bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Prodigiosin Using Tannery Fleshing and Evaluating Its Pharmacological Effects
Authors: Sumathi C. , MohanaPriya D. , Swarnalatha S. , Dinesh M. G. , Sekaran G.
Published: January 2014

Aim. The focal theme of present investigation includes isolation of prodigiosin producing fish gut bacteria, enhancing its production using tannery solid waste fleshing, and evaluation of its pharmacological effect.Methods. Optimization of fermentation conditions to yield maximum prodigiosin, and instrumental analysis using FTIR, NMR, ESI-MS, TGA, and DSC.Results. The optimum conditions required for the maximum prodigiosin concentration were achieved at time 30 h, temperature 30°C, pH 8, and 3% substrate concentration. The secondary metabolite was analyzed using ESI-MS, FTIR, and NMR. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by in vitro anticancer studies. Among the pathogenic bacteriaPseudomonas aeruginosawas most susceptible at the lowest concentration followed bySalmonellatyphi. IC50concentration was cell line specific (HeLa cells: 4.3 µM, HEp2: 5.2 µM, and KB cells: 4.8 µM) and remains nontoxic up to the concentration of 25 µM on normal Vero cells suggesting that cancerous cells are more susceptible to the prodigiosin at lower concentration.Conclusion. Maximum prodigiosin production was obtained with tannery fleshing. The potency of the fish gut bacterial secondary metabolite prodigiosin as a therapeutic agent was confirmed through in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer studies.
Differentiable Families of Planar Bimodal Linear Control Systems
Authors: Ferrer Josep , Magret M. Dolors , Peña Marta
Published: January 2014

We consider bimodal linear control systems consisting of two subsystems acting on each side of a given hyperplane, assuming continuity along it. For a differentiable family of planar bimodal linear control systems, we obtain its stratification
diagram and, if controllability holds for each value of the parameters, we construct a differentiable family of feedbacks which
stabilizes both subsystems for each value of the parameters.
Solid Particle Erosion of Date Palm Leaf Fiber Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Composites
Authors: Mohanty Jyoti R. , Das Sankar N. , Das Harish C. , Mahanta Tapan K. , Ghadei Sataya B.
Published: January 2014

Solid particle erosion behavior of short date palm leaf (DPL) fiber reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite has been studied using silica sand particles (200 ± 50 μm) as an erodent at different impingement angles (15–90°) and impact velocities (48–109 m/s). The influence of fiber content (wt% of DPL fiber) on erosion rate of PVA/DPL composite has also been investigated. The neat PVA shows maximum erosion rate at 30° impingement angle whereas PVA/DPL composites exhibit maximum erosion rate at 45° impingement angle irrespective of fiber loading showing semiductile behavior. The erosion efficiency of PVA and its composites varies from 0.735 to 16.289% for different impact velocities studied. The eroded surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand the erosion mechanism.
Microtexturing of the Conductive PEDOT:PSS Polymer for Superhydrophobic Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Coppedè Nicola , Tarabella Giuseppe , Villani Marco , Calestani Davide , Candeloro Patrizio , Iannotta Salvatore , Di Fabrizio Enzo
Published: January 2014

Superhydrophobic surfaces are bioinspired, nanotechnology artifacts, which feature a reduced friction coefficient, whereby they can be used for a number of very practical applications including, on the medical side, the manipulation of biological solutions. In this work, we integrated superhydrophobic patterns with the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS, one of the most used polymers in organic electronics because highly sensitive to ionized species in solution. In doing so, we combined geometry and materials science to obtain an advanced device where, on account of the superhydrophobicity of the system, the solutions of interest can be manipulated and, on account of the conductive PEDOT:PSS polymer, the charged molecules dispersed inside can bequantitativelymeasured. This original substrate preparation allowed to perform electrochemical measurements on ionized species in solution with decreasing concentration down to 10−7molar. Moreover, it was demonstrated the ability of the device of realizing specific, combined time and space resolved analysis of the sample. Collectively, these results demonstrate how a tight, interweaving integration of different disciplines can provide realistic tools for the detection of pathologies. The scheme here introduced offers breakthrough capabilities that are expected to radically improve both the pace and the productivity of biomedical research, creating an access revolution.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Neoadjuvant Embolization of Larger Arteriovenous Malformations: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Dalyai Richard , Theofanis Thana , Starke Robert M. , Chalouhi Nohra , Ghobrial George , Jabbour Pascal , Dumont Aaron S. , Fernando Gonzalez L. , Gordon David S. , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I.
Published: January 2014

