bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrological Design of Nonstationary Flood Extremes and Durations in Wujiang River, South China: Changing Properties, Causes, and Impacts
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Lijuan , Xu C.-Y. , Zhang Jiaming , Ye Changqing
Published: June 2013

The flood-duration-frequency (QDF) analysis is performed using annual maximum streamflow series of 1–10 day durations observed at Pingshi and Lishi stations in southern China. The trends and change point of annual maximum flood flow and flood duration are also investigated by statistical tests. The results indicate that (1) the annual maximum flood flow only has a marginally increasing trend, whereas the flood duration exhibits a significant decreasing trend at the 0.10 significant level. The change point for the annual maximum flood flow series was found in 1991 and after which the mean maximum flood flow increased by 45.26%. (2) The period after 1991 is characterized by frequent and shorter duration floods due to increased rainstorm. However, land use change in the basin was found intensifying the increased tendency of annual maximum flow after 1991. And (3) under nonstationary environmental conditions, alternative definitions of return period should be adapted. The impacts on curve fitting of flood series showed an overall change of upper tail from “gentle” to “steep,” and the design flood magnitude became larger. Therefore, a nonstationary frequency analysis taking account of change point in the data series is highly recommended for future studies.
Roles Nrf2 Plays in Myeloid Cells and Related Disorders
Authors: Kobayashi Eri , Suzuki Takafumi , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: June 2013

The Keap1-Nrf2 system protects animals from oxidative and electrophilic stresses. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that induces the expression of genes essential for detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytotoxic electrophiles. Keap1 is a stress sensor protein that binds to and ubiquitinates Nrf2 under unstressed conditions, leading to the rapid proteasomal degradation of Nrf2. Upon exposure to stress, Keap1 is modified and inactivated, which allows Nrf2 to accumulate and activate the transcription of a battery of cytoprotective genes. Antioxidative and detoxification activities are important for many types of cells to avoid DNA damage and cell death. Accumulating lines of recent evidence suggest that Nrf2 is also required for the primary functions of myeloid cells, which include phagocytosis, inflammation regulation, and ROS generation for bactericidal activities. In fact, results from several mouse models have shown that Nrf2 expression in myeloid cells is required for the proper regulation of inflammation, antitumor immunity, and atherosclerosis. Moreover, several molecules generated upon inflammation activate Nrf2. Although ROS detoxification mediated by Nrf2 is assumed to be required for anti-inflammation, the entire picture of the Nrf2-mediated regulation of myeloid cell primary functions has yet to be elucidated. In this review, we describe the Nrf2 inducers characteristic of myeloid cells and the contributions of Nrf2 to diseases.
Solutions and Improved Perturbation Analysis for the Matrix EquationX-A*X-pA=Q  (p>0)
Authors: Li Jing
Published: June 2013

The nonlinear matrix equationX-A*X-pA=Qwithp>0is investigated. We consider two cases of this equation: the casep≥1and the case0<p<1.In the casep≥1, a new sufficient condition for the existence of a unique positive definite solution for the matrix equation is obtained. A perturbation estimate for the positive definite solution is derived. Explicit expressions of the condition number for the positive definite solution are given. In the case0<p<1, a new sharper perturbation bound for the unique positive definite solution is derived. A new backward error of an approximate solution to the unique positive definite solution is obtained. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical examples.
Visible and Infrared Face Identification via Sparse Representation
Authors: Buyssens Pierre , Revenu Marinette
Published: June 2013

We present a facial recognition technique based on facial sparse representation. A dictionary is learned from data, and patches extracted from a face are decomposed in a sparse manner onto this dictionary. We particularly focus on the design of dictionaries that play a crucial role in the final identification rates. Applied to various databases and modalities, we show that this approach gives interesting performances. We propose also a score fusion framework that allows quantifying the saliency classifiers outputs and merging them according to these saliencies.
A Note on -Potence Preservers on Matrix Spaces over Complex Field
Authors: Song Xiaofei , Cao Chongguang , Zheng Baodong
Published: June 2013

Let be the field of all complex numbers, the space of all matrices over , and the subspace of consisting of all symmetric matrices. The map satisfies that is -potent in implying that is -potent in , where then there exist an invertible matrix and with such that for every . Moreover, the inductive method used in this paper can be used to characterise similar maps from to .
Whole-Body18FDG-PET in an Arthritis Paraneoplastic Syndrome Revealed an Underlying Hematological Neoplasm
Authors: Cammilleri Serge , Guzian Marie Caroline , Mattei Jean-Pierre , Mundler Olivier , Guis Sandrine
Published: June 2013

