’Donnell Colin , McGorry Patrick D. , Berger Gregor E.
Published: February 2014

Objective. It has been suggested that atypical antipsychotics confer their effects via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We investigated the effect of quetiapine on serum levels of BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in drug-naive first-episode psychosis subjects.Methods. Fifteen patients drawn from a larger study received quetiapine treatment for twelve weeks. Baseline levels of serum BDNF and VEGF were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls and to levels following treatment. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship of BDNF and VEGF levels with outcome measures at baseline and week 12.Results. The mean serum BDNF level was significantly higher at week 12 compared to baseline and correlated with reductions in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and general psychopathology scores. Changes in serum VEGF levels also correlated significantly with a reduction in BPRS scores, a significant improvement in PANNS positive symptoms scores, and displayed a positive relationship with changes in BDNF levels.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that BDNF and VEGF are potential biomarkers for gauging improvement of psychotic symptoms. This suggests a novel neurotrophic-based mechanism of the drug effects of quetiapine on psychosis. This is the first report of VEGF perturbation in psychosis.
Exit Problems for Jump Processes Having Double-Sided Jumps with Rational Laplace Transforms
Authors: Wen Yuzhen , Yin Chuancun
Published: February 2014

We consider the two-sided first-exit problem for a jump process having jumps with rational Laplace transform. We derive the joint distribution of the first passage time to two-sided barriers and the value of process at the first passage time. As applications, we present explicit expressions of the dividend formulae for barrier strategy and threshold strategy.
Simulation Analysis of the Four Configurations of Solar Desiccant Cooling System Using Evaporative Cooling in Tropical Weather in Malaysia
Authors: Dezfouli M. M. S. , Mat S. , Pirasteh G. , Sahari K. S. M. , Sopian K. , Ruslan M. H.
Published: February 2014

A high demand for air conditioning systems exists in hot and humid regions because of the warm climate during the year. The high energy consumption of conventional air conditioning system is the reason for our investigation of the solar desiccant cooling system as an energy-efficient cooling system. Four model configurations were considered to determine the best configuration of a solar desiccant cooling system: one-stage ventilation, one-stage recirculation, two-stage ventilation, and two-stage recirculation. These models were stimulated for 8,760 hr of operation under hot and humid weather in Malaysia. Several parameters (i.e., coefficient of performance or COP, room temperature and humidity ratio, and the solar fraction of each system) were evaluated by detecting the temperature and humidity ratio of the different points of each configuration by TRNSYS simulation. The latent and sensible loads of the test room were 0.875 kW and 2.625 kW, respectively. By investigating the simulation results of the four systems, the ventilation modes were found to be higher than the recirculation modes in the one- and two-stage solar desiccant cooling systems. The isothermal dehumidification COP of the two-stage ventilation was higher than that of the two-stage recirculation. Hence, the two-stage ventilation mode desiccant cooling system in a hot and humid area has higher efficiency than the other configurations.
Defining the Pros and Cons of Open, Conventional Laparoscopy, and Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty in a Developing Nation
Authors: Pahwa Mrinal , Pahwa Archna R. , Girotra Mohit , Abrahm Rtika Ryfka , Kathuria Sachin , Sharma Ajay
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Congenital pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is one of the most common causes of hydronephrosis. Historically, open dismembered pyeloplasty has been considered the gold standard intervention for correcting PUJO. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and functional outcomes of three different approaches, namely, open, conventional laparoscopy, and robotic pyeloplasty.Material and Methods. 60 patients underwent minimally invasive pyeloplasty (30 conventional laparoscopies and 30 robotics) for congenital PUJO at a tertiary health center in India. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed. The data of these patients were retrospectively compared with another cohort of 30 patients who had undergone open pyeloplasty.Results. There was significant difference in operative time, time to drain removal, hospital stay, pain score, and complications rate between open and minimally invasive pyeloplasty (P<0.05). SFI was considerably lesser in robotic as compared to conventional laparoscopy. The success rate in OP, CLP, and RP was 93.33, 96.67, and 96.67%.Conclusion. Robotic pyeloplasty is safe, effective, and feasible. It is associated with significantly lesser operative time, lesser blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications. It is also associated with considerably lesser surgeon fatigue as compared to conventional laparoscopy pyeloplasty.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy of aMCI in the Elderly: Combination of Olfactory Test, Pupillary Response Test, BDNF Plasma Level, and APOE Genotype
Authors: Turana Yuda , Ranakusuma Teguh Asaat S. , Purba Jan Sudir , Amir Nurmiati , Ahmad Siti Airiza , Machfoed Moh. Hasan , Handayani Yvonne Suzy , Asmarinah  , Waspadji Sarwono
Published: February 2014

