bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen Scaffolds with Controlled Insulin Release and Controlled Pore Structure for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Nanda Himansu Sekhar , Chen Shangwu , Zhang Qin , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: February 2014

Controlled and local release of growth factors and nutrients from porous scaffolds is important for maintenance of cell survival, proliferation, and promotion of tissue regeneration. The purpose of the present research was to design a controlled release porous collagen-microbead hybrid scaffold with controlled pore structure capable of releasing insulin for application to cartilage tissue regeneration. Collagen-microbead hybrid scaffold was prepared by hybridization of insulin loaded PLGA microbeads with collagen using a freeze-drying technique. The pore structure of the hybrid scaffold was controlled by using preprepared ice particulates having a diameter range of 150–250 μm. Hybrid scaffold had a controlled pore structure with pore size equivalent to ice particulates and good interconnection. The microbeads showed an even spatial distribution throughout the pore walls.In vitroinsulin release profile from the hybrid scaffold exhibited a zero order release kinetics up to a period of 4 weeks without initial burst release. Culture of bovine articular chondrocytes in the hybrid scaffold demonstrated high bioactivity of the released insulin. The hybrid scaffold facilitated cell seeding and spatial cell distribution and promoted cell proliferation.
Etravirine as a Switching Option for Patients with HIV RNA Suppression: A Review of Recent Trials
Authors: Nelson Mark , Hill Andrew , van Delft Yvon , Moecklinghoff Christiane
Published: February 2014

Unlike other nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, etravirine is only approved for use in treatment-experienced patients. In the DUET 1 and 2 trials, 1203 highly treatment-experienced patients were randomized to etravirine or placebo, in combination with darunavir/ritonavir and optimized background treatment. In these trials, etravirine showed significantly higher rates of HIV RNA suppression when compared with placebo (61% versus 40% at Week 48). There was no significant rise of lipids or neuropsychiatric adverse events, but there was an increase in the risk of rash with etravirine treatment. In the SENSE trial, which evaluated etravirine and efavirenz in 157 treatment-naïve patients in combination with 2 nucleoside analogues, there was a lower risk of lipid elevations and neuropsychiatric adverse events with etravirine when compared to efavirenz. Etravirine has been evaluated in three randomized switching studies. In the SSAT029 switch trial, 38 patients who had neuropsychiatric adverse events possibly related to efavirenz showed an improvement in these after switching to etravirine. The Swiss Switch-EE recruited 58 individuals without neuropsychiatric adverse events who were receiving efavirenz, and no benefit was shown when switching to etravirine. In the Spanish ETRA-SWITCH trial (n=46), there were improvements in lipids when individuals switched from a protease inhibitor to etravirine. These switching trials were conducted in patients with full HIV RNA suppression: <50 copies/mL and with no history of virological failure or resistance to therapy. The results from these three randomized switching studies suggest a possible new role for etravirine, in combination with two nucleoside analogues, as a switching option for those with HIV RNA suppression but who are reporting adverse events possibly related to antiretroviral therapy. However a large well-powered trial would need to be conducted to strengthen the evidence from the pilot studies conducted so far.
Measurement of Urinary Biomarkers of Parabens, Benzophenone-3, and Phthalates in a Belgian Population
Authors: Dewalque Lucas , Pirard Catherine , Charlier Corinne
Published: February 2014

Parabens, benzophenone-3 (BP3), and phthalates are commonly used as antimicrobial conservator, UV-filter, and plasticizer, respectively, and are thought to exhibit endocrine disrupting properties. These endocrine disrupting activities have been recently assumed to lead to cutaneous malignant melanoma. Humans are exposed to these chemicals through different sources such as food, personal care products, or cosmetics. In this study, we measured urinary levels of 4 parabens, BP3, and 7 metabolites of phthalates in samples collected from 261 participants living in and around Liege (Belgium). The analyses were carried out by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using isotopic dilution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the urinary levels of these 3 classes of chemicals are reported for the same general population in Belgium. Most of the parabens, the BP3, and all the phthalate metabolites were detected in 82.8 to 100.0% of the samples. For most of these chemicals, the exposure patterns significantly differ not only between children and adults, but also between males and females, especially with higher concentrations of parabens and phthalate metabolites in female and children subjects, respectively.
Performance Enhancement of a Web-Based Picture Archiving and Communication System Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf Server Clusters
Authors: Liu Yan-Lin , Shih Cheng-Ting , Chang Yuan-Jen , Chang Shu-Jun , Wu Jay
Published: February 2014

