bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple-Divided Concha Bullosa: A New Anatomic Variation
Authors: San Turhan , Erdoğan Barış , Taşel Bülent
Published: October 2013

In recent years, with the widespread use of imaging techniques such as paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT), many variations of nasal turbinates have been described. One of these variations known as concha bullosa (CB) is pneumatization of nasal turbinates. CB is the most frequently encountered anatomical variations of the middle turbinate. The term of septated concha bullosa has been described recently and it is an uncommon pneumatization anomaly of the middle turbinate. There has not been any study that correlates the number of septations and the presence of sinonasal pathologies. We hereby present a case of triple septated concha bullosa that has not been reported so far.
Regular Solutions in Vacuum Brans-Dicke Theory Compared to Vacuum Einstein Theory
Authors: Khaybullina Alina , Izmailov Ramil , Nandi Kamal K. , Cattani Carlo
Published: October 2013

We will confront some static spherically symmetric vacuum Brans-Dicke solutions in the Jordan and Einstein Frames with the Robertson parameters. While the regular solution in the vacuum Einstein theory is just the Schwarzschild black hole, the same in the Jordan frame Brans-Dicke theory is shown to represent not a black hole but a traversable wormhole. But, in this case, the valid range ofωbecomes too narrow to yield the observed weak field Robertson parameters at the positive mass mouth. The corresponding solution in the Einstein frame also provides a regular wormhole, and it yields the correct parametric values but only up to “one and half order.” We argue that a second-order contribution can in principle distinguish between the signatures of the regular wormhole and the singular Buchdahl solution in the Einstein frame. Thus, at the level of regular solutions, Brans-Dicke theory in each frame predicts effects very different from those of Einstein's theory. To our knowledge, these theoretical distinctions seem not to have received adequate attention so far.
Single-Machine Scheduling with Job Rejection, Deteriorating Effects, and Deteriorating Maintenance Activities
Authors: Nian Haiwei , Mao Zhizhong
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses the single-machine scheduling problems with simultaneous considerations of job rejection, deterioration effects, and deteriorating multimaintenance activities. A job is either rejected, in which case a rejection penalty has to be paid, or accepted and processed on the single machine. Three deterioration effect models are investigated, and it is assumed that each machine may be subject to several maintenance activities over the scheduling horizon, and the duration of the maintenance depends on its running time. Moreover, due to the restriction of the budget of maintenance, the upper bound of the total maintenance frequencies on the machine is assumed to be known in advance. The objective is to find jointly the optimal accepted job set, the optimal maintenance frequencies, the optimal maintenance positions, and the optimal accepted job sequence such that the cost function based on the total completion time and rejection penalty is minimized. It is shown that all the versions of the problem under study are polynomial time solutions.
Topology Identification of Complex Network via Chaotic Ant Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Peng Haipeng , Li Lixiang , Kurths Jürgen , Li Shudong , Yang Yixian
Published: October 2013

Nowadays, the topology of complex networks is essential in various fields as engineering, biology, physics, and other scientific fields. We know in some general cases that there may be some unknown structure parameters in a complex network. In order to identify those unknown structure parameters, a topology identification method is proposed based on a chaotic ant swarm algorithm in this paper. The problem of topology identification is converted into that of parameter optimization which can be solved by a chaotic ant algorithm. The proposed method enables us to identify the topology of the synchronization network effectively. Numerical simulations are also provided to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Postoperative Adiponectin Levels in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Thaler A. , Kanety H. , Avni T. , Mishali D. , Hemi R. , Yissaschar E. , Pariente C. , Paret G. , Modan-Moses D.
Published: October 2013

Background. Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ that secretes cytokines, including adiponectin, levels of which are negatively correlated with the severity of the inflammatory process.Aim. To assess the time course of adiponectin levels following open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and its correlation with early postoperative outcomes.Materials and Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 24 children undergoing cardiac surgery and analyzed for adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and other inflammatory markers.Results. Baseline adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with patients’ preoperative weight and age. Postoperative adiponectin levels decreased compared to baseline () and correlated negatively with duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (, ), length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (, ), and the inotropic score (, ). Adiponectin levels were positively correlated with sVCAM 1 levels; however, there was no correlation between adiponectin levels and sP selectin, tPA, MCP1, and sCD40.Conclusions. The inflammatory response after open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with a reduction in adiponectin levels. Prolonged or more complicated surgery induced a more substantial inflammatory process characterized by a significant reduction in adiponectin levels over time and a delayed return to baseline levels.
A Study of Nonlinear Fractionalq-Difference Equations with Nonlocal Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ahmad Bashir , Al-Hutami Hana
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a boundary value problem of nonlinear fractionalq-difference equations with nonlocal integral boundary conditions. The existence results are obtained by applying some well-known fixed point theorems and illustrated with examples.
Transient Hiccups Associated with Oral Dexamethasone
Authors: Peacock Mark E.
Published: October 2013