Background. Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) often progresses to Alzheimer’s disease. There are clinical markers and biomarkers to identify the degenerative process in the brain.Objectives. To obtain the diagnostic values of olfactory test, pupillary response to tropicamide 0.01%, BDNF plasma level, and APOEε4 in diagnosing aMCI.Methods. Cross-sectional, comparative analysis.Results. There were 109 subjects enrolled (aMCI: 51, normal cognition: 58) with age 64 ± 5.54 years. For diagnosing aMCI, cut-off point for the olfactory score was <7 out of 10 and >22% for pupil dilatation response. Low BDNF plasma level was related significantly with olfactory deficits and aMCI (P<0.05). Four of five subjects with homozygote e4 presented with multiple-domain aMCI. This group displayed the lowest means of olfactory score and the highest means of pupillary hypersensitivity response (P<0.0001). Combination of olfactory deficit and pupillary hypersensitivity response in detection of aMCI was beneficial with Sp 91% and PPV 87%. In conjunction with clinical markers, BDNF plasma level and presence of APOE e4+ improved Sp and PPV.Conclusions. Combination of olfactory test and pupillary response test was useful as diagnostic tool in aMCI. In conjunction with clinical markers, low level of BDNF plasma and presence of APOE e4 improved the diagnostic value.
Application of Nanometal Oxides In Situ in Nonwoven Polyester Fabric for the Removal of Bacterial Indicators of Pollution from Wastewater
Authors: Abou-Elela Sohair I. , Ibrahim Hanan S. , Kamel Mohamed M. , Gouda Mohamed
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study is to investigate and assess the use of in situ deposit nanosilver (nAg2O) or nanocopper oxides (nCuO) into nonwoven polyester fabric (NWPF) as a safe and effective antibacterial filter of pollution from domestic wastewater. The bactericidal effect of both nAg2O and nCuO was examined against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhi) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis,Staphylococcus aureus) using agar diffusion disk method. In addition, the capability of nAg2O and nCuO as disinfectants for secondary treated domestic wastewater was investigated as a case study. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed the formation of nAg2O and nCuO particles with average particle sizes of 15 and 41 nm, respectively. Disk diffusion results showed that nAg2O had a higher bactericidal effect than nCuO. Moreover, the disinfection of secondary treated wastewater using 1.27 mg/cm3of nAg2O in the nonwoven fabric was capable of hindering 99.6% and 91.7% of total and fecal coliforms within 10 minutes with a residual value of 18 and 15 MPN-index/100 mL, respectively. The residual total and fecal coliform concentrations were far less than that stated in the national and international limits for wastewater reuse in agriculture purpose.
Algorithm for Solving a New System of Generalized Nonlinear Quasi-Variational-Like Inclusions in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Husain Shamshad , Gupta Sanjeev , Sahper Huma
Published: February 2014

We introduce and study a new system of generalized nonlinear quasi-variational-like inclusions with H(·,·)-cocoercive operator in Hilbert spaces. We suggest and analyze a class of iterative algorithms for solving the system of generalized nonlinear quasi-variational-like inclusions. An existence theorem of solutions for the system of generalized nonlinear quasi-variational-like inclusions is proved under suitable assumptions which show that the approximate solutions obtained by proposed algorithms converge to the exact solutions.
Formulation and Characterization of Drug Loaded Nonionic Surfactant Vesicles (Niosomes) for Oral Bioavailability Enhancement
Authors: Kamboj Sunil , Saini Vipin , Bala Suman
Published: February 2014

Nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) were formulated with an aim of enhancing the oral bioavailability of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), an anti-HIV drug. Niosomes were formulated by conventional thin film hydration technique with different molar ratios of surfactant, cholesterol, and dicetyl phosphate. The formulated niosomes were found spherical in shape, ranging from 2.95 μm to 10.91 μm in size. Vesicles with 1 : 1 : 0.1 ratios of surfactant : cholesterol : dicetyl phosphate with each grade of span were found to have higher entrapment efficiencies, which were further selected forin vitroandin vivostudies. Vesicles formulated with sorbitan monostearate were found to have maximum drug release (99.091%) at the end of 24 hours and followed zero order release kinetics. The results ofin vivostudy revealed that the niosomes significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of TDF in rats after a dose of 95 mg/kg. The average relative bioavailability of niosomes in relation to plane drug solution was found to be 2.58, indicating more than twofold increase in oral bioavailability of TDF. Significant increase in mean residential time (MRT) was also found, reflecting release retarding efficacy of the vesicles. In conclusion, niosomes could be a promising delivery for TDF with improved oral bioavailability and prolonged release profiles.
Combined Extracorporeal Therapy for Severe Sepsis in Patients after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Yaroustovsky M. , Abramyan M. , Krotenko N. , Popov D. , Plyushch M. , Rogalskaya E. , Nazarova H.
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Sepsis still represents an obstacle in modern medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combined use of lipopolysaccharide adsorption and haemodialysis (HD) with high cut-off haemofilters as part of the complex intensive care of patients with severe sepsis after cardiac surgery. Methods: The study group included 26 patients, 57 (48-62) years of age, with severe sepsis. The inclusion criteria were clinical signs of severe sepsis (systemic inflammatory response syndrome + infection site + failure of two or more organs) together with endotoxin activity assay (EAA) ≥0.6 and procalcitonin (PCT) levels ≥2 ng/ml. Antimicrobial therapy was initiated in the first hour after the diagnosis of severe sepsis and extracorporeal therapy was initiated within 24 h. All of the patients in the study group received standard therapy. Additionally, they received treatment consisting of two LPS adsorption procedures and HD procedures with high cut-off haemofilters in a single circuit. For the control group, 30 comparable patients, 57 (51-61) years of age, were selected and received only standard therapy. Results: After the last HD procedure within the extracorporeal therapy, we noted an increase in the mean arterial pressure from 76 to 90 mm Hg, p < 0.01, and oxygenation index (from 226 to 291, p < 0.02), in addition to decreases in the LPS concentration according to EAA (from 0.73 to 0.59, p < 0.01) and the Limulus amebocyte lysate test (from 1.44 to 0.36 IU/ml, p < 0.01); PCT falls from 8.19 to 2.44 ng/ml, p < 0.01, and sepsis-related organ failure assessment scores decreases from 13 to 10, p = 0.007. When we compared the data between the study group the day after the procedures and the control group 3 days after the start of intensive care, we discovered that there were statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure (90 vs. 81 mm Hg, p = 0.0004), oxygenation index (291 vs. 229, p = 0.01), and EAA levels (0.59 vs. 0.67, p = 0.05). Differences in the PCT were not significant (2.44 vs. 3.41, p = 0.15). The 28-day survival rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group (65.4 vs. 33.3%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The combined use of LPS adsorption and HD with high cut-off haemofilters in conjunction with standard therapy is a safe, effective method for treating patients who have severe sepsis.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for a Failed Bio-Bentall in Patients with Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Beigel Roy , Siegel Robert J. , Kahlon Ravi S. , Jilaihawi Hasan , Cheng Wen , Makkar Raj R.
Published: February 2014

Patients with Marfan syndrome are at risk for ascending aortic dilation and dissection at the level of the aortic sinuses, making aortic root and valve replacement common. Patients undergoing an aortic root replacement with concomitant replacement of the aortic valve with a bioprosthesis (Bio-Bentall) are predisposed to bioprosthesis failure. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an option for aortic valve replacement, avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and/or median sternotomy. We present the first 2 reported patients with Marfan syndrome who underwent a valve-in-valve TAVI in the setting of a prior Bio-Bentall.
Essential Role of Program Death 1-Ligand 1 in Regulatory T-Cell–Afforded Protection Against Blood–Brain Barrier Damage After Stroke
Authors: Li Peiying , Mao Leilei , Liu Xiangrong , Gan Yu , Zheng Jing , Thomson Angus W. , Gao Yanqin , Chen Jun , Hu Xiaoming
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Our recent research revealed that adoptively transferred regulatory T cells (Tregs) reduced acute ischemic brain injury by inhibiting neutrophil-derived matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and protecting against blood–brain barrier damage. The mechanisms underlying Treg interactions with neutrophils remain elusive. This study evaluates the contribution of program death 1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to Treg-mediated neutrophil inhibition and neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

In vitro experiments were performed using a transwell system or a coculture system allowing cell-to-cell contact. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in mice for 60 minutes. Tregs (2×10
6
) isolated from donor animals (wild-type or PD-L1
–/–
) were intravenously injected into ischemic recipients 2 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). MMP-9 production, blood–brain barrier permeability, and brain infarct were assessed at 1 or 3 days after MCAO.