The rapid development of picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs) thoroughly changes the way of medical informatics communication and management. However, as the scale of a hospital’s operations increases, the large amount of digital images transferred in the network inevitably decreases system efficiency. In this study, a server cluster consisting of two server nodes was constructed. Network load balancing (NLB), distributed file system (DFS), and structured query language (SQL) duplication services were installed. A total of 1 to 16 workstations were used to transfer computed radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) images simultaneously to simulate the clinical situation. The average transmission rate (ATR) was analyzed between the cluster and noncluster servers. In the download scenario, the ATRs of CR, CT, and MR images increased by 44.3%, 56.6%, and 100.9%, respectively, when using the server cluster, whereas the ATRs increased by 23.0%, 39.2%, and 24.9% in the upload scenario. In the mix scenario, the transmission performance increased by 45.2% when using eight computer units. The fault tolerance mechanisms of the server cluster maintained the system availability and image integrity. The server cluster can improve the transmission efficiency while maintaining high reliability and continuous availability in a healthcare environment.
Poincaré-Type Inequalities for the Composite Operator inL𝒜-Averaging Domains
Authors: Shi Guannan , Xing Yuming , Sun Baiqing
Published: February 2014

We first establish the local Poincaré inequality withL𝒜-averaging domains for the composition of the sharp maximal operator and potential operator, applied to the nonhomogenousA-harmonic equation. Then, according to the definition ofL𝒜-averaging domains and relative properties, we demonstrate the global Poincaré inequality withL𝒜-averaging domains. Finally, we give some illustrations for these theorems.
Married Men Perceptions and Barriers to Participation in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Care in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Adelekan Ademola L. , Edoni Elizabeth R. , Olaleye Oladipupo S.
Published: February 2014

Men’s role in HIV prevention is pivotal to changing the course of the epidemic. Men’s barriers toward participation in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) have not been adequately documented. This study is therefore designed to determine men’s level of awareness and barriers to their participation in PMTCT programmes in Osogbo, Nigeria. This study was a descriptive qualitative one that utilized Focus Group Discussion (FGD). One-hundred and sixty married men were selected by convenience sampling and interviewed. Data collected were analysed using content analysis technique. Demographic data were analysed using SPSS 15.0 software to generate frequency tables. Participants mean age was 31.9 ± 5.9 years. Many of the participants had heard about PMTCT and the majority agreed that it is good to accompany their wife to Antenatal Care (ANC) but only few had ever done so. Societal norms and cultural barriers were the leading identified barriers for male involvement in PMTCT programmes. The majority of the participant perceived it was a good idea to accompany their wife to antenatal care but putting this into practice was a problem due to societal norms and cultural barriers. Community sensitization programmes such as health education aimed at breaking cultural barriers should be instituted by government and nongovernmental agencies.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality for Stroke in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Mapoure N. Y. , Tchaleu Nguenkam C. B. , Mbatchou Ngahane H. B. , Dzudie A. , Coulibaly A. , Mounjouopou N. G. , Vaissaba E. , Luma N. H. , Mouelle S. A. , Njamnshi A. K.
Published: February 2014

Background.The objective of this study was to describe complications in hospitalized patients for stroke and to determine the predictive factors of intrahospital mortality from stroke at the Douala General Hospital (DGH) in Cameroon.Patients and Methods.A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012, at the DGH. All the patients who were aged more than 15 years with established diagnosis of stroke were included. A univariate analysis was done to look for factors associated with the risk of death, whilst the predictive factors of death were determined in a multivariate analysis following Cox regression model.Results.Of the 325 patients included patients, 68.1% were males and the mean age was 58.66 ± 13.6 years. Ischaemic stroke accounted for 52% of the cases. Sepsis was the leading complications present in 99 (30.12%) cases. Independent predicting factors of in-hospital mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale lower than 8 (HR = 2.17 95% CI 4.86–36.8;P=0.0001), hyperglycaemia at admission (HR = 3.61 95% CI 1.38–9.44;P=0.009), and hemorrhagic stroke (HR = 5.65 95% CI 1.77–18;P=0.003).Conclusion.The clinician should systematically diagnose and treat infectious states and hyperglycaemia in stroke.
Effects of the Absorption Behaviour of ZnO Nanoparticles on Cytotoxicity Measurements
Authors: Najim Nigar , Rusdi Roshidah , Hamzah Ahmad Sazali , Shaameri Zurina , Mat Zain Mazatulikhma , Kamarulzaman Norlida
Published: February 2014

ZnO absorbs certain wavelengths of light and this behavior is more pronounced for nanoparticles of ZnO. As many toxicity measurements rely on measuring light transmission in cell lines, it is essential to determine how far this light absorption influences experimental toxicity measurements. The main objective was to study the ZnO absorption and how this influenced the cytotoxicity measurements. The cytotoxicity of differently sized ZnO nanoparticles in normal and cancer cell lines derived from lung tissue (Hs888Lu), neuron‐phenotypic cells (SH‐SY5Y), neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y), human histiocytic lymphoma (U937), and lung cancer (A549) was investigated. Our results demonstrate that the presence of ZnO affected the cytotoxicity measurements due to the absorption characteristic of ZnO nanoparticles. The data revealed that the ZnO nanoparticles with an average particle size of around 85.7 nm and 190 nm showed cytotoxicity towards U937, SH‐SY5Y, differentiated SH‐SY5Y, and Hs888Lu cell lines. No effect on the A549 cells was observed. It was also found that the cytotoxicity of ZnO was particle size, concentration, and time dependent. These studies are the first to quantify the influence of ZnO nanoparticles on cytotoxicity assays. Corrections for absorption effects were carried out which gave an accurate estimation of the concentrations that produce the cytotoxic effects.
Conjugacy of a Discrete Semidynamical System in a Neighbourhood of the Nontrivial Invariant Manifold
Authors: Reinfelds Andrejs
Published: February 2014