We showed the first image of18FDG-PET, which leads to a diagnosis of lymphoma in an atypical polyarthritis. About 4% of patients with lymphoma or leukemia suffered from rheumatologic paraneoplastic symptoms like arthralgia and about 10% of the patients with rheumatologic or neurologic clinical symptoms develop a solid cancer or hematological neoplasm.18FDG-PET is an interesting exam to identify an underlying malignancy when a paraneoplastic syndrome is suspected; it can detect the primitive lesion and/or the metastasis lesions. The use of the18FDG-PET can help to detect earlier hematological neoplasm in cases of paraneoplastic syndrome without a determined cause and to treat more rapidly and specifically the patient.
Deadline-Aware Scheduling Perspectives in Industrial Wireless Networks: A Comparison between IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth
Authors: Collotta Mario , Pau Giovanni , Scatà Gianfranco
Published: June 2013

In industrial contexts, most of process control applications use wired communication networks. The reliability of wired networks is indisputable and extensively demonstrated by several studies in the literature. However, it is important to consider several disadvantages provided by the use of wired technologies, like high deployment and maintenance costs and low network scalability. Although it is difficult to fully replace wired networks, wireless communication protocols have features which could undeniably affect in positive way the production mechanisms in factories. The wireless networks (WNs) are effectively used to detect and exchange information. The main communication protocols, currently available for WNs, however, do not support real-time periodic traffic flows which, as known, mainly characterize industrial networks. In this paper, we will analyze a real-time scheduling algorithm for both periodic and aperiodic traffic management, applied to networks based on IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth, respectively. The main purpose of this research is to reduce, as much as possible, the packet loss on the channel, increasing at the same time the reliability of the wireless technology. Furthermore, the comparison between IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth will allow to identify the more suitable communication protocol for industrial process control systems.
Extreme Velocity Fluctuations below Free Hydraulic Jumps
Authors: Lopardo Raúl Antonio
Published: June 2013

The internal flow of hydraulic jump is essentially an unsteady flow subjected to macroturbulent random fluctuations, and it was not known enough. Then, for the fluctuating motion interpretation, the experimental research on the associated turbulence must be necessary. The author developed in the past extensive laboratory research for the instantaneous pressure field determination by means of pressure transducers and new introductory experiments on velocity fluctuations by means of the ADV technique. The experimental study of the instantaneous pressure field was based on the knowledge of several statistical parameters of amplitudes and frequencies as functions of the Froude number, but for this paper the maximum instantaneous negative of pressure amplitudes on the floor is considered, in order to estimate the extreme maximum positive velocities near the bottom. A useful relationship between turbulence intensity and the pressure fluctuation coefficient was proposed from ADV velocity fluctuation for low incident Froude numbers. By means of this relationship, the value (instantaneous positive semiamplitude with 0.1% of probability to be surpassed) can be considered for the determination of the turbulent extreme velocity near the bottom, under a free hydraulic jump stilling basin with incident Froude number .
Deep Temperature Measurements in Oncothermia Processes
Authors: Nagy Gabor , Meggyeshazi Nora , Szasz Oliver
Published: June 2013

Temperature in depth of various model systems was measured, starting with muscle and other phantoms. It was shown that the temperature can be selectively increased in the target. In water-protein phantom, the protein coagulation (>60°C) was observed selectively while the water temperature around it was a little higher than room temperature.
Effect of Crack Healing of SiC according to Times of SiO2Colloid Coating
Authors: Nam Ki Woo
Published: June 2013

Crack healing behavior of SiC ceramics with large crack width has been studied as a function of coating and heat treatment. The SiO2colloid coating was carried out on two types: hydrostatic pressure coating and roll coating. The crack healing was one hour at 1173 K in air. The crack part formed SiO2oxides until the critical times by a hydrostatic pressure method. The crack does not anymore heal if it exceeds the critical times. The crack part and the base part have many O components and Si components regardless of the times of coating and heat treatment. The combined hydrostatic and rolling coating method did not have nearly an effect on crack-healing for large crack width over 1.4 μm. The study for more effective healing of a large crack width must be carried out in the future.
Uncertainty Assessment of Hydrological Frequency Analysis Using Bootstrap Method
Authors: Hu Yi-Ming , Liang Zhong-Min , Li Bin-Quan , Yu Zhong-Bo
Published: June 2013

The hydrological frequency analysis (HFA) is the foundation for the hydraulic engineering design and water resources management. Hydrological extreme observations or samples are the basis for HFA; the representativeness of a sample series to the population distribution is extremely important for the estimation reliability of the hydrological design value or quantile. However, for most of hydrological extreme data obtained in practical application, the size of the samples is usually small, for example, in China about 40~50 years. Generally, samples with small size cannot completely display the statistical properties of the population distribution, thus leading to uncertainties in the estimation of hydrological design values. In this paper, a new method based on bootstrap is put forward to analyze the impact of sampling uncertainty on the design value. By bootstrap resampling technique, a large number of bootstrap samples are constructed from the original flood extreme observations; the corresponding design value or quantile is estimated for each bootstrap sample, so that the sampling distribution of design value is constructed; based on the sampling distribution, the uncertainty of quantile estimation can be quantified. Compared with the conventional approach, this method provides not only the point estimation of a design value but also quantitative evaluation on uncertainties of the estimation.
Family Doctors Seen through the Eyes of Specialists: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Probst Anna , Natanzon Iris , Szecsenyi Joachim , Joos Stefanie
Published: June 2013