Hiccups, or singulata (hiccup is singultus), are commonly experienced by most people at one time or another and are usually brief and self-limiting. Although pharmacotherapeutic agents are not generally considered causal in the etiology of hiccups, many clinicians empirically associate episodic hiccups in their patients as being drug induced. The two classes of drugs most often cited as causing hiccups are corticosteroids and benzodiazepines. This report involved a patient who was given preoperative dexamethasone and developed hiccups before anesthesia and surgery commenced. He at no time was in distress, and the surgical procedure was completed without complication. By the second postsurgical day his hiccups were resolved completely. Although the association may be anecdotal, many clinicians consider hiccups a potential side effect of steroid therapy, especially high doses of steroids. Of interest in this case is the relatively low dose of corticosteroid used, albeit apparently linked to his hiccups. Practitioners should be aware of this potential condition.
Cellulose‐Sulfuric Acid as an Efficient Biosupported Catalyst in One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel Heteroaryl Substituted 1,4‐Dihydropyridines
Authors: Mamaghani Manouchehr , Tabatabaeian Khalil , Mohammadi Mohaddesseh , Khorshidi Alireza
Published: October 2013

An efficient method for the synthesis of new heteroaryl substituted dihydropyridine derivatives via a one‐pot four‐component coupling reaction of heteroaldehyde, 1,3‐diketone, ethylacetoacetate, and amonium acetate in the presence of cellulose‐sulfuric acid as a biosupported solid acid catalyst was developed. The reaction gave the new derivatives of fused 1,4‐dihydropyridines in lower reaction times and excellent yields (85–95%).
Free Vibration Analysis of a Thin-Walled Beam with Shear Sensitive Material
Authors: Bozdogan K. B. , Ozturk D.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a method for a free vibration analysis of a thin-walled beam of doubly asymmetric cross section filled with shear sensitive material. In the study, first of all, a dynamic transfer matrix method was obtained for planar shear flexure and torsional motion. Then, uncoupled angular frequencies were obtained by using dynamic element transfer matrices and boundary conditions. Coupled frequencies were obtained by the well-known two-dimensional approaches. At the end of the study, a sample taken from the literature was solved, and the results were evaluated in order to test the convenience of the method.
A Comprehensive Review of Embedded Transmission Pricing Methods Based on Power Flow Tracing Techniques
Authors: Khan Baseem , Agnihotri Ganga
Published: October 2013

Restructuring of electricity supply industry introduced the concept of deregulation. After deregulation transmission cost allocation is a vital issue. In the available literature, various authors have presented different methods for allocation of transmission cost. This paper presents the review of a variety of methods and algorithm based on the principle of power-flow tracing. For a fair and equitable transmission charge allocation it is necessary to know the quantum of power flowing by each generator and load in line flows. Power flow tracing techniques are mainly based on the concepts of proportional sharing principle, graph theory, circuit theory (Z-bus tracing), optimization approach, relative electrical distance concept, Equilateral bilateral exchange (EBE), and game theory. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all the available literature on the above.
Essential Oil of Common Sage (Salvia officinalisL.) from Jordan: Assessment of Safety in Mammalian Cells and Its Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Authors: Abu-Darwish M. S. , Cabral C. , Ferreira I. V. , Gonçalves M. J. , Cavaleiro C. , Cruz M. T. , Al-bdour T. H. , Salgueiro L.
Published: October 2013

Salvia officinalisL. (Lamiaceae) is a Mediterranean species, naturalized in many countries. In Jordan, it is used in traditional medicine as antiseptic, antiscabies, antisyphilitic, and anti-inflammatory, being frequently used against skin diseases. This study aimed the assessment of the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of its essential oils, and their cytotoxicity on macrophages and keratinocytes. The oils were investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antifungal activity was evaluated against yeasts, dermatophyte andAspergillusstrains. Assessment of cell viability was made by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and thein vitroanti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide production using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages. The main compounds ofS. officinalisoils were 1,8-cineole (39.5–50.3%) and camphor (8.8–25.0%). The oils revealed antifungal activity against dermatophyte strains and significantly inhibited NO production stimulated by LPS in macrophages, without affecting cell viability, in concentrations up to 0.64 μL/mL. This is the first report addressing thein vitroanti-inflammatory potential ofS. officinalisoil. These findings demonstrated that bioactive concentrations ofS. officinalisoils do not affect mammalian macrophages and keratinocytes viability making them suitable to be incorporated in skin care formulations for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.
Critical Assessment of Temperature Distribution in Submerged Arc Welding Process
Authors: Negi Vineet , Chattopadhyaya Somnath
Published: October 2013