The conjugacy of a discrete semidynamical system and its partially decoupled discrete semidynamical system in a Banach space is proved in a neighbourhood of the nontrivial invariant manifold.
Trace Element Status (Iron, Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Cobalt, and Nickel) in Iron-Deficiency Anaemia of Children under 3 Years
Authors: Angelova Maria Georgieva , Petkova-Marinova Tsvetelina Valentinova , Pogorielov Maksym Vladimirovich , Loboda Andrii Nikolaevich , Nedkova-Kolarova Vania Nedkova , Bozhinova Atanaska Naumova
Published: February 2014

Aim. To determine trace element status and aetiologic factors for development of trace elements deficiencies in children with iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) aged 0 to 3 years.Contingent and Methods. 30 patients of the University Hospital, Pleven, Bulgaria—I group; 48 patients of the Sumy Regional Child’s Clinical Hospital, Sumy, Ukraine—II group; 25 healthy controls were investigated. Serum concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, chromium, cobalt, and nickel were determined spectrophotometrically and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results. Because the obtained serum levels of zinc, copper, and chromium were near the lower reference limits, I group was divided into IA and IB. In IA group, serum concentrations were lower than the reference values for 47%, 57%, and 73% of patients, respectively. In IB group, these were within the reference values. In II group, results for zinc, cobalt, and nickel were significantly lower (P<0.05), and results for copper were significantly higher in comparison to controls.Conclusion. Low serum concentrations of zinc, copper, cobalt, and nickel were mainly due to inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, and micronutrient interactions in both studied groups. Increased serum copper in II group was probably due to metabolic changes resulting from adaptations in IDA. Data can be used for developing a diagnostic algorithm for IDA.
Mesenteric Lymph Drainage Alleviates Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Hemorrhagic Shock without Resuscitation
Authors: Zhao Zi-Gang , Zhu Hong-Xia , Zhang Li-Min , Zhang Yu-Ping , Niu Chun-Yu
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mesenteric lymph drainage on the acute kidney injury induced by hemorrhagic shock without resuscitation. Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham, shock, and drainage groups. The hemorrhagic shock model (40 mmHg, 3 h) was established in shock and drainage groups; mesenteric lymph drainage was performed from 1 h to 3 h of hypotension in the drainage group. The results showed that renal tissue damage occurred; the levels of urea, creatinine, and trypsin in the plasma as well as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactic acid (LA), and 2,3-DPG in the renal tissue were increased in the shock group after 3 h of hypotension. Mesenteric lymph drainage lessened the following: renal tissue damage; urea and trypsin concentrations in the plasma; ICAM-1, RAGE, TNF-α, MDA, and LA levels in the renal tissue. By contrast, mesenteric lymph drainage increased the 2,3-DPG level in the renal tissue. These findings indicated that mesenteric lymph drainage could relieve kidney injury caused by sustained hypotension, and its mechanisms involve the decrease in trypsin activity, suppression of inflammation, alleviation of free radical injury, and improvement of energy metabolism.
Opinion Mining from Online User Reviews Using Fuzzy Linguistic Hedges
Authors: Dalal Mita K. , Zaveri Mukesh A.
Published: February 2014

Nowadays, there are several websites that allow customers to buy and post reviews of purchased products, which results in incremental accumulation of a lot of reviews written in natural language. Moreover, conversance with E-commerce and social media has raised the level of sophistication of online shoppers and it is common practice for them to compare competing brands of products before making a purchase. Prevailing factors such as availability of online reviews and raised end-user expectations have motivated the development of opinion mining systems that can automatically classify and summarize users’ reviews. This paper proposes an opinion mining system that can be used for both binary and fine-grained sentiment classifications of user reviews. Feature-based sentiment classification is a multistep process that involves preprocessing to remove noise, extraction of features and corresponding descriptors, and tagging their polarity. The proposed technique extends the feature-based classification approach to incorporate the effect of various linguistic hedges by using fuzzy functions to emulate the effect of modifiers, concentrators, and dilators. Empirical studies indicate that the proposed system can perform reliable sentiment classification at various levels of granularity with high average accuracy of 89% for binary classification and 86% for fine-grained classification.
Are Famine Food Plants Also Ethnomedicinal Plants? An Ethnomedicinal Appraisal of Famine Food Plants of Two Districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Azam Fardous Mohammad Safiul , Biswas Anup , Mannan Abdul , Afsana Nusrat Anik , Jahan Rownak , Rahmatullah Mohammed
Published: February 2014