Objective.This study investigates the safety and efficacy of a multimodality approach combining staged endovascular embolizations with subsequent SRS for the management of larger AVMs.Methods.Ninety-five patients with larger AVMs were treated with staged endovascular embolization followed by SRS between 1996 and 2011.Results.The median volume of AVM in this series was 28 cm3and 47 patients (48%) were Spetzler-Martin grade IV or V. Twenty-seven patients initially presented with hemorrhage. Sixty-one patients underwent multiple embolizations while a single SRS session was performed in 64 patients. The median follow-up after SRS session was 32 months (range 9–136 months). Overall procedural complications occurred in 14 patients. There were 13 minor neurologic complications and 1 major complication (due to embolization) while four patients had posttreatment hemorrhage. Thirty-eight patients (40%) were cured radiographically. The postradiosurgery actuarial rate of obliteration was 45% at 5 years, 56% at 7 years, and 63% at 10 years. In multivariate analysis, larger AVM size, deep venous drainage, and the increasing number of embolization/SRS sessions were negative predictors of obliteration. The number of embolizations correlated positively with the number of stereotactic radiosurgeries (P<0.005).Conclusions.Multimodality endovascular and radiosurgical approach is an efficacious treatment strategy for large AVM.
The Potential for Dams to Impact Lowland Meandering River Floodplain Geomorphology
Authors: Marren Philip M. , Grove James R. , Webb J. Angus , Stewardson Michael J.
Published: January 2014

The majority of the world's floodplains are dammed. Although some implications of dams for riverine ecology and for river channel morphology are well understood, there is less research on the impacts of dams on floodplain geomorphology. We review studies from dammed and undammed rivers and include influences on vertical and lateral accretion, meander migration and cutoff formation, avulsion, and interactions with floodplain vegetation. The results are synthesized into a conceptual model of the effects of dams on the major geomorphic influences on floodplain development. This model is used to assess the likely consequences of eight dam and flow regulation scenarios for floodplain geomorphology. Sediment starvation downstream of dams has perhaps the greatest potential to impact on floodplain development. Such effects will persist further downstream where tributary sediment inputs are relatively low and there is minimal buffering by alluvial sediment stores. We can identify several ways in which floodplains might potentially be affected by dams, with varying degrees of confidence, including a distinction between passive impacts (floodplain disconnection) and active impacts (changes in geomorphological processes and functioning). These active processes are likely to have more serious implications for floodplain function and emphasize both the need for future research and the need for an “environmental sediment regime” to operate alongside environmental flows.
Network-Aware HEFT Scheduling for Grid
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad Murtaza , Welzl Michael
Published: January 2014

We present a network-aware HEFT. The original HEFT does not take care of parallel network flows while designing its schedule for a computational environment where computing nodes are physically at distant locations. In the proposed mechanism, such data transfers are stretched to their realistic completion time. A HEFT schedule with stretched data transfers exhibits the realisticmakespanof the schedule. It is shown how misleading a schedule can be if the impact of parallel data transfers that share a bottleneck is ignored. A network-aware HEFT can be used to yield a benefit for Grid applications.
Thermal Behaviour of Beams with Slant End-Plate Connection Subjected to Nonsymmetric Gravity Load
Authors: Zahmatkesh Farshad , Osman Mohd Hanim , Talebi Elnaz
Published: January 2014

Research on the steel structures with confining of axial expansion in fixed beams has been quite intensive in the past decade. It is well established that the thermal behaviour has a key influence on steel structural behaviours. This paper describes mechanical behaviour of beams with bolted slant end-plate connection with nonsymmetric gravity load, subjected to temperature increase. Furthermore, the performance of slant connections of beams in steel moment frame structures in the elastic field is investigated. The proposed model proved that this flexible connection system could successfully decrease the extra thermal induced axial force by both of the friction force dissipation among two faces of slant connection and a small upward movement on the slant plane. The applicability of primary assumption is illustrated. The results from the proposed model are examined within various slant angles, thermal and friction factors. It can be concluded that higher thermal conditions are tolerable when slanting connection is used.
Experimental Study of the Interaction between Recrystallization and Precipitation Processes of an AA8011 Commercial Alloy
Authors: Luiggi Ney José , Valera María , Rodriguez Jesús P. , Prin José
Published: January 2014

Phase changes in a commercial AA8011 alloy from different initial microstructure conditions were studied using thermoelectric power (ΔS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques with the purpose of obtaining evidence of the interaction between recovery-precipitation and recrystallization-precipitation processes occurring during nonisothermal heating at different rates. Thermoelectric power and its thermal derivative reflect this evidence by a displacement of the characteristic precipitation peaks, the recovery and recrystallization contributions remaining masked by the strong incidence of the iron precipitation on that property, while DSC measurements detect the emergence of new peaks not observed on thermograms of homogenized samples. An exhaustive study of these peaks permits direct differentiation between precipitation and recovery-recrystallization contributions. TEM confirms the interaction between both processes by means of local observations.
p16 Expression Is Lost in Severely Atypical Cellular Blue Nevi and Melanoma Compared to Conventional, Mildly, and Moderately Atypical Cellular Blue Nevi
Authors: Chang Laura M. , Cassarino David S.
Published: January 2014