Germany is facing a shortage of young family doctors. In search of possible reasons the aim of this study was to explore the perception of specialists on family doctors. Within a qualitative study 16 medical specialists from different fields in hospital and outpatient care setting were interviewed. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Most of the interviewed specialists have a positive view on family doctors although a certain depreciative assumption is resonated in a number of statements. According to the specialists, family doctors enjoy a high status in public, even if social processes of change may have a negative influence on their rather old-fashioned image. Specialists find that family medicine is underrepresented in university education suffering from an upgrading of specialized disciplines. Altogether the majority of the interviewed specialists certify family doctors in Germany a positive image. Lecturer in medical education and training should be aware of their key role in the career choices of young trainees and avoid degradation or upgrading of certain medical disciplines. Interlinked measures on different levels focusing on the improvement of working conditions and representation at the universities would be needed to regain attractiveness for the family doctor's profession as a career choice for young doctors.
SGC Tests for Influence of Material Composition on Compaction Characteristic of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Chen Qun , Li Yuzhi
Published: June 2013

Compaction characteristic of the surface layer asphalt mixture (13‐type gradation mixture) was studied using Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) simulative compaction tests. Based on analysis of densification curve of gyratory compaction, influence rules of the contents of mineral aggregates of all sizes and asphalt on compaction characteristic of asphalt mixtures were obtained. SGC Tests show that, for the mixture with a bigger content of asphalt, its density increases faster, that there is an optimal amount of fine aggregates for optimal compaction and that an appropriate amount of mineral powder will improve workability of mixtures, but overmuch mineral powder will make mixtures dry and hard. Conclusions based on SGC tests can provide basis for how to adjust material composition for improving compaction performance of asphalt mixtures, and for the designed asphalt mixture, its compaction performance can be predicted through these conclusions, which also contributes to the choice of compaction schemes.
A Review of the Epidemiological Methods Used to Investigate the Health Impacts of Air Pollution around Major Industrial Areas
Authors: Pascal Mathilde , Pascal Laurence , Bidondo Marie-Laure , Cochet Amandine , Sarter Hélène , Stempfelet Morgane , Wagner Vérène
Published: June 2013

We performed a literature review to investigate how epidemiological studies have been used to assess the health consequences of living in the vicinity of industries. 77 papers on the chronic effects of air pollution around major industrial areas were reviewed. Major health themes were cancers (27 studies), morbidity (25 studies), mortality (7 studies), and birth outcome (7 studies). Only 3 studies investigated mental health. While studies were available from many different countries, a majority of papers came from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Several studies were motivated by concerns from the population or by previous observations of an overincidence of cases. Geographical ecological designs were largely used for studying cancer and mortality, including statistical designs to quantify a relationship between health indicators and exposure. Morbidity was frequently investigated through cross-sectional surveys on the respiratory health of children. Few multicenter studies were performed. In a majority of papers, exposed areas were defined based on the distance to the industry and were located from <2 km to >20 km from the plants. Improving the exposure assessment would be an asset to future studies. Criteria to include industries in multicenter studies should be defined.
ZSM-5 Filled Polyether Block Amide Membranes for Separating EA from Aqueous Solution by Pervaporation
Authors: Gu Jin , Zhang Xinran , Bai Yunxiang , Yang Le , Zhang Chunfang , Sun Yuping
Published: June 2013

ZSM-5 filled polyether block amide membranes (PEBA), PEBA/ZSM-5, were prepared and used to recover aroma, ethyl acetate (EA), from aqueous solution by pervaporation (PV). The membranes demonstrated high EA permselectivity, and with the increase of ZSM-5 loading, the separation factor increased initially and then decreased, while the total flux demonstrated the similar variation until the ZSM-5 loading was 10 wt%, at which it reached the lowest value. After that, it began to increase again. On the other hand, the separation factor, and total flux of the PEBA/ZSM-5 membrane containing 10 wt% ZSM-5, PEBA/ZSM-5-10, increased with the increase of feed concentration and temperature. The best PV performance, separation factor and total flux of PEBA/ZSM-5-10 membrane were 185.5 and 199.5 gm−2h−1, respectively, with feed concentration of 5 wt% EA at 50°C.
Modeling of the Channel Thickness Influence on Electrical Characteristics and Series Resistance in Gate-Recessed Nanoscale SOI MOSFETs
Authors: Karsenty A. , Chelly A.
Published: June 2013