Plants have served as sources of food and medicines for human beings since their advent. During famines or conditions of food scarcity, people throughout the world depend on unconventional plant items to satiate their hunger and meet their nutritional needs. Malnourished people often suffer from various diseases, much more than people eating a balanced diet. We are hypothesizing that the unconventional food plants that people eat during times of scarcity of their normal diet are also medicinal plants and thus can play a role in satiating hunger, meeting nutritional needs, and serving therapeutic purposes. Towards testing our hypothesis, surveys were carried out among the low income people of four villages in Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts of Bangladesh. People and particularly the low income people of these two districts suffer each year from a seasonal famine known as Monga. Over 200 informants from 167 households in the villages were interviewed with the help of a semistructured questionnaire and the guided field‐walk method. The informants mentioned a total of 34 plant species that they consumed during Monga. Published literature shows that all the species consumed had ethnomedicinal uses. It is concluded that famine food plants also serve as ethnomedicinal plants.
Homoclinic Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Difference Equations
Authors: Mai Ali , Zhou Zhan
Published: February 2014

We prove the existence of homoclinic solutions of a class of nonlinear difference equations with superlinear nonlinearity by using the generalized Nehari manifold approach. For the case where the nonlinearity is odd, we obtain infinitely many homoclinic solutions of the equations. Recent results in the literature are generalized and improved.
Alterations in the Coagulation System during Major Visceral Surgery in Children
Authors: Kordjian Hayarpi H. , Nybo Mads , Qvist Niels
Published: February 2014

Purpose. The description of the alterations in the hemostatic system in children undergoing abdominal surgery is sparse. Enhanced clinical outcomes for previously untreatable conditions have led to an increased incidence of venous thromboembolic complications. Alterations in children’s coagulation system during major abdominal operations compared to minor procedures were examined.Methods. Children (0–12 years) undergoing either laparotomy, thoracotomy, or minor surgery were included. Participants were divided into two groups: group 1 was open laparotomy including operations for solid abdominal tumours and thoracotomy, while group 2 was minor surgery. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), D-dimer, INR, and fibrinogen were measured.Results. Both groups had a shorter aPTT, higher INR, and lower fibrinogen concentrations after the operation, while D-dimer was unaltered. The changes were, however, discrete and probably not clinically significant. On day 3, all parameters except aPTT in group 1 (not measured in group 2) indicated a continuous coagulation activity.Conclusion. The tendency for coagulation activity altered based on the length and degree of surgery. A continuously altered activity was observed compatible with the reported increased risk of venous thromboembolism at day 3. However, before introducing thromboprophylaxis guidelines larger series of multicentre studies are needed.
A Qualitative Study of Psychosocial Problems among Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy Attending Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Western India
Authors: Nimbalkar Somashekhar , Raithatha Shyamsundar , Shah Rutvij , Panchal Dhara Antani
Published: February 2014

Objective.To explore the psychosocial problems faced by the parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in rural and urban settings.Design.Qualitative research design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was used for the study.Setting.Two FGDs comprising one at a rural tertiary level care hospital and the other at an urban tertiary level care hospital were conducted.Participants.A total of thirteen parents participated in the two FGDs.Main Outcome Measured.Psychosocial problems experienced by the parents of children suffering from CP were measured.Results.The problems experienced by the mothers were associated with common themes such as disturbed social relationships, health problems, financial problems, moments of happiness, worries about future of the child, need for more support services, and lack of adequate number of trained physiotherapists. All the parents had children with problems since birth and most had approached various health care providers for a cure for their child.Conclusions.A wide range of psychosocial problems are experienced by the parents of children with CP. Studies like this can provide valuable information for designing a family centered care programme for children with CP.
Television Time among Brazilian Adolescents: Correlated Factors are Different between Boys and Girls
Authors: Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Tremblay Mark Stephen , Gonçalves Eliane Cristina de Andrade , Silva Roberto Jerônimo dos Santos
Published: February 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of excess television time and verify correlated factors in adolescent males and females.Methods. This cross-sectional study included 2,105 adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years from the city of Aracaju, Northeastern Brazil. Television time was self-reported, corresponding to the time spent watching television in a typical week. Several correlates were examined including age, skin color, socioeconomic status, parent education, physical activity level, consumption of fruits and vegetables, smoking status, alcohol use, and sports team participation.Results. The prevalence excess television time (≥2 hours/day) in girls and boys was 70.9% and 66.2%, respectively. Girls with low socioeconomic status or inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables were more likely to have excess television time. Among boys, those >16 years of age or with black skin color were more likely to have excess television time.Conclusions. Excess television time was observed in more than two-thirds of adolescents, being more evident in girls. Correlated factors differed according to sex. Efforts to reduce television time among Brazilian adolescents, and replace with more active pursuits, may yield desirable public health benefits.
Analysis of Flow Characteristics of the Blood Flowing through an Inclined Tapered Porous Artery with Mild Stenosis under the Influence of an Inclined Magnetic Field
Authors: Srivastava Neetu
Published: February 2014