Temperature distribution during any welding process holds the key for understanding and predicting several important welding attributes like heat affected zone, microstructure of the weld, residual stress, and distortion during welding. The accuracy of the analytical approaches for modeling temperature distribution during welding has been constrained by oversimplified assumptions regarding boundary conditions and material properties. In this paper, an attempt has been made to model the temperature distribution during submerged arc welding process using finite element modeling technique implemented in ANSYS v12. In the present analysis, heat source is assumed to be double-ellipsoidal with Gaussian volumetric heat generation. Furthermore, variation of material properties with temperature and both convective and radiant heat loss boundary condition have been considered. The predicted temperature distribution is then validated against the experimental results obtained by thermal imaging of the welded plate, and they are found to be in a good agreement.
Analysis of Volatile Components of Adenosma indianum (Lour.) Merr. by Steam Distillation and Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Meng Chunyan , Ye Xuening , Zeng Zhuo
Published: October 2013

The essential oil of Adenosma indianum (Lour.) Merr. plays an important role in its antibacterial and antiphlogistic activities. In this work, the volatile components were extracted by steam distillation (SD) and headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). A total of 49 volatile components were identified by GC‐MS, and the major volatile components were α‐limonene (20.59–35.07%), fenchone (15.79–31.81%), α‐caryophyllene (6.98–10.32%), β‐caryophyllene (6.98–10.19%), and piperitenone oxide (1.96–11.63%). The comparison of the volatile components from A. indianum (Lour.) Merr. grown in two regions of China was reported. Also, the comparison of the volatile components by SD and HS‐SPME was discussed. The results showed that the major volatile components of A. indianum (Lour.) Merr. from two regions of China were similar but varied with different extraction methods. These results were indicative of the suitability of HS‐SPME method for simple, rapid, and solvent‐free analysis of the volatile components of the medicinal plants.
Undersampling Taxa Will Underestimate Molecular Divergence Dates: An Example from the South American Lizard Clade Liolaemini
Authors: Schulte James A.
Published: October 2013

Methods for estimating divergence times from molecular data have improved dramatically over the past decade, yet there are few studies examining alternative taxon sampling effects on node age estimates. Here, I investigate the effect of undersampling species diversity on node ages of the South American lizard clade Liolaemini using several alternative subsampling strategies for both time calibrations and taxa numbers. Penalized likelihood (PL) and Bayesian molecular dating analyses were conducted on a densely sampled (202 taxa) mtDNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis of Iguanidae, including 92 Liolaemini species. Using all calibrations and penalized likelihood, clades with very low taxon sampling had node age estimates younger than clades with more complete taxon sampling. The effect of Bayesian and PL methods differed when either one or two calibrations only were used with dense taxon sampling. Bayesian node ages were always older when fewer calibrations were used, whereas PL node ages were always younger. This work reinforces two important points: (1) whenever possible, authors should strongly consider adding as many taxa as possible, including numerous outgroups, prior to node age estimation to avoid considerable node age underestimation and (2) using more, critically assessed, and accurate fossil calibrations should yield improved divergence time estimates.
Treatment Choices in Women with Bipolar Disorder Seeking Pregnancy: A Clinical Case Illustration
Authors: Barbui Corrado , Bertolazzi Andrea , Hanife Batul , Cipriani Andrea
Published: October 2013

After ten years of successful maintenance treatment with lithium and olanzapine, a 40-year-old woman with bipolar disorder expressed concerns about continuing the use of medicines, as she was planning a pregnancy. In the past, she had suffered from five severe manic episodes with hospital admissions. After consultations with the treating psychiatrist, gynaecologist, and family doctor, olanzapine was stopped and lithium was gradually withdrawn. After few months, the patient, still in treatment with lithium 300 mg/die, experienced a new manic episode with hospital admission. Treatment with lithium and olanzapine was restored, and she progressively recovered. This case suggests that the risk of manic recurrence after ten years of maintenance treatment may be as high as the well-known risk of recurrence after few years of maintenance treatment, a consideration that doctors may find useful in the light of a complete absence of evidence on treatment choices after five years of successful maintenance treatment.
Calotropis proceraRoot Extract Has the Capability to Combat Free Radical Mediated Damage
Authors: Kumar Shashank , Gupta Ashutosh , Pandey Abhay K.
Published: October 2013

The present study reports the antioxidant and membrane protective activities ofCalotropis proceraaqueous root extract using severalin vitroassays along with the determination of phenolic as well as flavonoid contents. Total phenol and flavonoid contents in extract were 15.67 ± 1.52 mg propyl gallate equivalent/g and 1.62 ± 0.05 mg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. UV-visual spectroscopic scanning of the extract indicated the presence of glycoside-linked tannins or flavonoids. The extract exhibited appreciable reducing power signifying hydrogen donating potential. DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed substantial free radical scavenging activity (42–90%) in the extracts. Concentration dependent response was observed in the metal ion chelating activity (16–95%). Extracts also provided protection against iron induced lipid peroxidation in rat tissue (liver, brain, and kidney) homogenates. Comparatively better protective efficacy against peroxidative damage was observed in liver (71%) followed by kidney (65%) and brain (60%) tissues. Positive correlation(r2=0.756)was observed between DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reducing power of extract. Similarly strong positive correlation(r2≈0.756)was observed between metal ion chelating ability and percentage lipid peroxidation inhibition in different tissues. The study demonstrated considerable protective efficacy inC. proceraroot aqueous extracts against free radical and metal ion mediated oxidative damage.
Research on the WSN Node Localization Based on TOA
Authors: Wang Qing-hui , Lu Ting-ting , Liu Meng-long , Wei Li-feng
Published: October 2013