Background. Significant decreases in p16 expression have been shown to occur in melanoma compared to Spitz tumors, and loss of p16 staining has been found to correlate with melanoma tumor progression. However, comparison of p16 between atypical cellular blue nevi (CBN) and melanoma has not been reported previously. Methods. p16 immunohistochemical staining was evaluated in 14 atypical CBN, 8 conventional and atypical melanocytic nevi, and 16 melanomas, including 4 malignant CBN. p16 staining intensity was graded on a scale of 0–3 and the percentage of melanocytes stained with p16 was determined. Results. p16 staining was significantly higher in all CBN as a group when compared to melanomas (P=0.001) and malignant CBN (P=0.00008). Higher p16 expression was also seen in mildly (P=0.0002) and moderately atypical (P=0.02), but not severely atypical, CBN compared to melanomas. Conclusions. p16 immunohistochemical expression is higher in mildly and moderately atypical CBN compared to severely atypical CBN and melanomas. In conjunction with additional markers and histology, p16 staining may be useful in confirming the benign nature of these tumors, but is not useful in distinguishing severely atypical CBN from malignant cases, consistent with the overlapping histologic features between these tumors.
The Modification of Polyurethane Foams Using New Boroorganic Polyols (II) Polyurethane Foams from Boron-Modified Hydroxypropyl Urea Derivatives
Authors: Zarzyka Iwona
Published: January 2014

The work focuses on research related to determination of application possibility of new, ecofriendly boroorganic polyols in rigid polyurethane foams production. Polyols were obtained from hydroxypropyl urea derivatives esterified with boric acid and propylene carbonate. The influence of esterification type on properties of polyols and next on polyurethane foams properties was determined. Nitrogen and boron impacts on the foams’ properties were discussed, for instance, on their physical, mechanical, and electric properties. Boron presence causes improvement of dimensional stability and thermal stability of polyurethane foams. They can be applied even at temperature 150°C. Unfortunately, introducing boron in polyurethanes foams affects deterioration of their water absorption, which increases as compared to the foams that do not contain boron. However, presence of both boron and nitrogen determines the decrease of the foams combustibility. Main impact on the decrease combustibility of the obtained foams has nitrogen presence, but in case of proper boron and nitrogen ratio their synergic activity on the combustibility decrease can be easily seen.
Histopathological Changes of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Cherqaoui Rabia , Shakir K. M. Mohamed , Shokrani Babak , Madduri Sujay , Farhat Faria , Mody Vinod
Published: January 2014

Objective. To study histopathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in HIV-infected African Americans in the United States.Methods. A retrospective review of 102 autopsy cases done by the Department of Pathology at Howard University Hospital from 1980 through 2007 was conducted. The histopathological findings of the thyroid and parathyroid glands were reviewed, both macroscopically and microscopically. A control group of autopsy patients with chronic non-HIV diseases was examined.Results. There were 71 males (70%) and 31 females (30%) with an average age of 38 years (range: 20–71 y). Thirteen patients with abnormal thyroid findings were identified. Interstitial fibrosis was the most common histological finding (4.9%), followed by thyroid hyperplasia (1.9%). Infectious disease affecting the thyroid gland was limited to 2.9% and consisted of mycobacterium tuberculosis,Cryptococcusneoformans, and cytomegalovirus. Kaposi sarcoma of the thyroid gland was present in only one case (0.9%). Parathyroid hyperplasia was the most common histological change noted in the parathyroid glands. Comparing the histological findings of cases and controls, we found a similar involvement of the thyroid, with a greater prevalence of parathyroid hyperplasia in HIV patients.Conclusion. Thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities are uncommon findings in the HIV-infected African American population.
Is Repeat PTA of a Failing Hemodialysis Fistula Durable?
Authors: Bountouris Ioannis , Kristmundsson Thorarinn , Dias Nuno , Zdanowski Zbigniew , Malina Martin
Published: January 2014

Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and particularly rePTA in a failing arteriovenous fistula (AV-fistula). Are multiple redilations worthwhile?Patients and Methods. All 159 stenoses of AV fistulas that were treated with PTA, with or without stenting, during 2008 and 2009, were included. Occluded fistulas that were dilated after successful thrombolysis were also included. Median age was 68 (interquartile range 61.5–78.5) years and 75% were male.Results. Seventy-nine (50%) of the primary PTAs required no further reintervention. The primary patency was 61% at 6 months and 42% at 12 months. Eighty (50%) of the stenoses needed at least one reintervention. Primary assisted patency (defined as patency after subsequent reinterventions) was 89% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The durability of repeated PTAs was similar to the durability of the primary PTA. However, an early primary PTA carried a higher risk for subsequent reinterventions. Successful dialysis was achieved after 98% of treatments. Nine percent of the stenoses eventually required surgical revision and 13% of the fistulas failed permanently.Conclusion. The present study suggests that most failing AV-fistulas can be salvaged endovascularly. Repeated PTA seems similarly durable as the primary PTA.
YgaE Regulates Out Membrane Proteins inSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhi under Hyperosmotic Stress
Authors: Wang Min , Feng Ping , Chen Xun , Zhang Haifang , Ni Bin , Xie Xiaofang , Du Hong
Published: January 2014

Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is a human-specific pathogen that causes typhoid fever. In this study, we constructedΔygaEmutant and a microarray was performed to investigate the role ofygaEin regulation of gene expression changes in response to hyperosmotic stress inS. Typhi. qRT-PCR was performed to validate the microarray results. Our data indicated thatygaEwas the repressor ofgaboperon inS. Typhi as inEscherichia coli(E. coli), though the sequence ofygaEis totally different fromgabC(formerlyygaE) inE. coli. OmpF, OmpC, and OmpA are the most abundant out membrane proteins inS. Typhi. Here we report that YgaE is a repressor of both OmpF and OmpC at the early stage of hyperosmotic stress. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was applied to analyze proteomics of total proteins in wild-type strain andΔygaEstrain and we found that YgaE represses the expression of OmpA at the late stage of hyperosmotic stress. Altogether, our results implied that YgaE regulates out membrane proteins in a time-dependent manner under hyperosmotic stress inS. Typhi.
Bioactive Micronutrients in Coffee: Recent Analytical Approaches for Characterization and Quantification
Authors: Nuhu Abdulmumin A.
Published: January 2014

Production of coffee beans is an important lifeline for the economy of several countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The brew from this well sought for cash crop is readily consumed due to its good sensory qualities owing to the presence of many micronutrients. Some of these chemical compounds possess biological activities, including antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Four representative groups of these micronutrients, namely, caffeine, chlorogenic acid, diterpenes, and trigonelline, play key roles in these bioactive effects of coffee. In order to guarantee the quality of coffee products and to protect consumer interest and safeguard their well-being, it is extremely important to employ sensitive and accurate analytical methods in the characterization and quantitative determination of these bioactive constituents. This review aims to present recent applications in this regard.
Relative Displacement Method for Track-Structure Interaction
Authors: Schanack Frank , Ramos Óscar Ramón , Reyes Juan Patricio , Pantaleón Marcos J.
Published: January 2014

The track-structure interaction effects are usually analysed with conventional FEM programs, where it is difficult to implement the complex track-structure connection behaviour, which is nonlinear, elastic-plastic and depends on the vertical load. The authors developed an alternative analysis method, which they call the relative displacement method. It is based on the calculation of deformation states in single DOF element models that satisfy the boundary conditions. For its solution, an iterative optimisation algorithm is used. This method can be implemented in any programming language or analysis software. A comparison with ABAQUS calculations shows a very good result correlation and compliance with the standard’s specifications.
Assessment of the BD MGIT TBc Identification Test for the Detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex in a Network of Mycobacteriology Laboratories
Authors: Machado Diana , Ramos Jorge , Couto Isabel , Cadir Nureisha , Narciso Inácio , Coelho Elizabeth , Viegas Sofia , Viveiros Miguel
Published: January 2014

We evaluate the performance of the TBcID assay in a panel of 100 acid-fast bacilli cultures. Sixty-four isolates were TBcID positive forMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC), whereas 36 gave negative results. These included 28 nontuberculous mycobacteria, one nonmycobacterial isolate, oneM. tuberculosis, and sixM. bovisBCG strains. This corresponds to a sensitivity of 90.14%, specificity of 100%, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 80.55%, respectively. The test is rapid, easy to perform and interpret, and does not require sample preparation or instrumentation. However, a negative result does not exclude the presence of a strain belonging to MTBC, especially when mutations inmpb64gene are present or someM. bovisBCG strains are isolated. The TBcID showed potential to assist in the identification of MTBC when the implementation and usage of molecular methods are often not possible, principally in resource-limited countries.
Chronic Administration of 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist Relieves Depression and Depression-Induced Hypoalgesia
Authors: Jiang Zhao-Cai , Qi Wei-Jing , Wang Jin-Yan , Luo Fei
Published: January 2014

Previous studies have shown that depressed patients as well as animal models of depression exhibit decreased sensitivity to evoked pain stimuli, and serotonin is indicated to be involved in depression-induced hypoalgesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of 5-HT1A receptor in the depression-induced hypoalgesia. Acute or chronic administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, was performed in olfactory bulbectomy (OB) and sham-operated rats. The depression-like behavior and pain thresholds were measured using open-field test and radiant heat thermal pain test, respectively. We found that acute administration of 8-OH-DPAT increased locomotor activity and pain thresholds in the sham rats but had no effect on the OB rats. In contrast, chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT reduced locomotor activity and pain thresholds and restored them to normal level. Increased pain thresholds were also observed in the sham rats after the chronic administration. These results demonstrated that chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT reversed the depression-induced decrease in pain sensitivity in rats, suggesting that 5-HT1A receptor may play a role in the depression-associated hypoalgesia.
Local Characterizations of Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin Spaces with Variable Exponent
Authors: Dong Baohua , Xu Jingshi
Published: January 2014

We introduce new Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin spaces with variable integrable exponent, which are different from those introduced by the second author early. Then we characterize these spaces by the boundedness of the local Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator on variable exponent Lebesgue space. Finally the completeness and the lifting property of these spaces are also given.
Evaluation of Phytase Producing Bacteria for Their Plant Growth Promoting Activities
Authors: Singh Prashant , Kumar Vinod , Agrawal Sanjeev
Published: January 2014