Analytical investigation of MHD blood flow in a porous inclined stenotic artery under the influence of the inclined magnetic field has been done. Blood is considered as an electrically conducting Newtonian fluid. The physics of the problem is described by the usual MHD equations along with appropriate boundary conditions. The flow governing equations are finally transformed to nonhomogeneous second-order ordinary differential equations. This model is consistent with the principles of magnetohydrodynamics. Analytical expressions for the velocity profile, volumetric flow rate, wall shear stress, and pressure gradient have been derived. Blood flow characteristics are computed for a specific set of values of the different parameters involved in the model analysis and are presented graphically. Some of the obtained results show that the flow patterns in converging region (ξ<0), diverging region (ξ>0), and nontapered region (ξ=0) are effectively influenced by the presence of magnetic field and change in inclination of artery as well as magnetic field. There is also a significant effect of permeability on the wall shear stress as well as volumetric flow rate.
Finite-TimeH∞Control for Time-Delayed Stochastic Systems with Markovian Switching
Authors: Gao Wenhua , Deng Feiqi , Zhang Ruiqiu , Liu Wenhui
Published: February 2014

This paper studies the problem of finite-timeH∞control for time-delayed Itô stochastic systems with Markovian switching. By using the appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and free-weighting matrix techniques, some sufficient conditions of finite-time stability for time-delayed stochastic systems with Markovian switching are proposed. Based on constructing new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, the mode-dependent state feedback controller for the finite-timeH∞control is obtained. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Resveratrol Promotes Foot Ulcer Size Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Bashmakov Yuriy K. , Assaad-Khalil Samir H. , Abou Seif Myriam , Udumyan Ruzan , Megallaa Magdy , Rohoma Kamel H. , Zeitoun Mohamed , Petyaev Ivan M.
Published: February 2014

Objective. The effect of a proprietary formulation of trans-resveratrol (t-RSV) on manifestations of diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) was studied in type 2 diabetic patients with newly diagnosed diabetic foot ulcers. Method. Placebo-controlled, examiner-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled pilot clinical trial (ACTRN Clinical Trial Registry number 12610000629033) involving 24 patients with DFS (15 males and 9 females, average age of 56.4±9.1 years) divided into the placebo and RSV-treatment groups was performed. 50 mg of t-RSV or placebo capsules was given to each patient twice a day over a 60-day time period. Results. Reduction in the parameters reflecting diabetic ulcer size was more profound in the RSV group as compared to placebo. RSV-treated patients also had a marginally improved performance in the foot pressure test. A statistically significant decline in the plasma fibrinogen level, but not CRP, was also found in the RSV-treated patients. Some improvement in the plasma lipid profile and fasting glucose levels were not related to RSV-treatment, since they have been seen on both the RSV and placebo groups, revealing the effectiveness of medical supervision and education in the newly diagnosed patients with DFS. Conclusion. t-RSV supplementation promotes reduction of the foot ulcer size and reduces plasma fibrinogen level in type 2 diabetic patients.
Predicting Glycerophosphoinositol Identities in Lipidomic Datasets Using VaLID (Visualization and Phospholipid Identification)—An Online Bioinformatic Search Engine
Authors: McDowell Graeme S. V. , Blanchard Alexandre P. , Taylor Graeme P. , Figeys Daniel , Fai Stephen , Bennett Steffany A. L.
Published: February 2014

The capacity to predict and visualize all theoretically possible glycerophospholipid molecular identities present in lipidomic datasets is currently limited. To address this issue, we expanded the search-engine and compositional databases of the online Visualization and Phospholipid Identification (VaLID) bioinformatic tool to include the glycerophosphoinositol superfamily. VaLID v1.0.0 originally allowed exact and average mass libraries of 736,584 individual species from eight phospholipid classes: glycerophosphates, glyceropyrophosphates, glycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, glycerophosphoglycerols, glycerophosphoglycerophosphates, glycerophosphoserines, and cytidine 5′-diphosphate 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols to be searched for any mass to charge value (with adjustable tolerance levels) under a variety of mass spectrometry conditions. Here, we describe an update that now includes all possible glycerophosphoinositols, glycerophosphoinositol monophosphates, glycerophosphoinositol bisphosphates, and glycerophosphoinositol trisphosphates. This update expands the total number of lipid species represented in the VaLID v2.0.0 database to 1,473,168 phospholipids. Each phospholipid can be generated in skeletal representation. A subset of species curated by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Training Program in Neurodegenerative Lipidomics (CTPNL) team is provided as an array of high-resolution structures. VaLID is freely available and responds to all users through the CTPNL resources web site.
Caloric Restriction Prevents Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat Liver
Authors: Mohammadi Mustafa , Ghaznavi Rana , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Sadeghipour Hamid Reza , Naderi Roya , Mohammadi Hossein
Published: February 2014