Ultrathin body (UTB) and nanoscale body (NSB) SOI-MOSFET devices, sharing a similar W/L but with a channel thickness of 46 nm and lower than 5 nm, respectively, were fabricated using a selective “gate-recessed” process on the same silicon wafer. Their current-voltage characteristics measured at room temperature were found to be surprisingly different by several orders of magnitude. We analyzed this result by considering the severe mobility degradation and the influence of a huge series resistance and found that the last one seems more coherent. Then the electrical characteristics of the NSB can be analytically derived by integrating a gate voltage-dependent drain source series resistance. In this paper, the influence of the channel thickness on the series resistance is reported for the first time. This influence is integrated to the analytical model in order to describe the trends of the saturation current with the channel thickness. This modeling approach may be useful to interpret anomalous electrical behavior of other nanodevices in which series resistance and/or mobility degradation is of a great concern.
Detection of Myoglobin with an Open-Cavity-Based Label-Free Photonic Crystal Biosensor
Authors: Zhang Bailin , Tamez-Vela Juan Manuel , Solis Steven , Bustamante Gilbert , Peterson Ralph , Rahman Shafiqur , Morales Andres , Tang Liang , Ye Jing Yong
Published: June 2013

The label-free detection of one of the cardiac biomarkers, myoglobin, using a photonic-crystal-based biosensor in a total-internal-reflection configuration (PC-TIR) is presented in this paper. The PC-TIR sensor possesses a unique open optical microcavity that allows for several key advantages in biomolecular assays. In contrast to a conventional closed microcavity, the open configuration allows easy functionalization of the sensing surface for rapid biomolecular binding assays. Moreover, the properties of PC structures make it easy to be designed and engineered for operating at any optical wavelength. Through fine design of the photonic crystal structure, biochemical modification of the sensor surface, and integration with a microfluidic system, we have demonstrated that the detection sensitivity of the sensor for myoglobin has reached the clinically significant concentration range, enabling potential usage of this biosensor for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The real-time response of the sensor to the myoglobin binding may potentially provide point-of-care monitoring of patients and treatment effects.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion and Ibuprofen, a Rare Association to Be Considered: Role of Tolvaptan
Authors: Artom Nathan , Oddo Silvia , Pende Aldo , Ottonello Luciano , Giusti Massimo , Dallegri Franco
Published: June 2013

The association between the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is rare and has never been treated with an arginine vasopressin receptor antagonist. We report a unique case of SIADH associated with ibuprofen use and successfully treated with tolvaptan. A 76-year-old man came to our observation because of lumbar pain and epigastric discomfort. He was taking ibuprofen orally 400 mg bid as an analgesic treatment. Laboratory tests showed low levels of sodium (116 mmol/L) and chloride; a diagnosis of SIADH was formulated and ibuprofen was stopped immediately. Imaging tests allowed to rule out the presence of malignancies or cerebral and lung diseases. Slightly hypertonic saline infusion was administered for 3 days without significant sodium improvement; therefore, tolvaptan was started at the initial dose of 7.5 mg daily, doubled after 5 days. After 8 days of treatment the patient showed progressive increase of sodium levels up to normal values. In the following weeks tolvaptan was prescribed at progressively titrated dosage to full suspension; afterwards the sodium levels remained normal without any type of treatment.
Jatropha curcas L. Root Structure and Growth in Diverse Soils
Authors: Valdés-Rodríguez Ofelia Andrea , Sánchez-Sánchez Odilón , Pérez-Vázquez Arturo , Caplan Joshua S. , Danjon Frédéric
Published: June 2013

Unlike most biofuel species, Jatropha curcas has promise for use in marginal lands, but it may serve an additional role by stabilizing soils. We evaluated the growth and structural responsiveness of young J. curcas plants to diverse soil conditions. Soils included a sand, a sandy‐loam, and a clay‐loam from eastern Mexico. Growth and structural parameters were analyzed for shoots and roots, although the focus was the plasticity of the primary root system architecture (the taproot and four lateral roots). The sandy soil reduced the growth of both shoot and root systems significantly more than sandy‐loam or clay‐loam soils; there was particularly high plasticity in root and shoot thickness, as well as shoot length. However, the architecture of the primary root system did not vary with soil type; the departure of the primary root system from an index of perfect symmetry was 14 ± 5% (mean ± standard deviation). Although J. curcas developed more extensively in the sandy‐loam and clay‐loam soils than in sandy soil, it maintained a consistent root to shoot ratio and root system architecture across all types of soil. This strong genetic determination would make the species useful for soil stabilization purposes, even while being cultivated primarily for seed oil.
Optimal Control for a Parallel Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wang Dong-yun , Guan Chen
Published: June 2013

Optimal control using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is put forward in a parallel hybrid hydraulic excavator (PHHE). A power‐train mathematical model of PHHE is illustrated along with the analysis of components’ parameters. Then, the optimal control problem is addressed, and PSO algorithm is introduced to deal with this nonlinear optimal problem which contains lots of inequality/equality constraints. Then, the comparisons between the optimal control and rule‐based one are made, and the results show that hybrids with the optimal control would increase fuel economy. Although PSO algorithm is off‐line optimization, still it would bring performance benchmark for PHHE and also help have a deep insight into hybrid excavators.
Reduction of Magnetite in the Presence of Activated Carbon Using Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Moloto Ledwaba Harry , Manzini Sunnyboy Stanley , Dikio Ezekiel Dixon
Published: June 2013