Bacterial inoculants are known to possess plant growth promoting abilities and have potential as liquid biofertilizer application. Four phytase producing bacterial isolates (phytase activity in the range of 0.076–0.174 U/mL), identified asAdvenellaspecies (PB-05, PB-06, and PB-10) andCellulosimicrobiumsp. PB-09, were analyzed for their plant growth promoting activities like siderophore production, IAA production, HCN production, ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and antifungal activity. All isolates were positive for the above characteristics except for HCN production. The solubilization index for phosphorus on Pikovskaya agar plates was in the range of 2–4. Significant amount of IAA (7.19 to 35.03 μg/mL) production and solubilized phosphate (189.53 to 746.84 μg/mL) was noticed by these isolates at different time intervals. Besides that, a greenhouse study was also conducted with Indian mustard to evaluate the potential of these isolates to promote plant growth. Effect of seed bacterization on various plant growth parameters and P uptake by plant were used as indicators. The plant growth promoting ability of bacterial isolates in pot experiments was correlated to IAA production, phosphate solubilization, and otherin vitrotests. On the basis of present findings, isolate PB-06 was most promising in plant growth promotion with multiple growth promoting characteristics.
Influence of the Feed Moisture, Rotor Speed, and Blades Gap on the Performances of a Biomass Pulverization Technology
Authors: Luo Siyi , Zhou Yangmin , Yi Chuijie , Luo Yin , Fu Jie
Published: January 2014

Recently, a novel biomass pulverization technology was proposed by our group. In this paper, further detailed studies of this technology were carried out. The effects of feed moisture and crusher operational parameters (rotor speed and blades gap) on product particle size distribution and energy consumption were investigated. The results showed that higher rotor speed and smaller blades gap could improve the hit probability between blades and materials and enhance the impacting and grinding effects to generate finer products, however, resulting in the increase of energy consumption. Under dry conditions finer particles were much more easily achieved, and there was a tendency for the specific energy to increase with increasing feed moisture. Therefore, it is necessary for the raw biomass material to be dried before pulverization.
Exact Solution to the Extended Zwanzig Model for Quasi-Sigmoidal Chemically Induced Denaturation Profiles: Specific Heat and Configurational Entropy
Authors: Aguilar-Pineda G. E. , Olivares-Quiroz L.
Published: January 2014

Temperature and chemically induced denaturation comprise two of the most characteristic mechanisms to achieve the passage from the native state N to any of the unstructured states Dj in the denatured ensemble in proteins and peptides. In this work we present a full analytical solution for the configurational partition function 𝒵qs of a homopolymer chain poly-X in the extended Zwanzig model (EZM) for a quasisigmoidal denaturation profile. This solution is built up from an EZM exact solution in the case where the fraction α of native contacts follows exact linear dependence on denaturant’s concentration ζ; thus an analytical solution for 𝒵L in the case of an exact linear denaturation profile is also provided. A recently established connection between the number ν of potential nonnative conformations per residue and temperature-independent helical propensity ω complements the model in order to identify specific proteinogenic poly-X chains, where X represents any of the twenty naturally occurring aminoacid residues. From 𝒵qs, equilibrium thermodynamic potentials like entropy 𝒮 and average internal energy 〈E〉 and thermodynamic susceptibilities like specific heat C𝓋 are calculated for poly-valine (poly-V) and poly-alanine (poly-A) chains. The influence of the rate at which native contacts denature as function of ζ on thermodynamic stability is also discussed.
Second Generation Self-Inflating Tissue Expanders: A Two-Year Experience
Authors: Al Madani Jamal Omran
Published: January 2014

Background. Tissue expansion is a well-established surgical technique that produces an additional amount of normal skin to cover a defect. This technique is appealing because the skin quality and color are from the patient’s own. The widely used injectable expanders are of great reliability but carry the disadvantage of being painful during injection and most of the time require multiple clinic visits. So the idea of self-inflation became attractive and hydrogel expanders were developed and became widely known for being painless during clinic visit and decrease number of visits. The first generation expanders were modified by adding an enclosing plastic shell to decrease the unopposed expansion that occurred in the first generation expanders, which lead to pressure necrosis of the skin flaps. This made it an attractive option for tissue expansion in children and some adult patients. Patients, Materials, and Methods. Charts of 17 patients were retrospectively reviewed, all of them had second generation self-inflating expanders implanted over a 2-year period for one of two purposes, the treatment of giant nevi or burn scars. Results. Fifteen patients were females and 2 were males. The indication was large burn scar in 14 cases (14/17), in which 47/55 expanders were implanted, and giant nevus in 3/17 cases in which 8/55 expanders were implanted. Extrusion of the expander occurred in 8/55 expanders (14.5%), which occurred in 6/14 patients. The highest percentage of extrusion occurred in the neck in which two out of three expanders extruded; otherwise this complication does not seem to be related to the indication, gender, nor age of the patients. It seems to be that it is technical in nature. The patients did not have to get any injections to fill the tissue expanders, which made the expansion process less painful and more convenient. Conclusion. This seems to be currently the largest published review in which second generation expanders were used. Those expanders seem to offer a desirable advantage of being painless for children, also they do not require repeated visits to the surgeon’s clinic, which is of great value for patients living in the periphery.
Semilinear Evolution Problems with Ventcel-Type Conditions on Fractal Boundaries
Authors: Lancia Maria Rosaria , Vernole Paola
Published: January 2014