Results—

In vitro experiments reveal that Treg-mediated inhibition of neutrophil MMP-9 required direct cell-to-cell contact. The suppression of MMP-9 was abolished when Tregs were pretreated with PD-L1 neutralizing antibodies or when neutrophils were pretreated with PD-1 antibodies. In vivo studies confirmed that intravenous administration of Tregs pretreated with PD-L1 antibodies or Tregs isolated from PD-L1–deficient mice failed to inhibit MMP-9 production by blood neutrophils 1 day after 60 minutes MCAO. Furthermore, the blood–brain barrier damage after MCAO was greatly ameliorated in PD-L1–competent Treg-treated mice but not in PD-L1–compromised Treg-treated mice. Consequently, PD-L1 dysfunction abolished Treg-mediated brain protection and neurological improvements 3 days after MCAO.

Conclusions—

PD-L1 plays an essential role in the neuroprotection afforded by Tregs against cerebral ischemia by mediating the suppressive effect of Tregs on neutrophil-derived MMP-9.
Pyropia orbicularis sp. nov. (Rhodophyta, Bangiaceae) based on a population previously known as Porphyra columbina from the central coast of Chile
Authors: RAMIREZ MARIA ELIANA , Contreras-Porcia Loretto , GUILLEMIN MARIE-LAURE , BRODIE JULIET , VALDIVIA CATALINA , FLORES-MOLINA MARIA ROSA , NUÑEZ ALEJANDRA , BULBOA CONTADOR CRISTIAN , LOVAZZANO CARLOS
Published: February 2014

A new species of bladed Bangiales, Pyropia orbicularis sp. nov., has been described for the first time from the central coast of Chile based on morphology and molecular analyses. The new species was incorrectly known previously as Porphyra columbina (now Pyropia columbina), and it can be distinguished from other species of Pyropia through a range of morphological characteristics, including the shape, texture and colour of the thallus, and the arrangement of the reproductive structures on the foliose thalli. Molecular phylogenies based on both the mitochondrial COI and plastid rbcL gene regions enable this species to be distinguished from other species within Pyropia. P. orbicularis sp. nov. belongs to a well-supported clade of Pyropia from the southern oceans that include specimens from the South Pacific (North, South, Chatham, Stewart, Auckland, and Campbell Island, New Zealand, New South Wales, and Macquarie Island, Australia) including P. columbina and P. plicata. Within this clade, the highest sequence identity was observed between Pyropia orbicularis sp. nov. and Pyropia sp. FIC from the Falkland Islands.
Can Optimal Projection Improve Dynamical Model Forecasts?
Authors: Jia Liwei , DelSole Timothy , Tippett Michael K.
Published: February 2014

An optimal projection for improving the skill of dynamical model forecasts is proposed. The proposed method uses statistical optimization techniques to identify the most skillful or most predictable patterns, and then projects forecasts onto these patterns. Applying the method to seasonal mean 2-m temperature from the Ensemble-Based Predictions of Climate Changes and Their Impacts (ENSEMBLES) multimodel hindcast dataset reveals that the method improves skill only in South America and Africa, suggesting that the benefit of optimal projection is limited to certain regions, but can be substantial. Further investigation reveals that the improvement in skill comes not from optimal projection itself, but from the EOF prefiltering that is done to reduce the dimension of the optimization space. Thus, much of the improvement attributable to optimal projection can be achieved by suitable EOF filtering. Interestingly, models are found to generate patterns that project only weakly on observational datasets but are strongly correlated between models. An important by-product of the method is a concise summary of the skillful or predictable structures in a given forecast. For the ENSEMBLES dataset, the method convincingly demonstrates that most of the seasonal prediction skill over continents comes from two components, ENSO and the global warming trend. In addition, the method can be used to determine whether a pattern exists that is well predicted by one model but not by another model (complementary skill).
Cardiac Troponin I: A Marker for Post-Burn Cardiac Injury
Authors: Chen Yi Ni , Luo Zhuo Ran , Zeng Li Jian , Wu Min Yi , Wu Yan Zhao , Lin Zhi Yu
Published: February 2014