Regarding the tracking of moving target in the large-scale fixed scene, a new routing algorithm of LAODV in the principle of TOA localization is proposed. Then, the participation field of the fixed node based on the node location information is properly controlled, while the routing request area is reduced through combination of AODV and LAR during transmission of the location information. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm renders satisfactory performance in terms of average delay reduction from end to end, packet loss rate, and routing overhead. As a result, the delay and system overhead during localization could be minimized.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis “Yang-Xu Zheng”: Significant Prognostic Predictor for Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Lin Sunny Jui-Shan , Cheng Yung-Yen , Chang Chih-Hung , Lee Cheng-Hung , Huang Yi-Chia , Su Yi-Chang
Published: October 2013

Pathogenesis of sepsis includes complex interaction between pathogen activities and host response, manifesting highly variable signs and symptoms, possibly delaying diagnosis and timely life-saving interventions. This study applies traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)Zhengdiagnosis in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock to evaluate its adaptability and use as an early predictor of sepsis mortality. Three-year prospective observational study enrolled 126 septic patients. TCMZhengdiagnosis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and blood samples for host response cytokines measurement (tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-8, Interleukin-10, Interleukin-18) were collected within 24 hours after admission to Intensive Care Unit. Main outcome was 28-day mortality; multivariate logistic regression analysis served to determine predictive variables of the sepsis mortality. APACHE II score, frequency ofNutrient-phase heat, andQi-XuandYang-Xu Zhengswere significantly higher in nonsurvivors. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identifiedYang-Xu Zhengas the outcome predictor. APACHE II score and levels of five host response cytokines between patients with and withoutYang-Xu Zhengrevealed significant differences. Furthermore, cool extremities and weak pulse, both diagnostic signs ofYang-Xu Zheng, were also proven independent predictors of sepsis mortality. TCM diagnosis “Yang-Xu Zheng” may provide a new mortality predictor for septic patients.
Three-Point Boundary Value Problems of Nonlinear Second-Orderq-Difference Equations Involving Different Numbers ofq
Authors: Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Tariboon Jessada , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: October 2013

We study a new class of three-point boundary value problems of nonlinear second-orderq-difference equations. Our problems contain different numbers ofqin derivatives and integrals. By using a variety of fixed point theorems (such as Banach’s contraction principle, Boyd and Wong fixed point theorem for nonlinear contractions, Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, and Leray-Schauder nonlinear alternative) and Leray-Schauder degree theory, some new existence and uniqueness results are obtained. Illustrative examples are also presented.
Fault Tolerant Control in Redundant Inertial Navigation System
Authors: Dai Xiaoqiang , Zhao Lin , Shi Zhen
Published: October 2013

Conventional fault detection and isolation technology cannot fully ensure system redundancy features when sensors experience drift in a redundant inertial navigation system. A new fault tolerant control method employs state estimation and state feedback techniques to compensate the sensor drift. However, the method is sensitive to measurement noise characteristics, and the performance of the method nearly depends on the feedback gain. This paper proposes an improved fault tolerant control algorithm, which employs an adaptive extended Kalman particle filter (AEKPF) to deal with unknown noise characteristics and model inaccuracies. In addition, a drift factor is introduced in the improved fault tolerant controlin order to reduce the dependence of compensation system on the feedback gain. Simulation results show that the improved fault tolerant control algorithm can effectively correct the faulty sensor even when the multiple erroneous sensors are producing faulty outputs simultaneously. Meanwhile, the AEKPF is able to solve the problem of unknown non-Gaussian noise characteristics. Moreover, the feedback gain is significantly improved by the drift factor.
Assessment of Copper and Zinc in Soils of a Vineyard Region in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Gláucia Cecília Gabrielli , Valladares Gustavo Souza , Abreu Cleide Aparecida , de Camargo Otávio Antônio , Grego Célia Regina
Published: October 2013

This soil acidification may increase the bioavailability of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in soils. The objective of this study was to verify the concentrations of Cu and Zn in soils of a vineyard region, including sample acidification, to simulate acid rain. The study was developed in an area of vineyard cultivation, with an adjacent land having other crops grown, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Soil samples were collected and GPS located under different uses and coverings. The extracted solutions used to determine the available Cu and Zn forms were diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), pH 7.3, and calcium chloride 0.01 M. The total forms were obtained by HNO3digestion. The amounts of Cu and Zn extracted using DTPA were considered high in most of the samples and were greater in the areas cultivated with vineyards that had received fungicide applications for several decades. The total forms were higher in vineyard soils. The amounts of Cu and Zn extracted using CaCl2did not have good correlation with vineyards or with other metals' forms. The results confirmed that the soil was enriched with Cu and Zn due to the management of the vineyards with chemicals for several decades.
MHC Universal Cells Survive in an Allogeneic Environment after Incompatible Transplantation
Authors: Figueiredo Constança , Wedekind Dirk , Müller Thomas , Vahlsing Stefanie , Horn Peter A. , Seltsam Axel , Blasczyk Rainer
Published: October 2013