A semilinear parabolic transmission problem with Ventcel's boundary conditions on a fractal interface S or the corresponding prefractal interface Sh is studied. Regularity results for the solution in both cases are proved. The asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of the approximating problems to the solution of limit fractal problem is analyzed.
The Effect of Nb Supplement on Material Characteristics of Iron with Lamellar Graphite
Authors: Devecili Ahmet Oktay , Yakut Rifat
Published: January 2014

In this experiment a cast iron alloy consisting of 0.019, 0.151, 0.431, and 0.646% niobium by weight was set and the microstructure solidification of iron with lamellar graphite was provided. These alloys were subjected to an abrasion test and chemical analyses of the microstructure were done by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). In addition to this, phase compositions were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tests of mechanical strength, hardness, and tension were also applied to the alloys. The results of this experiment demonstrated that the addition of niobium to iron with lamellar graphite caused an increase in the abrasion resistance by 15%. This experiment shows that adding niobium improves the mechanical properties of grey cast iron.
Necroptosis: Molecular Signalling and Translational Implications
Authors: Giampietri Claudia , Starace Donatella , Petrungaro Simonetta , Filippini Antonio , Ziparo Elio
Published: January 2014

Necroptosis is a form of programmed necrosis whose molecular players are partially shared with apoptotic cell death. Here we summarize what is known about molecular signalling of necroptosis, particularly focusing on fine tuning of FLIP and IAP proteins in the apoptosis/necroptosis balance. We also emphasize necroptosis involvement in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly in the regulation of immune homeostasis.
A Quantitative Analysis on Two RFS‐Based Filtering Methods for Multicell Tracking
Authors: Ren Yayun , Xu Benlian
Published: January 2014

Multiobject filters developed from the theory of random finite sets (RFS) have recently become well‐known methods for solving multiobject tracking problem. In this paper, we present two RFS‐based filtering methods, Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM‐PHD) filter and multi‐Bernoulli filter, to quantitatively analyze their performance on tracking multiple cells in a series of low‐contrast image sequences. The GM‐PHD filter, under linear Gaussian assumptions on the cell dynamics and birth process, applies the PHD recursion to propagate the posterior intensity in an analytic form, while the multi‐Bernoulli filter estimates the multitarget posterior density through propagating the parameters of a multi‐Bernoulli RFS that approximates the posterior density of multitarget RFS. Numerous performance comparisons between the two RFS‐based methods are carried out on two real cell images sequences and demonstrate that both yield satisfactory results that are in good agreement with manual tracking method.
Germination and Early Growth ofBrassica junceain Copper Mine Tailings Amended with Technosol and Compost
Authors: Novo Luís A. B. , González Luís
Published: January 2014

Mine tailings represent a serious threat to the environment and human health; thus their restoration has become a major concern. In this study, the interactions betweenBrassica junceaand different mine soil treatments were evaluated in order to understand their effect on germination and early growth. Three soil treatments containing 25% and 50% of technosol and 30% of compost were prepared. Germination and early growth were assessed in soil and pore water extracts from the treatments. Unlike the untreated mine soil, the three treatments allowed germination and growth, achieving levels comparable to those of seedlings from the same species developed in normal conditions. The seedlings grown in 50% of technosol and 30% of compost exhibited greater germination percentages, higher growth, and more efficient mechanisms against oxidative stress, ascribed to the organic matter and nutrients content of these treatments. Considering the unequivocal ability ofB. junceafor phytoremediation, the results suggest that technosol and compost may be an auspicious solution to allow the germination and early growth of this species in mine tailings.
Thermal Properties of Short Fibre Composites Modeled by Meshless Method
Authors: Kompiš Vladimír , Murčinková Zuzana
Published: January 2014

Computational model using continuous source functions along the fibre axis is presented for simulation of temperature/heat flux in composites reinforced by short fibres with large aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of short fibres reinforcing composite material is often as large as 103 : 1–106 : 1, or even larger. 1D continuous source functions enable simulating the interaction of each fibre with the matrix and also with other fibres. The developed method of continuous source functions is a boundary meshless method reducing the problem considerably comparing to other methods like FEM, BEM, meshless methods, or fast multipole BEM formulation.
Soil Phosphorus Dynamics of Wheat-Based Cropping Systems in the Semiarid Region of Argentina
Authors: Suñer Liliana , Galantini Juan , Minoldo Gabriela
Published: January 2014