The reduction behaviour of magnetite using graphite under ball‐milling conditions (using a planetary mono mill, Fritsch Pulverisette 6) has been investigated. The reaction of magnetite and graphite at different milling conditions leads to the formation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ species, the former increasing at the expense of Fe3O4. Fe3O4 completely disappeared after a ball to powder ratio of 50 : 1 and beyond. The Fe2+ species were confirmed to be due to FeO using Mössbauer Spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirm the reduction of magnetite to wüstite.
The ETS-Domain Transcription Factor Elk-1 Regulates COX-2 Gene Expression and Inhibits Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in the Pancreaticβ-Cell Line INS-1
Authors: Zhang Xiong-Fei , Zhu Yi , Liang Wen-Biao , Zhang Jing-Jing
Published: June 2013

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is associated with many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions, including pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, as a consequence of COX-2 gene induction, has been reported to impairβ-cell function. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of COX-2 gene expression are not fully understood. We previously demonstrated that transcription factor Elk-1 significantly upregulated COX-2 gene promoter activity. In this report, we used pancreaticβ-cell line (INS-1) to explore the relationships between Elk-1 and COX-2. We first investigated the effects of Elk-1 on COX-2 transcriptional regulation and expression in INS-1 cells. We thus undertook to study the binding of Elk-1 to its putative binding sites in the COX-2 promoter. We also analysed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in INS-1 cells that overexpressed Elk-1. Our results demonstrate that Elk-1 efficiently upregulates COX-2 expression at least partly through directly binding to the −82/−69 region of COX-2 promoter. Overexpression of Elk-1 inhibits GSIS in INS-1 cells. These findings will be helpful for better understanding the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 in pancreaticβ-cell. Moreover, Elk-1, the transcriptional regulator of COX-2 expression, will be a potential target for the prevention ofβ-cell dysfunction mediated by PGE2.
Global Existence and Blowup for a Reaction-Diffusion System with Nonlocal Boundary Condition
Authors: Zhou Jun
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the singularity properties of positive solutions for a reaction-diffusion system with nonlocal boundary condition. The conditions on the existence and nonexistence of global positive solutions are given. Moreover, we establish the blow-up rate estimate for the blow-up solution.
An Effective Procedure for In Vitro Culture ofEleusine coracana(L.) and Its Application
Authors: Yemets Alla I. , Bayer Galina Ya. , Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: June 2013

Efficient protocols for callus production, plantlet regeneration, protoplast isolation, and micronucleation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana(L.) Gaertn.) were developed. White nodulated calli were formed on medium with N6macrosalts, MS microsalts, 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 mg L−1), kinetin (0.4 mg L−1), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (2 mg L−1), and certain additives. It was found that appropriate supplementation leads to formation of numerous shoots. Healthy rooted plantlets formed on hormone-free media. Although different tested additives had no significant effect on percentage of callus formation, it affected callus quality that further dictated plant-forming capacities. Seedlings were better source tissues for protoplasts isolation compared to callus cultures. About protoplasts were isolated from one gram of seedling coleoptyles. Microcolonies were visible after 20–25 days' incubation on KM8p medium supplemented with glutamine (100 mg L−1) and proline (500 mg L−1). Here we also present a procedure of an efficient induction of micronuclei after chlorpropham (10 μM) and cytochalasin-B (20 μM) seedlings treatment with subsequent microprotoplasts isolation. This technique is discussed for the transfer of alien chromosomes and genes from finger millet by microprotoplast-mediated chromosome transfer.
Local and Systemic Immune Responses to Salmonella in Genetically Susceptible I/St Mice after Mucosal Challenge
Authors: Kobets N. V. , Nesterenko L. N. , Balunets D. V.
Published: June 2013

It was previously demonstrated that mice of I/StSnEgYCit (I/St) strain are more susceptible to tuberculosis infection than A/SnYCit (A/Sn) mice, and this susceptibility was controlled by a few interacting QTLs mapped to chromosomes 3, 9, 17. It was also shown, that I/St mice displayed higher susceptibility to acute salmonella disease after intraperitoneal challenge with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Genetic mapping showed the involvement of Tbs2 (D9Mit89) loci in control of both salmonella and tuberculosis infections. In this study we define the immunological correlates of susceptibility in I/St mice after oral administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium. We found that resistance/susceptibility in I/St and A/Sn mice in our experiments correlated with differential pattern of early local and systemic responses of innate cells and specifically with higher involvement of Gr-1+ cells in local responses of resistant mice. This correlated with higher mucosal antibody production in A/Sn mice compared to I/St. I/St mice had predominant local involvement of CD11c+ cells and lack of mucosal antibodies. CD11c+ cells were the major type of cells that facilitated dissemination of salmonella to the target organs, while Gr-1+ cells contributed to exaggerated systemic inflammatory responses later in the course of infection. Our observations regarding the role of different cell populations in local and systemic immunity in susceptible and resistant mice are of importance for understanding of salmonella-induced cellular pathology and development of the strategy of its control.
Informal Trade of Psychoactive Herbal Products in the City of Diadema, SP, Brazil: Quality and Potential Risks
Authors: Soares Neto Julino Assunção Rodrigues , Kato Edna Myiake , Bugno Adriana , Galduróz José Carlos F. , Marques Luis Carlos , Macrini Thiago , Rodrigues Eliana
Published: June 2013