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of caloric restriction on liver of lead-administered rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: Ad libitum fed group (AL, free access to normal rat chow) and caloric restriction group (CR, fed 65% of AL animals’ food intake). After 6 weeks, half of the animals of each group were injected lead acetate and the other half were injected saline. Liver tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiments. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured in the tissue extracts. Histological studies were also performed. Our results showed that lead administrations (not saline injections) reduced liver SOD and GPx and increased MDA and TNF-αin AL animals, but in the CR animals lead injections did not significantly change the measured parameters. The histological studies supported the biochemical findings. We concluded that 65% CR may prevent lead-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rat liver.
A Case Report of Hairy Cell Leukemia Presenting Concomitantly with Sweet Syndrome
Authors: Alkayem Mohammad , Cheng Waina
Published: February 2014

Hairy cell leukemia and Sweet syndrome are both uncommon hematological diagnoses. We present a patient who was admitted with fevers, pancytopenia, pneumonia, and rash. Diagnostic bone marrow biopsy demonstrates Hairy cell Leukemia and skin biopsy demonstrates neutrophils infiltration consistent with Sweet syndrome. The patient was treated with purine analogs with resolution of the cytopenias, infection, and rash.
Valve Fault Diagnosis in Internal Combustion Engines Using Acoustic Emission and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Jafari S. M. , Mehdigholi H. , Behzad M.
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the potential of acoustic emission (AE) technique to detect valve damage in internal combustion engines. The cylinder head of a spark-ignited engine was used as the experimental setup. The effect of three types of valve damage (clearance, semicrack, and notch) on valve leakage was investigated. The experimental results showed that AE is an effective method to detect damage and the type of damage in valves in both of the time and frequency domains. An artificial neural network was trained based on time domain analysis using AE parametric features (AErms, count, absolute AE energy, maximum signal amplitude, and average signal level). The network consisted of five, six, and five nodes in the input, hidden, and output layers, respectively. The results of the trained system showed that the AE technique could be used to identify the type of damage and its location.
Secure Authentication System for Hybrid Cloud Service in Mobile Communication Environments
Authors: Kim Jin-Mook , Moon Jeong-Kyung
Published: February 2014

We want more cloud service because of computer resource reuse, server device cost, and space problems. So, related researchers suggest private cloud service to solve these problems in internetwork environment for only inner users. Therefore if outside users want to use private cloud service using mobile device, they do not support any services to outside user. Public cloud services can overcome private cloud services with the existing constraints. Amazon was the first public cloud service. In Korea, KT provide computing power and storage devices with payment. But this service is very expensive, so hybrid cloud service is developed. Hybrid cloud service operates mobile communication environment. User can contact to service using smart phone, tablet and PC. So, it has many security threats such as internet environment with server-client system. Furthermore, mobile device user wants more nomadic attribute and free contact to server through outside communication environments. So it can make many security problems to server. Therefore researcher must solve security threats in mobile communication environment with hybrid cloud service system. But now anybody have no idea about these problems. In this paper, we approach to user and mobile device authentication system with hybrid cloud service server. They have smart phone, Tablet, Ultrabook and PC to uses hybrid cloud service such as attribute based services. Our proposed authentication system can support user authorization, device certification and service authentication service to user very easily. It uses RADIUS method and Two-factor authentication schemes. So, we propose a secure authentication system for the hybrid cloud service in mobile communication environments in this paper. Our proposal scheme can provided security, availability, applicability, and resistance about Man-In-The-Middle attack.
Chronic Inflammation and Neutrophil Activation as Possible Causes of Joint Diseases in Ballet Dancers
Authors: Borges Leandro da Silva , Bortolon José Ricardo , Santos Vinicius Coneglian , de Moura Nivaldo Ribeiro , Dermargos Alexandre , Cury-Boaventura Maria Fernanda , Gorjão Renata , Pithon-Curi Tania Cristina , Hatanaka Elaine
Published: February 2014

Herein, we investigated the effects of a ballet class on the kinetic profiles of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, cytokines, complement component 3 (C3), and the concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig), IgA and IgM, in ballerinas. We also verified neutrophil death and ROS release. Blood samples were taken from 13 dancers before, immediately after, and 18 hours after a ballet class. The ballet class increased the plasma activities of CK-total (2.0-fold) immediately after class, while the activities of CK-cardiac muscle (1.0-fold) and LDH (3.0-fold) were observed to increase 18 hours after the class. Levels of the TNF-α, IL-1β, IgG, and IgA were not affected under the study conditions. The exercise was found to induce neutrophil apoptosis (6.0-fold) 18 hours after the ballet class. Additionally, immediately after the ballet class, the neutrophils from the ballerinas were found to be less responsive to PMA stimulus.Conclusion. Ballet class was found to result in inflammation in dancers. The inflammation caused by the ballet class remained for 18 hours after the exercise. These findings are important in preventing the development of chronic lesions that are commonly observed in dancers, such as those with arthritis and synovitis.
Dark Atoms and the Positron-Annihilation-Line Excess in the Galactic Bulge
Authors: Cudell J.-R. , Khlopov M. Yu. , Wallemacq Q.
Published: February 2014