Cell, tissue, and organ transplants are commonly performed for the treatment of different diseases. However, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity often prevents complete donor-recipient matching, resulting in graft rejection. This study evaluates in a preclinical model the capacity of MHC class I-silenced cells to engraft and grow upon allogeneic transplantation. Short hairpin RNA targetingβ2-microglobulin (RN_shβ2m) was delivered into fibroblasts derived from LEW/Ztm (RT1l) (RT1-Al) rats using a lentiviral-based vector. MHC class I (RT1-A-) expressing and -silenced cells were injected subcutaneously in LEW rats (RT1l) and MHC-congenic LEW.1W rats (RT1u), respectively. Cell engraftment and the status of the immune response were monitored for eight weeks after transplantation. In contrast to RT1-A-expressing cells, RT1-A-silenced fibroblasts became engrafted and were still detectable eight weeks after allogeneic transplantation. Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γwere significantly higher in animals transplanted with RT1-A-expressing cells than in those receiving RT1-A-silenced cells. Furthermore, alloantigen-specific T-cell proliferation rates derived from rats receiving RT1-A-expressing cells were higher than those in rats transplanted with RT1-A-silenced cells. These data suggest that silencing MHC class I expression might overcome the histocompatibility barrier, potentially opening up new avenues in the field of cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Voluntary Blood Donation among Healthcare Workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Nwogoh Benedict , Aigberadion Usimenahon , Nwannadi Alexander Ikenna
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Adequate and safe blood supply has remained a challenge in developing countries like ours. There is a high dependency on family replacement and remunerated blood donors in our environment which carries an attendant increased risk of transfusion transmissible infection. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation among healthcare workers (nonphysicians) and to identify and recruit potential voluntary blood donors. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. A total of 163 staffs were recruited. Pretest questionnaires were used to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation. Statistical Analysis. The responses were collated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16. The association between blood donation practice and gender of respondents, category of staff, and level of education was tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s tests where appropriate. were considered statistically significant. Results. The median age of the respondents was 32 years (18–56) with females accounting for 55.6% (90). A total of 74.8% (122) attained tertiary education, and 55.8% (91) of respondents were senior staffs. The majority has good knowledge and positive attitude towards donation; however, only 22.1% (36) have donated blood with 41.7% (15) of these being voluntary. Male workers were more likely to donate (). There is no significant association between blood donation and level of education. Conclusion. There is a strong disparity between the knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary donation amongst healthcare workers.
Lymphedema and Therapeutic Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Saito Yukihiro , Nakagami Hironori , Kaneda Yasufumi , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: October 2013

Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic vascular system characterized by impaired lymphatic return and swelling of the extremities. Lymphedema is divided into primary and secondary forms based on the underlying etiology. Despite substantial advances in both surgical and conservative techniques, therapeutic options for the management of lymphedema are limited. Although rarely lethal, lymphedema is a disfiguring and disabling condition with an associated decrease in the quality of life. The recent impressive expansion of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms governing lymphangiogenesis provides new possibilities for the treatment of lymphedema. This review highlights the lymphatic biology, the pathophysiology of lymphedema, and the therapeutic lymphangiogenesis using hepatocyte growth factor.
Internalization of B Cell Receptors in Human EU12μHC+Immature B Cells Specifically Alters Downstream Signaling Events
Authors: Liu Jing , Xie Wanqin , Lange Miles D. , Hong Sang Yong , Su Kaihong , Zhang Zhixin
Published: October 2013

It has been recognized for a long time that engagement of B cell antigen receptors (BCRs) on immature B cells or mature B cells leads to completely opposite cell fate decisions. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that crosslinking of BCRs on human EU12μHC+immature B cells resulted in complete internalization of cell surface BCRs. After loss of cell surface BCRs, restimulation of EU12μHC+cells showed impaired Ca2+flux, delayed SYK phosphorylation, and decreased CD19 and FOXO1 phosphorylation, which differ from those in mature Daudi or Ramos B cells with partial internalization of BCRs. In contrast, sustained phosphorylation and reactivation of ERK upon restimulation were observed in the EU12μHC+cells after BCR internalization. Taken together, these results show that complete internalization of cell surface BCRs in EU12μHC+cells specifically alters the downstream signaling events, which may favor receptor editing versus cell activation.
Regularity of a Stochastic Fractional Delayed Reaction-Diffusion Equation Driven by Lévy Noise
Authors: Shen Tianlong , Huang Jianhua , Li Jin
Published: October 2013