The dynamics of soil P forms and particle size fractions was studied under three wheat-based cropping sequences in production systems of Argentina. The whole soil and its coarse (100–2000 µm) and fine (0–100 µm) fractions were analyzed to determine Bray-Kurtz extractable (Pe), organic (Po), inorganic (Pi), and total (Pte) phosphorus. The reference soil was determined at time 0 and compared to a four-year period (time 9 to 12) in three crop sequences: wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)-cattle grazing on natural grasses (WG), continuous wheat (WW), and wheat-legume (WL). Levels of Pe showed differences over time, from 10 to 16 µg g−1in WG, in line with agriculture and cattle grazing alternate sequences. In WW, P level increased with time, while in WL systems a significant decrease in P from 33.7 to 10.4 µg P g−1was found during the legume period. Soil P values varied between reference soil and soil samples in year nine and between treatments. Pi was significantly lower in WW, and its concentration increased with time. The coarse fraction of the reference plots had significantly higher levels of Po and Pi than the cultivated treatments, probably a consequence of the particulate organic matter decomposition and coarse mineral particle weathering. The observed changes in Pi content could be attributed to differences in occluded P equilibrium under different soil environments (mainly pH) and crop-tillage-climatic interaction.
OPCW Proficiency Test: A Practical Approach Also for Interlaboratory Test on Detection and Identification of Pesticides in Environmental Matrices
Authors: Konopski Leszek , Liu Pingfeng , Wuryani Wuri , Śliwakowski Maciej
Published: January 2014

An overview of general strategy, standard procedures, and critical points, which may be found during carrying out an OPCW Proficiency Test concerning detection and identification of scheduled compounds relevant to Chemical Weapon Convention, has been presented. The observations have been illustrated following the case of the Eight OPCW Designated Laboratories Proficiency Test, which was performed in the OPCW Laboratory in Rijswijk in November and December 2000. Various useful hints, comments, and practical observations concerning the case study have been included as well. The same methodology and procedures may be also applied for detection, identification, and environmental analyses of pesticides and biocides, especially organophosphorus compounds.
Preparation of the Branch Bark Ethanol Extract in Mulberry Morus alba, Its Antioxidation, and Antihyperglycemic Activity In Vivo
Authors: Wang Shu , Fang Meng , Ma Yong-Lei , Zhang Yu-Qing
Published: January 2014

The biological activities of the branch bark ethanol extract (BBEE) in the mulberry Morus alba L. were investigated. The determination of active component showed that the flavonoids, phenols, and saccharides are the major components of the ethanol extract. The BBEE had a good scavenging activity of the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with around 100 μg/mL of IC50 value. In vitro assay revealed that the BBEE strongly inhibited both α‐glucosidase and sucrase activities whose IC50 values were 8.0 and 0.24 μg/mL, respectively. The kinetic analysis showed that the BBEE as a kind of α‐glucosidase inhibitor characterized a competitive inhibition activity. Furthermore, the carbohydrate tolerance of the normal mice was obviously enhanced at 0.5 h (P < 0.05) and 1.0 h (P < 0.05) after the BBEE intragastric administration as compared to negative control. At 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 h after the intragastric administration with starch, the postprandial hyperglycemia of the type 2 diabetic mice can be significantly decreased (P < 0.01) by supplying various concentrations of the BBEE (10–40 mg/kg body weight). Therefore, the BBEE could effectively inhibit the postprandial hyperglycemia as a novel α‐glucosidase activity inhibitor for the diabetic therapy.
Performance Evaluation of Noise Reduction Filters for Color Images through Normalized Color Difference (NCD) Decomposition
Authors: Russo Fabrizio
Published: January 2014

Removing noise without producing image distortion is the challenging goal for any image denoising filter. Thus, the different amounts of residual noise and unwanted blur should be evaluated to analyze the actual performance of a denoising process. In this paper a novel full-reference method for measuring such features in color images is presented. The proposed approach is based on the decomposition of the normalized color difference (NCD) into three components that separately take into account different classes of filtering errors such as the inaccuracy in filtering noise pulses, the inaccuracy in reducing Gaussian noise, and the amount of collateral distortion. Computer simulations show that the proposed method offers significant advantages over other measures of filtering performance in the literature, including the recently proposed vector techniques.
Hearing Disorders and Sensorineural Aging
Authors: Fioretti Alessandra , Poli Otello , Varakliotis Theodoros , Eibenstein Alberto
Published: January 2014

The physiological age-related hearing loss is defined as presbycusis and it is characterized by reduced hearing sensitivity and problems in understanding spoken language especially in a noisy environment. In elderly the reduced speech recognition is generally caused by a reduction of the cochlear cells in the organ of Corti and degeneration of the central auditory pathways. In order to have a complete management strategy of central and peripheral presbycusis the diagnostic evaluation should include clinical ENT examination, standard audiological tests, and tests of central auditory function. Treatment should include not only the appropriate instruments for peripheral compensation but also auditory rehabilitative training and counseling to prevent social isolation and loss of autonomy. Other common hearing disorders in elderly are tinnitus and hyperacusis which are often undervalued. Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of a “phantom” sound due to abnormal auditory perception. Hyperacusis is defined as a reduced tolerance to ordinary environmental sounds. Furthermore auditory, visual, nociceptive, and proprioceptive systems may be involved together in a possible context of “sensorineural aging.” The aim of this review is to underline the presence of hearing disorders like tinnitus and hyperacusis which in many cases coexist with hearing loss in elderly.
Effects of Blended-Cement Paste Chemical Composition Changes on Some Strength Gains of Blended-Mortars
Authors: Kirgiz Mehmet Serkan
Published: January 2014