It was recently proposed that stable particles of charge −2,O--, can exist and constitute dark matter after they bind with primordial helium in O-helium (OHe) atoms. We study here in detail the possibility that this model provides an explanation for the excess of gamma radiation in the positron-annihilation line from the galactic bulge observed by INTEGRAL. This explanation assumes that OHe, excited to a 2s state through collisions in the central part of the Galaxy, deexcites to its ground state via anE0transition, emitting an electron-positron pair. The cross-section for OHe collisions with excitation to 2s level is calculated and it is shown that the rate of such excitations in the galactic bulge strongly depends not only on the mass of O-helium, which is determined by the mass ofO--, but also on the density and velocity distribution of dark matter. Given the astrophysical uncertainties on these distributions, this mechanism constrains theO--mass to lie in two possible regions. One of these is reachable in the experimental searches for stable multicharged particles at the LHC.
The Effect of Hypoxia on the Stemness and Differentiation Capacity of PDLC and DPC
Authors: Zhou Yinghong , Fan Wei , Xiao Yin
Published: February 2014

Introduction. Stem cells are regularly cultured under normoxic conditions. However, the physiological oxygen tension in the stem cell niche is known to be as low as 1-2% oxygen, suggesting that hypoxia has a distinct impact on stem cell maintenance. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and dental pulp cells (DPCs) are attractive candidates in dental tissue regeneration. It is of great interest to know whether hypoxia plays a role in maintaining the stemness and differentiation capacity of PDLCs and DPCs.Methods. PDLCs and DPCs were cultured either in normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (2% O2). Cell viability assays were performed and the expressions of pluripotency markers (Oct-4, Sox2, and c-Myc) were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Mineralization, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) deposition, and lipid droplets formation were assessed by Alizarin red S, Safranin O, and Oil red O staining, respectively.Results. Hypoxia did not show negative effects on the proliferation of PDLCs and DPCs. The pluripotency markers and differentiation potentials of PDLCs and DPCs significantly increased in response to hypoxic environment.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that hypoxia plays an important role in maintaining the stemness and differentiation capacity of PDLCs and DPCs.
Softα-Open Sets and Softα-Continuous Functions
Authors: Akdag Metin , Ozkan Alkan
Published: February 2014

We introduce softα-sets on soft topological spaces and study some of their properties. We also investigate the concepts of softα-continuous and softα-open functions and discuss their relationships with soft continuous and other weaker forms of soft continuous functions. Also counterexamples are given to show the noncoincidence of these functions.

Corrigendum to “Soft α-Open Sets and Soft α-Continuous Functions”
Robust Homography Estimation Based on Nonlinear Least Squares Optimization
Authors: Mou Wei , Wang Han , Seet Gerald
Published: February 2014

The homography between image pairs is normally estimated by minimizing a suitable cost function given 2D keypoint correspondences. The correspondences are typically established using descriptor distance of keypoints. However, the correspondences are often incorrect due to ambiguous descriptors which can introduce errors into following homography computing step. There have been numerous attempts to filter out these erroneous correspondences, but it is unlikely to always achieve perfect matching. To deal with this problem, we propose a nonlinear least squares optimization approach to compute homography such that false matches have no or little effect on computed homography. Unlike normal homography computation algorithms, our method formulates not only the keypoints’ geometric relationship but also their descriptor similarity into cost function. Moreover, the cost function is parametrized in such a way that incorrect correspondences can be simultaneously identified while the homography is computed. Experiments show that the proposed approach can perform well even with the presence of a large number of outliers.
Effect of Dementia on the Use of Drugs for Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Fowler Nicole R. , Barnato Amber E. , Degenholtz Howard B. , Curcio Angela M. , Becker James T. , Kuller Lewis H. , Lopez Oscar L.
Published: February 2014

Background. Dementia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are frequently comorbid. The presence of dementia may have an effect on how CVD is treated.Objective. To examine the effect of dementia on the use of four medications recommended for secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD): angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, lipid-lowering medications, and antiplatelet medications.Design. Retrospective analysis of data from the Cardiovascular Health Study: Cognition Study.Setting and Subjects. 1,087 older adults in four US states who had or developed IHD between 1989 and 1998.Methods. Generalized estimating equations to explore the association between dementia and the use of guideline-recommended medications for the secondary prevention of IHD.Results. The length of follow-up for the cohort was 8.7 years and 265 (24%) had or developed dementia during the study. Use of medications for the secondary prevention of IHD for patients with and without dementia increased during the study period. In models, subjects with dementia were not less likely to use any one particular class of medication but were less likely to use two or more classes of medications as a group (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36–0.99).Conclusions. Subjects with dementia used fewer guideline-recommended medications for the secondary prevention of IHD than those without dementia.
Fistuloclysis Improves Liver Function and Nutritional Status in Patients with High-Output Upper Enteric Fistula
Authors: Wu Yin , Ren Jianan , Wang Gefei , Zhou Bo , Ding Chao , Gu Guosheng , Chen Jun , Liu Song , Li Jieshou
Published: February 2014