The current paper is devoted to the regularity of the mild solution for a stochastic fractional delayed reaction-diffusion equation driven by Lévy space-time white noise. By the Banach fixed point theorem, the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution are proved in the proper working function space which is affected by the delays. Furthermore, the time regularity and space regularity of the mild solution are established respectively. The main results show that both time regularity and space regularity of the mild solution depend on the regularity of initial value and the order of fractional operator. In particular, the time regularity is affected by the regularity of initial value with delays.
Effectiveness ofPanax ginsengon Acute Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Was Abolished by Flutamide via Endogenous Testosterone-Mediated Akt Pathway
Authors: Pei Luo , Shaozhen Hou , Gengting Dong , Tingbo Chen , Liang Liu , Hua Zhou
Published: October 2013

Mechanisms forPanax ginseng’s cardioprotective effect against ischemia reperfusion injury involve the estrogen-mediated pathway, but little is known about the role of androgen. A standardizedPanax ginsengextract (RSE) was orally given with or without flutamide in a left anterior descending coronary artery ligation rat model. Infarct size, CK and LDH activities were measured. Time-related changes of NO, PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling, and testosterone concentration were also investigated. RSE (80 mg/kg) significantly inhibited myocardial infarction and CK and LDH activities, while coadministration of flutamide abolished this effect of RSE. NO was increased by RSE and reached a peak after 15 min of ischemia; however, flutamide cotreatment suppressed this elevation. Western blot analysis showed that RSE significantly reversed the decreases of expression and activation of PI3K, Akt, and eNOS evoked by ischemia, whereas flutamide attenuated the effects of these protective mechanisms induced by RSE. RSE completely reversed the dropping of endogenous testosterone level induced by I/R injury. Flutamide plus RSE treatment not only abolished RSE’s effect but also produced a dramatic change on endogenous testosterone level after pretreatment and ischemia. Our results for the first time indicate that blocking androgen receptor abolishes the ability ofPanax ginsengto protect the heart from myocardial I/R injury.
The Cytotoxic Effect of Magainin II on the MDA-MB-231 and M14K Tumour Cell Lines
Authors: Anghel Radu , Jitaru Daniela , Bădescu Laurenţiu , Bădescu Magda , Ciocoiu Manuela
Published: October 2013

Many studies have highlighted the tumoricidal properties of some natural peptides known to have antimicrobial virtues. Also, the increasingly higher resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a global public health issue, and the need for new antibiotics has stimulated interest in finding and synthesizing new antimicrobial peptides, which may also be used as chemotherapeutic agents. Relying on the literature, the purpose of ourin vitroresearch was to assess the tumoricidal potential of magainin II on a series of tumour cell lines, namely, MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma) and M14K (human mesothelioma). The experimental results of our study revealed that the cytotoxic effects of magainin II depend on its concentration. Its efficiency is significant at 120 μM concentrations, and, although it is much lower, it persists even at 60 μM concentrations. The effects were insignificant at 30 μM concentrations. In our experimental research, the tumoricidal effect of magainin II was not significantly dependent on the type of tumour cell line used.
Accuracy and Applicability of the New Exchange Correlation Functionals for Reproduction of the Infrared Spectra of Butyl Acrylate and Butyl Methacrylate Molecules
Authors: Belaidi O. , Bouchaour T. , Maschke U.
Published: October 2013

The butyl acrylate and butyl methacrylate were optimized by seven functionals. All the structures found are local minima and belong to the Cs symmetry. The calculated frequencies are scaled and ranked according to their square errors. The scaling factors of the B972 and B98 functionals fail to reproduce the infrared spectra. The calculated and scaled frequencies with G96LYP, OLYP, and HCTH functionals give acceptable correlations with the experimental spectra. The scaling factors for O3LYP/6-31G(f,p) and O3LYP/6-311+G(df,p) levels of theory reproduce very well the infrared spectrum of butyl acrylate, and the scaled frequencies at VSXC functional with Pople’s double zeta basis sets show the best accuracy in the case of butyl methacrylate.
Relationship between Serum Transforming Growth Factorβ1 Concentrations and the Duration of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zorena Katarzyna , Raczyńska Dorota , Wiśniewski Piotr , Malinowska Ewa , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Raczyńska Krystyna , Rachoń Dominik
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) concentrations and the duration of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents. One hundred and sixteen patients with T1DM and 19 healthy controls were examined. Serum TGF-β1 concentrations were measured using the cytometric bead array (CBA). A positive association between the time of diabetes duration and higher serum TGF-β1 concentrations was observed. Similarly, the prevalence of microvascular complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, increased with the duration of diabetes. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum TGF-β1 concentrations and the duration of the disease are independent risk factors of microangiopathy development. Higher serum TGF-β1 concentrations were associated with a significant risk of microangiopathy development after 10 years of T1DM duration. In the successive years of the disease, the effect was even stronger. The results of our study indicate that serum TGF-β1 concentrations are one of the factors that may have an impact on the progression of vascular complications in children and adolescents with T1DM.
Effect of the Codeposition Ions on Structural and Tribological Properties of Electro-Brush Plated Coating
Authors: Cui Xiufang , Zhong Jinggao , Hou Dingding , Liu Erbao , Jin Guo , Li Qingfen
Published: October 2013