Effects of chemical compositions changes of blended-cement pastes (BCPCCC) on some strength gains of blended cement mortars (BCMSG) were monitored in order to gain a better understanding for developments of hydration and strength of blended cements. Blended cements (BC) were prepared by blending of 5% gypsum and 6%, 20%, 21%, and 35% marble powder (MP) or 6%, 20%, 21%, and 35% brick powder (BP) for CEMI42.5N cement clinker and grinding these portions in ball mill at 30 (min). Pastes and mortars, containing the MP-BC and the BP-BC and the reference cement (RC) and tap water and standard mortar sand, were also mixed and they were cured within water until testing. Experiments included chemical compositions of pastes and compressive strengths (CS) and flexural strengths (FS) of mortars were determined at 7th-day, 28th-day, and 90th-day according to TS EN 196-2 and TS EN 196-1 present standards. Experimental results indicated that ups and downs of silica oxide (SiO2), sodium oxide (Na2O), and alkali at MP-BCPCC and continuously rising movement of silica oxide (SiO2) at BP-BCPCC positively influenced CS and FS of blended cement mortars (BCM) in comparison with reference mortars (RM) at whole cure days as MP up to 6% or BP up to 35% was blended for cement.
Perinatal Stress, Fatigue, Depressive Symptoms, and Immune Modulation in Late Pregnancy and One Month Postpartum
Authors: Cheng C. Y. , Pickler R. H.
Published: January 2014

Stress and fatigue are common complaints of pregnant and postpartum women as is depression. These symptoms may be related to immunomodulation. However, few studies have examined these relationships. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among stress, fatigue, depression, and cytokines as markers of immune modulation in prenatal and postpartum women. Women completed questionnaires and gave blood samples during late pregnancy and again at 4–6 weeks postpartum. Blood was analyzed for cytokines as measures of immune modulation. Stress, fatigue, and depression were experienced at moderately high levels, with higher levels of fatigue and depression in the postpartum but higher stress in the prenatal period. Levels of several cytokines were increased in the postpartum over the prenatal period. Stress and depression were related in the prenatal period and stress, depression, and fatigue were related in the postpartum. While various cytokines were related to each other in both periods, only stress was related to MIP-1β, a cytokine that may be important for childbirth processes. More studies, especially longitudinal and interventional studies, are needed to increase our knowledge about etiology, patterns, symptoms, factors, and management of maternal distress. The search for reliable biomarkers for at-risk mothers remains a priority.
Lightweight Data Compression in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Huffman Coding
Authors: Medeiros Henry Ponti , Maciel Marcos Costa , Demo Souza Richard , Pellenz Marcelo Eduardo
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a lightweight data compression method for wireless sensor networks monitoring environmental parameters with low resolution sensors. Instead of attempting to devise novel ad hoc algorithms, we show that, given general knowledge of the parameters that must be monitored, it is possible to efficiently employ conventional Huffman coding to represent the same parameter when measured at different locations and time periods. When the data collected by the sensor nodes consists of integer measurements, the Huffman dictionary computed using statistics inferred from public datasets often approaches the entropy of the data. Results using temperature and relative humidity measurements show that even when the proposed method does not approach the theoretical limit, it outperforms popular compression mechanisms designed specifically for wireless sensor networks.
Significant Differences in the Prevalence of Elevated HbA1c Levels for Type I and Type II Diabetics Attending the Parirenyatwa Diabetic Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chako Kurai Z. , Phillipo Heather , Mafuratidze Erisi , Zhou Danai Tavonga
Published: January 2014

Diabetics have chronically elevated glucose levels. High levels of glucose result in nonenzymatic formation of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Therefore, elevated HbA1c is a good indicator of poorly controlled diabetes. We used the standard HbA1c method to determine glycemic control in diabetics attending a public health facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. Our study sought to assess the prevalence of elevated HbA1c amongst treated diabetics and compare the HbA1c levels by type of diabetes. The cross-sectional study was carried out at one of the main public health centres in Zimbabwe: the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. Type I and type II diabetics were recruited and had their blood HbA1c levels measured. The standard one tailed proportionztest was used to test the hypothesis at 5% significance level. Combined prevalence of type I and type II diabetics with elevated HbA1c was 27%. There was no significant difference in levels of HbA1c by age and sex. Over half (54%) of Type I diabetics had elevated HbA1c, suggesting poor glycemic control. In contrast only 24% of the Type II diabetics studied had elevated HbA1c. The difference in proportion of Type I and Type II diabetics with elevated HbA1c suggestive of poor glycemic control was significant (P=0.0067).