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay following burn injury. Thirty patients [total body surface area (TBSA) of burn 15–98%] were included in this study and each had four to six blood samples collected at 2-day intervals between the 5th and 14th days post-burn. All patients were found to have increased cTnI on two or more occasions. The mean cTnI concentration was significantly higher in patients with TBSA of burn > 30% (0·34 μg/L compared with 0·09 μg/L, P < 0·001) and in those with obvious burn wound exudation (0·32 μg/L compared with 0·12 μg/L, P < 0·01). cTnI concentrations peaked at the time when there was obvious burn wound exudation or spontaneous separation of eschar, then decreased after surgical excision. Two patients with persistently high cTnI concentrations developed tachycardia. We conclude that burned patients have varying degrees of non-ischaemic cardiac injury, manifesting as leakage of cTnI from myocytes into the circulation.
Detection of LDL Receptor by Ligand Blotting with Chylomicron Remnants Labelled with Colloidal Gold
Authors: Pal Sebely , Elsegood Caryn L , Proctor Spencer D , Mamo John C L
Published: February 2014

The LDL receptor plays a pivotal role in the clearance of proatherogenic lipoproteins, and LDL receptor deficiency may be the underlying cause of several primary and secondary dyslipidaemic conditions. Intervention strategies are often targeted to increase hepatic LDL receptor expression. It is difficult to quantitate hepatic LDL receptor activity and to monitor changes post-therapy. In order to avoid liver biopsy, human skin fibroblasts or circulating mononuclear cells have often been used as surrogate markers for the hepatic receptor. Fibroblasts, and particularly mononuclear cells, are relatively easy to isolate and can be stored for extensive lengths of time without significant loss of LDL receptor expression. Leucocytes or fibroblasts are normally probed with isotopically or gold-labelled LDL. However, the specific activity of the LDL conjugate is usually too low to enable accurate quantitation of differences, or changes, in LDL receptor expression. In this study, we describe an enhanced colloidal gold-labelling procedure for the detection of LDL receptor binding activity. The binding of colloidal gold-labelled chylomicron remnants to human hepatocytes (HepG2 cells) was compared with that of gold-conjugated LDL. Labelled remnants bound specifically to a cell surface protein with a molecular weight of approximately 130 kDa. Binding was blocked in the presence of unlabelled remnants, LDL, or antiserum specific to the LDL receptor. The binding of gold-labelled remnants was substantially greater than that of gold-labelled LDL. Compared with gold-labelled LDL, we found a much clearer demarcation of remnant binding with hepatocytes incubated in the presence or absence of sterols. Our observations suggest that, because of the greater affinity of the LDL receptor for lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein E, changes in LDL receptor expression might be more readily identified using gold-labelled remnants. We conclude that gold-conjugated chylomicron remnants might provide a useful means of detecting subtle changes in LDL receptor expression.
Dual HDL/total Cholesterol Test: A Single-Tube, Homogeneous Assay for Sequential Measurement of HDL Cholesterol and Total Cholesterol
Authors: Sampson M L , Csako G , Remaley A T
Published: February 2014

The quantitation of cholesterol in lipoprotein subfractions is valuable in estimating the risk for coronary artery disease, but requires multiple tests. We describe a relatively simple procedure, referred to as the dual HDL/total cholesterol (DHT) assay, which allows the sequential measurement of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (total-C) in a single tube. HDL-C is first measured using a homogeneous assay that utilizes an anti-apolipoprotein B [apo(B)] antibody, which sterically blocks the enzymatic measurement of cholesterol on the non-HDL subfractions. Next, deoxycholate is added, which disrupts the antibody-apo(B) complex and allows the subsequent enzymatic measurement of the remaining cholesterol in the non-HDL subfractions. The DHT assay has an acceptable analytical performance and yields results similar to standard methods: for HDL-C, γ(DHT) = 0·98 x+0·19, r = 0·90; for total-C, γ(DHT) = 1·11 x–0·09, r = 0·99. In summary, the DHT assay is a homogeneous assay for both HDL-C and total-C, and provides a simple and cost-effective method for screening for hyperlipidaemia.
Serum Expression of Sialyltransferase in Normal and Down's Syndrome-Affected Pregnancy
Authors: Moutsatsou Paraskevi , Liakou Kleoniki , Breen Kieran , Cuckle Howard
Published: February 2014

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has been used as a serum biochemical marker of Down's syndrome (DS) pregnancies, and recent studies have reported an increase in a hyperglycosylated form of the protein associated with DS. In the present study, the activity of the combined soluble serum sialyltransferase (ST) enzymes was examined as a potential marker for the hyperglycosylated form of hCG. There were no changes in total ST activity during the course of the pregnancy in normal mothers and there was no difference in enzyme activity in the DS pregnancies when compared with controls. These results suggest that, although there may be an alteration in the activities of one or more of the glycosyltransferase enzymes in the placenta resulting in an alteration in hCG glycosylation, this is not reflected in the serum soluble enzyme activity.