The present study aimed to assess the quality and risks involved in the consumption of psychoactive herbal products (PHs) that are available through informal commerce in the city of Diadema, SP, Brazil. Methods of ethnography were used to conduct the fieldwork during which four dealers were selected to record the collection, handling, packaging, types of PHs marketed, and their therapeutic purposes. In addition, lots of the PHs selected were purchased from the dealers and analyzed using microbiology and pharmacognosy techniques. 217 PHs were recorded and categorized into two main groups:stimulants(67%) anddepressants(27%) of the central nervous system; sixteen of them were selected, and their 52 lots were acquired. The deficiencies observed in handling and packaging these lots by dealers were confirmed by microbiological analysis; 80.8% of them presented risk according to the indicators defined by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The pharmacognostic analysis confirmed the authenticity of only 9 to 16 PHs analyzed. In addition, descriptions of contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug interactions were found in the literature for the PHs. The results of this study allow the observation of the priorities for the sanitary adequacy of the popular trade of herbs.
Role of Environmental Chemicals in Obesity: A Systematic Review on the Current Evidence
Authors: Kelishadi Roya , Poursafa Parinaz , Jamshidi Fahimeh
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the experimental and human studies on obesogenic chemicals and their mechanisms of action to provide a comprehensive view on the multifactorial aspects of obesity. The literatures were searched in available databases. The relevant papers were selected in three phases. After quality assessment, two reviewers extracted the data while another checked their extracted data. In this review, we summarized information regarding environmental chemicals that can be associated with obesity. Most evidence comes from experimental and laboratory studies; however a growing number of human studies also support the role of obesogenic chemicals. The current evidence proposes that the systemic responses to exposure to environmental factors could potentially increase the risk of excess weight. The effects of exposure to these chemicals are of crucial importance during developmental phases of life, when preprogramming for an adipogenic outcome may occur. By considering the adverse transgenerational effects of obesogen chemicals on human health, the global obesity epidemic should be considered as a multifactorial complex disorder necessitating the emphasis of public health interventions for environmental protection.
Resolution of PMA-Induced Skin Inflammation Involves Interaction of IFN-γand ALOX15
Authors: Zhang Guojun , Liu Xiaoman , Wang Chunhui , Qu Liwei , Deng Jingjing , Wang Hui , Qin Zhihai
Published: June 2013

Background.Acute inflammation and its timely resolution play important roles in the body’s responses to the environmental stimulation. Although IFN-γis well known for the induction of inflammation, its role in the inflammation resolution is still poorly understood.Methodology and Principal Findings.In this study, we investigated the function of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) during the resolution of PMA-induced skin inflammationin vivo. The results revealed that the expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in skin decreased during the resolution stage of PMA-induced inflammation, while IFN-γis still maintained at a relatively high level. Neutralization of endogenous IFN-γled to accelerated reduction of epidermal thickness and decreased epithelial cell proliferation. Similarly, decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells (Gr1+or CD11b+cells) and a significant reduction of proinflammatory cytokines were also observed upon the blockade of IFN-γ. Furthermore, neutralization of IFN-γboosted ALOX15 expression of the skin during inflammation resolution. In accordance, application of lipoxin A4 (LXA4, a product of ALOX15) obtained a proresolution effect similar to neutralization of IFN-γ. These results demonstrated that through upregulating ALOX15-LXA4 pathway, blockage of IFN-γcan promote the resolution of PMA-induced skin inflammation.
Using Activity Recognition for Building Planning Action Models
Authors: Ortiz Javier , García-Olaya Angel , Borrajo Daniel
Published: June 2013

Automated Planning has been successfully used in many domains like robotics or transportation logistics. However, building an action model is a difficult and time-consuming task even for domain experts. This paper presents a system, asra-amla, for automatically generating planning action models from sensor readings. Activity recognition is used to extract the actions that a user performs and the states produced by those actions. Then, the sequences of actions and states are used to infer a planning action model. With this approach, the system can automatically build an action model related to human-centered activities. It allows us to automatically build an assistance system for guiding humans to complete a task using Automated Planning. To test our approach, a new dataset from a kitchen domain has been generated. The tests performed show that our system is capable of extracting actions and states correctly from sensor time series and creating a planning domain used to guide a human to complete a task correctly.
Lipoprotein(a) Serum Levels in Diabetic Patients with Retinopathy
Authors: Malaguarnera Giulia , Gagliano Caterina , Bucolo Claudio , Vacante Marco , Salomone Salvatore , Malaguarnera Michele , Leonardi Daniela Giovanna , Motta Massimo , Drago Filippo , Avitabile Teresio
Published: June 2013