Background.We aimed to determine the efficacy of fistuloclysis in patients with high-output upper enteric fistula (EF).Methods.Patients were assigned into the fistuloclysis group (n=35, receiving fistuloclysis plus total enteral nutrition (TEN)) and the control group (n=60, receiving TEN). Laboratory variables were measured during the four-week treatment.Results.At baseline, variables were similar between the two groups. Delta value was defined as the changes from baseline to day 28. Compared with the control group, the fistuloclysis group showed greater improvements in liver function (Delta total bilirubin (TB):20.3±9.7in the fistuloclysis group versus15.6±6.3in the control group,P=0.040; Delta direct bilirubin (DB):12.5±3.4versus10.0±3.6,P=0.011; Delta alkaline phosphatase (ALP):98.4±33.5versus57.6±20.9,P<0.001); nutritional status (Delta total protein:21.8±8.7versus10.7±2.1,P<0.001; Delta albumin:11.3±2.5versus4.2±1.3,P<0.001). In the fistuloclysis subgroups, biliary fistula patients had the maximum number of variables with the greatest improvements.Conclusions.Fistuloclysis improved hepatic and nutritional parameters in patients with high-output upper EF, particularly in biliary fistula patients.
The Expression of Bcl-2 and BID in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Gryko Mariusz , Pryczynicz Anna , Zareba Konrad , Kędra Bogusław , Kemona Andrzej , Guzińska-Ustymowicz Katarzyna
Published: February 2014

Background.Bcl-2 and BID play a major role in the process of apoptosis and their dysfunction underlies carcinogenesis. The study objective was to assess the expression of Bcl-2 and BID in gastric cancer cells in correlation with chosen clinicopathological parameters, presence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection, and patients’ survival.Materials and Methods.The study involved 88 patients operated on for gastric cancer. The expressions of Bcl-2 and BID were determined immunohistochemically.Results.Positive Bcl-2 expression was found in 55.7% and, BID in 53.6% of patients. The Bcl-2 expression correlated with stage pT3 and T4 gastric cancerP<0.05, with the intestinal type according to LaurenP<0.001, ulcerated type according to Bormann’s classificationP<0.01, and with local lymph node metastasesP<0.05.Conclusion.The Bcl-2 protein plays a key role in the process of gastric cancer formation and is associated with the growth of definite types of gastric cancer.
Energy-Efficient Sleep/Wake Scheduling for Acoustic Localization Wireless Sensor Network Node
Authors: Zhen ChengFang , Liu Wenyi , Liu Yongrui , Yan Anbin
Published: February 2014

Both energy-saving and synchronization issues are the paramount concern in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper we propose a simple and efficient WSN node design based on acoustic positioning applications and present an on-demand sleep/wake scheduling synchronization protocol. Three aspects are already considered in the design: (a) power controllable; (b) energy efficient; (c) high synchronization accuracy. Our primary goal is to maximize energy saving and to control power supplying according to environments and demands. We establish a model of energy consumption and improve it by the ways of power control and on-demand synchronization. The on-demand synchronization protocols are implemented in sensor nodes and evaluated in a testbed. Analysis and simulation were performed that the proposed protocol has significantly reduced the energy consumption. It is also demonstrated by experiments that the platform is accurate and effective.
Autologous Cord Blood Therapy for Infantile Cerebral Palsy: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Jensen A.
Published: February 2014

About 17 million people worldwide live with cerebral palsy, the most common disability in childhood, with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, preterm birth, and low birth weight being the most important risk factors. This review will focus on recent developments in cell therapy for infantile cerebral palsy by transplantation of autologous umbilical cord blood. There are only 4 publications available at present; however, the observations made along with experimental datain vivoandin vitromay be of utmost importance clinically, so that a review at an early developmental stage of this new therapeutic concept seems justified. Particularly, since the first published double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in a paradigm using allogeneic cord blood and erythropoietin to treat cerebral palsy under immunosuppression showed beneficial therapeutic effects in infantile cerebral palsy, long-held doubts about the efficacy of this new cell therapy are dispelled and a revision of therapeutic views upon an ailment, for which there is no cure at present, is warranted. Hence, this review will summarize the available information on autologous cord blood therapy for cerebral palsy and that on the relevant experimental work as far as potential mechanisms and modes of action are concerned.
Inhibition of CeramideDe NovoSynthesis with Myriocin Affects Lipid Metabolism in the Liver of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kurek Krzysztof , Wiesiołek-Kurek Patrycja , Piotrowska Dominika M. , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Chabowski Adrian , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2014

Nowadays diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases. Sphingolipids, which are vitally important constituents of intracellular signal transduction pathways, may be among the most pathogenic lipid moieties intermingled in the origin and development of diabetes. It is now well established that inhibition ofde novoceramide synthesis with myriocin exerts positive effects on lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus animal models. However, its influence on type I diabetes still remains unknown. Therefore, the scope of this paper is to fulfill that particular gap in our knowledge.