The effects of the codeposition ions on structural and tribological properties of electro-brush plated coatings were investigated. The microstructure and phase structure were studied with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hardness and tribological properties of several coatings with different kind of codeposition ions were studied. Results show that among the coatings with different FeCl2 contents in electrolyte, the Fe400 coating has the best surface property. When proper chemical ion W codeposited with iron ion is added, the hardness of the coatings is improved obviously and the Fe-WII coating has the best properties. When proper element of Cu is added, the hardness and tribological properties of the Fe-W-Cu coatings are also improved. Besides, the interface bond strength between the coating and the substrate is improved obviously, and the Fe-W-CuII coating has the best properties.
The Chemokine CXCL8 in Carcinogenesis and Drug Response
Authors: Gales Dominique , Clark Clarence , Manne Upender , Samuel Temesgen
Published: October 2013

Although the functions of chemokines in the regulation of immune processes have been studied in some detail, the role of these biomolecules in cancer is not fully understood. Chemokines mediate migration of immune cells and other functions related to immunity. They are also involved in oncogenesis and in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis through mechanisms similar to their roles in immune functions. Various chemokines also promote cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of stressed cells. Consequently, chemokines and their receptors present potential therapeutic targets for anticancer drugs. The chemokine CXCL8, also known as interleukin-8 (IL8), is a proinflammatory molecule that has functions within the tumor microenvironment. Due to its potent angiogenic effects and the activity of the chemokine and its receptors in the promotion of invasion and metastasis, CXCL8 and its receptors are now considered as attractive targets for cancer therapy. This review relates the current understanding of the regulation, signaling, and functions of CXCL8 that contribute to tumor growth and metastasis, and of its role in drug response.
Economic Assessment of Russian Nuclear Strategies on the Basis of Fast Breeder Reactors
Authors: Marchenko O. V. , Solomin S. V.
Published: October 2013

The paper assesses the economic risk caused by the delay in commissioning innovative nuclear power plants with fast breeder reactors in Russia. The risk is quantitatively measured by the excessive costs for energy development and the possibility of implementing the considered variants that differ in power consumption, technical and economic indices of the reactors, and constraints on CO2 emissions. The probability distribution functions of economic losses for different strategies of nuclear energy development are constructed.
Comment on “Perturbation Analysis of the Nonlinear Matrix Equation ”
Authors: Berzig Maher , Karapınar Erdal
Published: October 2013

We show that the perturbation estimate for the matrix equation due to J. Li, is wrong. Our discussion is supported by a counterexample.
Improving Compliance with Screening of Diabetic Patients for Microalbuminuria in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Anabtawi Abeer , Mathew L. Mary
Published: October 2013

Studies showed suboptimal compliance rate of primary care physicians with microalbuminuria screening. This study evaluated impact of electronic medical records (EMR) and computerized physicians reminders on compliance rate and showed small to modest improvement. Combining EMR with quality control monitoring has significantly improved compliance [OR 1.556, 95% CI 1.251–1.935, ].
New Phase-Fitted and Amplification-Fitted Fourth-Order and Fifth-Order Runge-Kutta-Nyström Methods for Oscillatory Problems
Authors: Moo K. W. , Senu N. , Ismail F. , Suleiman M.
Published: October 2013

Two new Runge-Kutta-Nyström (RKN) methods are constructed for solving second-order differential equations with oscillatory solutions. These two new methods are constructed based on two existing RKN methods. Firstly, a three-stage fourth-order Garcia’s RKN method. Another method is Hairer’s RKN method of four-stage fifth-order. Both new derived methods have two variable coefficients with phase-lag of order infinity and zero amplification error (zero dissipative). Numerical tests are performed and the results show that the new methods are more accurate than the other methods in the literature.
Explicit Dynamic Finite Element Method for Predicting Implosion/Explosion Induced Failure of Shell Structures
Authors: Song Jeong-Hoon , Lea Patrick , Oswald Jay
Published: October 2013

A simplified implementation of the conventional extended finite element method (XFEM) for dynamic fracture in thin shells is presented. Though this implementation uses the same linear combination of the conventional XFEM, it allows for considerable simplifications of the discontinuous displacement and velocity fields in shell finite elements. The proposed method is implemented for the discrete Kirchhoff triangular (DKT) shell element, which is one of the most popular shell elements in engineering analysis. Numerical examples for dynamic failure of shells under impulsive loads including implosion and explosion are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the method.
Cross-Domain Personalized Learning Resources Recommendation Method
Authors: Wang Long , Zeng Zhiyong , Li Ruizhi , Pang Hua
Published: October 2013