Background. Atherogenic lipoproteins, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, oxidized low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, are associated with progression of retinopathy.Aim. To evaluate the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and Methods. We enrolled 145 diabetic consecutive patients (82 females, 63 males; mean age66.8±12years, mean duration of diabetes9.4±6.8years). Presence and severity of retinopathy were evaluated. Serum lipid profile, including Lp(a) level, was assessed.Results. High Lp(a) levels have been observed in 54 (78.3%) subjects and normal levels in 13 (18.85%) subjects as regards diabetic patients with retinopathy. Lp(a) levels were high in 15 subjects (21.75%) and normal in 63 subjects (91.35%) as regards patients without retinopathy.Conclusions. Lp(a) levels are increased in a significant percentage of patients with retinopathy compared to diabetic patients without retinopathy. The impact of Lp(a) levels on diabetic retinopathy needs to be further investigated.
Detection of the Departure from Nucleate Boiling in Nuclear Fuel Rod Simulators
Authors: Mesquita Amir Zacarias , Rodrigues Rogério Rivail
Published: June 2013

In the thermal hydraulic experiments to determin parameters of heat transfer where fuel rod simulators are heated by electric current, the preservation of the simulators is essential when the heat flux goes to the critical point. One of the most important limits in the design of cooling water reactors is the condition in which the heat transfer coefficient by boiling in the core deteriorates itself. The heat flux just before deterioration is denominated critical heat flux (CHF). At this time, the small increase in heat flux or in the refrigerant inlet temperature at the core, or the small decrease in the inlet flux of cooling, results in changes in the heat transfer mechanism. This causes increases in the surface temperature of the fuel elements causing failures at the fuel (burnout). This paper describes the experiments conducted to detect critical heat flux in nuclear fuel element simulators carried out in the thermal-hydraulic laboratory of Nuclear Technology Development Centre (CDTN). It is concluded that the use of displacement transducer is the most efficient technique for detecting critical heat flux in nuclear simulators heated by electric current in open pool.
Ankle Fracture Surgery on a Pregnant Patient Complicated by Intraoperative Emergency Caesarian Section
Authors: Schwarzkopf Ran , Gross Steven C. , Coopersmith Allen , Gidumal Ramesh
Published: June 2013

We report the case of a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy who sustained an ankle fracture dislocation that could not be adequately closed reduced. After discussions with the patient, her obstetrician, and the anesthesiologists, she was indicated for surgical fixation. A heart tone monitor was used to assess fetal health during the procedure. During surgical incision, the fetus went into distress, and an emergency caesarian section was performed. After delivery of the infant and abdominal closer, surgery was completed. Due to a cohesive team effort, both the patient and her infant had excellent outcomes. There are many important considerations in the surgical management of the pregnant patient with traumatic orthopaedic injuries. Of especial importance to the orthopaedic surgeon is the impact of patient positioning on uteroplacental blood flow. This report discusses factors that should be taken into account by any orthopaedist who plans to operate on a pregnant patient.
Higenamine Combined with [6]-Gingerol Suppresses Doxorubicin-Triggered Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes via Upregulation of PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Chen Yan-Ling , Zhuang Xiao-Dong , Xu Zhi-Wei , Lu Li-He , Guo Hua-Lei , Wu Wei-Kang , Liao Xin-Xue
Published: June 2013

Sini decoction is a well-known formula of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used to treat cardiovascular disease for many years. Previously, we demonstrated that Sini decoction prevented doxorubicin-induced heart failure in vivo. However, its active components are still unclear. Thus, we investigated the active components of Sini decoction and their cardioprotective mechanisms in the in vitro neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cell line models of doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that treatment with higenamine or [6]-gingerol increased viability of doxorubicine-injured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, combined use of higenamine and [6]-gingerol exerted more profound protective effects than either drug as a single agent, with effects similar to those of dexrazoxane, a clinically approved cardiac protective agent. In addition, we found that treatment with doxorubicin reduced SOD activity, increased ROS generation, enhanced MDA formation, induced release of LDH, and triggered the intrinsic mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway in cardiomyocytes, which was inhibited by cotreatment of higenamine and [6]-gingerol. Most importantly, the cytoprotection of higenamine plus [6]-gingerol could be abrogated by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, combination of higenamine and [6]-gingerol exerts cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Higenamine and [6]-gingerol may be the active components of Sini decoction.
Corneal Sublayers Thickness Estimation Obtained by High-Resolution FD-OCT
Authors: Alberto Diego , Garello Roberto
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a novel processing technique which can be applied to corneal in vivo images obtained with optical coherence tomograms across the central meridian of the cornea. The method allows to estimate the thickness of the corneal sublayers (Epithelium, Bowman’s layer, Stroma, Endothelium, and whole corneal thickness) at any location, including the center and the midperiphery, on both nasal and temporal sides. The analysis is carried out on both the pixel and subpixel scales to reduce the uncertainty in thickness estimations. This technique allows quick and noninvasive assessment of patients. As an example of application and validation, we present the results obtained from the analysis of 52 healthy subjects, each with 3 scans per eye, for a total of more than 300 images. Particular attention has been paid to the statistical interpretation of the obtained results to find a representative assessment of each sublayer’s thickness.
Serum Total Testosterone Is a Significant Preoperative Variable Independently Contributing to Separating the Prostate Cancer Population into Prostatectomy Gleason Score Groups
Authors: Porcaro Antonio B. , Petrozziello Aldo , Ghimenton Claudio , Migliorini Filippo , Sava Teodoro , Caruso Beatrice , Cocco Claudio , Romano Mario , Cavalleri Stefano , Artibani Walter
Published: June 2013

Aim: To investigate the potential of preoperative serum total testosterone (TT) in contributing to the definition of separate prostatectomy Gleason score (pGS) groups of the prostate cancer (PCa) population. Materials and Methods: The data of 220 patients operated on for PCa were retrospectively reviewed. No patient had previously received 5α-reductase inhibitor, luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs or testosterone replacement treatment. The patient population was grouped according to the pGS as 6 = 3+3, 7 = 3+4, 7 = 4+3 and 8-10. Eight variables were simultaneously investigated in each group: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), TT, free testosterone, age, percentage of positive prostate biopsy cores (P+), biopsy Gleason score (bGS), overall cancer volume estimated as percentage of prostate volume (V+) and prostate weight (Wi). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) were the statistical methods used for evaluating the data. Results: There were 89 patients in pGS 6 = 3+3, 84 in pGS 7 = 3+4, 24 in pGS 7 = 4+3 and 23 in pGS 8-10. ANOVA showed that bGS (p < 0.0001), P+ (p < 0.0001), V+ (p < 0.0001), PSA (p = 0.0001), Wi (p = 0.0002) and TT (p = 0.01) were significantly different in the four pGS groups. MANOVA tests showed that only bGS (p < 0.0001), V+ (p = 0.0003), TT (p = 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, PSA (p = 0.06) were the significant variables that individually and independently contributed a significant amount to separation of the four pGS groups of the PCa population. MDA showed that the independent variables ranked as bGS (p < 0.0001), TT (p = 0.001), V+ (p = 0.001) and PSA (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Serum TT is a significant preoperative variable that independently contributes to separating the PCa population into pGS score groups. Pretreatment baseline serum TT levels should be measured and their inclusion in neural networks predicting PCa natural history be considered in the patient population diagnosed with PCa.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Prevalence of Renal Neoplasias in Surgical Kidney Specimens
Authors: Jilg Cordula A. , Drendel Vanessa , Bacher Janina , Pisarski Przemyslaw , Neeff Hannes , Drognitz Oliver , Schwardt Malte , Gläsker Sven , Malinoc Angelica , Erlic Zoran , Nunez Mercedes , Weber Alexander , Azurmendi Pablo , Schultze-Seemann Wolfgang , Werner Martin , Neumann Hartmut P.H.
Published: June 2013

Background: The role of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) as a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still under discussion. Data on prevalence of RCC in ADPKD are limited, especially on a large population scale. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of RCC in ADPKD kidneys and characterize the clinical features of this coincidence. Methods: Based on our histopathological registry for ADPKD and the Else Kröner-Fresenius Registry, we retrospectively reviewed malignant and benign renal lesions in patients with ADPKD who had undergone renal surgery from 1988 to 2011. Results: 240 ADPKD patients underwent 301 renal surgeries. Mean age at surgery was 54 years. Overall, 16 malignant and 11 benign lesions were analyzed in 301 kidneys (5.3%; 3.7%), meaning that 12/240 (5%; 1:20) patients presented with malignant renal lesions. 66.7% (8/12) of these patients had undergone dialysis prior to surgery. We found 10/16 (63%) papillary RCC, 5/16 (31%) clear cell RCC, and 1/16 (6%) papillary noninvasive urothelial cancer. Regarding all renal lesions, 6/17 (35.3%) patients had more than one histological finding in their kidneys. In 2 cases, metachronous metastases were removed. Mean follow-up was 66.7 months. Conclusion: Kidney-related prevalence of RCC in ADPKD kidneys was surprisingly high. Whether or not this is due to chronic dialysis or due to the underlying disease is still speculative. Like other cystic renal diseases with an increased risk for RCC, the attending physician should be aware of the malignant potential of ADPKD, especially with concomitant dialysis.