According to cross-domain personalized learning resources recommendation, a new personalized learning resources recommendation method is presented in this paper. Firstly, the cross-domain learning resources recommendation model is given. Then, a method of personalized information extraction from web logs is designed by making use of mixed interest measure which is presented in this paper. Finally, a learning resources recommendation algorithm based on transfer learning technology is presented. A time function and the weight constraint of wrong classified samples can be added to the classic TrAdaBoost algorithm. Through the time function, the importance of samples date can be distinguished. The weight constraint can be used to avoid the samples having too big or too small weight. So the Accuracy and the efficiency of algorithm are improved. Experiments on the real world dataset show that the proposed method could improve the quality and efficiency of learning resources recommendation services effectively.
The Impact of Hyperglycemic Emergencies on the Kidney and Liver
Authors: Bai Feng , Jiang Fang-fang , Lu Jun-jie , Ma Shao-gang , Peng Yi-gen , Jin Yue , Xu Wei , Cheng Jian-ping , Wu Hai-feng
Published: October 2013

Studies on the alterations of liver and kidney function parameters in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and diabetic ketosis (DK) were limited. Participants with DKA, DK, non-DK, and healthy controls were enrolled in the current study. Parameters of liver and kidney function were measured and evaluated. The patients with DKA had higher levels of plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), uric acid, and creatinine but lower levels of transferases and protein compared with the other three groups ( for all). The patients with DK had higher levels of plasma glucose and HbA1c but lower levels of glutamyl transpeptidase and protein compared with the non-DK and control groups (). Prealbumin levels were significantly reduced in the severe DKA patients compared with the mild/moderate DKA patients. Serum prealbumin levels were correlated with albumin levels (, ), HCO3(, ), and arterial pH (, ) in the DKA patients. A diagnostic analysis showed that lower prealbumin levels significantly reflected the presence of hyperglycemic emergencies (). Liver and kidney function parameters deteriorated, especially in DKA. Prealbumin levels can be of value in detecting the presence of hyperglycemic crisis. This clinical trial is registered withChiCTR-OCH-12003077.
Dynamics of Nonautonomous Stochastic Gilpin-Ayala Competition Model with Jumps
Authors: Zang Yanchao , Li Junping , Liu Jiangang
Published: October 2013

The nonautonomous stochastic Gilpin-Ayala competition model driven by Lévy noise is considered. First, it is shown that this model has a global positive solution. Then, we discuss the asymptotic behavior of the solution including moment and pathwise estimation. Finally, sufficient conditions for extinction, nonpersistence in the mean, and weak persistence of the solution are established.
Effects of Sulfurization Temperature on Properties of CZTS Films by Vacuum Evaporation and Sulfurization Method
Authors: Zhang Jie , Long Bo , Cheng Shuying , Zhang Weibo
Published: October 2013

Copper zinc tin sulfur (CZTS) thin films have been extensively studied in recent years for their advantages of low cost, high absorption coefficient (≥104 cm−1), appropriate band gap (~1.5 eV), and nontoxicity. CZTS thin films are promising materials of solar cells like copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). In this work, CZTS thin films were prepared on glass substrates by vacuum evaporation and sulfurization method. Sn/Cu/ZnS (CZT) precursors were deposited by thermal evaporation and then sulfurized in N2+ H2S atmosphere at temperatures of 360–560°C to produce polycrystalline CZTS thin films. It is found that there are some impurity phases in the thin films with the sulfurization temperature less than 500°C, and the crystallite size of CZTS is quite small. With the further increase of the sulfurization temperature, the obtained thin films exhibit preferred (112) orientation with larger crystallite size and higher density. When the sulfurization temperature is 500°C, the band gap energy, resistivity, carrier concentration, and mobility of the CZTS thin films are 1.49 eV, 9.37 Ω · cm,1.714×1017 cm−3, and 3.89 cm2/(V · s), respectively. Therefore, the prepared CZTS thin films are suitable for absorbers of solar cells.
TRAF4 Is a Critical Molecule for Akt Activation in Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Wei , Peng Cong , Lee Mee-Hyun , Lim DoYoung , Zhu Feng , Fu Yang , Yang Ge , Sheng Yuqiao , Xiao Lanbo , Dong Xin , Ma WeiYa , Bode Ann M. , Cao Ya , Dong Zigang
Published: October 2013

TRAF4 is an adapter protein overexpressed in certain cancers, but its contributions to tumorigenesis are unclear. In lung cancer cells and primary lung tumors, we found that TRAF4 is overexpressed. RNA interference-mediated attenuation of TRAF4 expression blunted the malignant phenotype in this setting, exerting inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor development in a xenograft mouse model. Unexpectedly, we discovered that TRAF4, but not Skp2, was required for activation of the pivotal cell survival kinase Akt through ubiquitination. Furthermore, TRAF4 attenuation impaired glucose metabolism by inhibiting expression of Glut1 and HK2 mediated by the Akt pathway. Overall, our work suggests that TRAF4 offers a candidate molecular target for lung cancer prevention and therapy. Cancer Res; 73(23); 6938–50. ©2013 AACR.