bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Level Expression of Functionally Active Dengue-2 Non-Structural Antigen 1 Production inEscherichia coli
Authors: Sankar S. Gowri , Dhanajeyan K. J. , Paramasivan R. , Thenmozhi V. , Tyagi B. K. , Vennison S. John
Published: September 2013

Detection of nonstructural protein (NS1) is an important diagnostic marker during acute phase of dengue infection. Not only for diagnostic purpose, the protein had important role in vaccine design as well, as a candidate for studying virus assembly and maturation. Various researchers employed different expression systems and strategies for recombinant NS1 protein production. Attempts to express NS1 protein in prokaryotic and yeast expression system result in formation of insoluble protein which needs to undergo refolding to attain native structural and functional forms. Here, we report the production of soluble NS1 protein inE. coliby using appropriate vector and employing suitable culture conditions to maximize protein production. Proteins were purified using metal affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis reveal the native structure of NS1 protein. Solid phase ELISA using the recombinantly expressed antigen with positive and negative dengue samples showed that the expressed protein retains its antigenic and immunological properties. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the successful production of functionally active recombinant dengue-2 NS1 protein production without undergoing anyin vitroposttranslational modification process.
Metastasis of Thyroid Cancer to the Sternum after Total Thyroidectomy and Laryngectomy
Authors: Ishinaga Hajime , Miyamura Tomotaka , Tenpaku Hironori , Takeuchi Kazuhiko
Published: September 2013

Metastasis of thyroid cancer to the sternum is rare. Ablation is the therapy of choice for patients with metastasizing differentiated thyroid cancer, while surgical resection is an option for those with resectable bony metastasis. This report describes a case of a 65-year-old woman with a sternal tumor. The patient was treated by partial sternal resection and sternal reconstruction with new material polypropylene/expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) composite. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was free of recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. We conclude that surgery should be used to manage solid bony metastasis from thyroid papillary carcinoma. Further more, a polypropylene/ePTFE composite may be useful for sternal reconstruction after thoracotomy.
Global Impact Dynamic Modeling and Verification of a Flexible Beam with Large Overall Motion
Authors: Duan Yuechen , Zhang Dingguo , Hong Jiazhen
Published: September 2013

The theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental verification for the impact dynamics of a flexible beam with large overall motion are researched. Based on the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic theory of flexible multibody system, the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic equations of the beam are established. On the use of the continuous contact force method (CCFM) and the contact constraint method (CCM), the respective global impact dynamic equations of the system are derived to achieve dynamic transformation and solution in different stages including impact and unimpact status. The experimental study on the impact dynamics of the flexible beam is investigated, and the dynamic response in the impact process is obtained. The experimental results are compared with the results of the impact dynamic simulation and the finite element method (FEM) simulation. The system's dynamic behaviors in the impact process are analyzed, and the accuracy of the two impact dynamic theories is verified.
Online Coregularization for Multiview Semisupervised Learning
Authors: Sun Boliang , Li Guohui , Jia Li , Huang Kuihua
Published: September 2013

We propose a novel online coregularization framework for multiview semisupervised learning based on the notion of duality in constrained optimization. Using the weak duality theorem, we reduce the online coregularization to the task of increasing the dual function. We demonstrate that the existing online coregularization algorithms in previous work can be viewed as an approximation of our dual ascending process using gradient ascent. New algorithms are derived based on the idea of ascending the dual function more aggressively. For practical purpose, we also propose two sparse approximation approaches for kernel representation to reduce the computational complexity. Experiments show that our derived online coregularization algorithms achieve risk and accuracy comparable to offline algorithms while consuming less time and memory. Specially, our online coregularization algorithms are able to deal with concept drift and maintain a much smaller error rate. This paper paves a way to the design and analysis of online coregularization algorithms.
Endostatin/Collagen XVIII Is Increased in Cerebrospinal Fluid after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Hao , Xue Li-Xia , Cao He-Li , Chen Shi-Wen , Guo Yan , Gao Wen-Wei , Ju Shi-Ming , Tian Heng-Li
Published: September 2013

Recent studies have suggested that endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin/collagen XVIII might play an important role in the secondary brain injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we measured endostatin/collagen XVIII concentrations serially for 1 week after hospitalization by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 30 patients with TBI and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less on admission. There was a significant trend toward increased CSF levels of endostatin after TBI versus control from 72 h after injury. In patients with GCS score of 3–5, CSF endostatin concentration was substantially higher at 72 h after injury than that in patients with GCS score of 6–8 (P<0.05) and peaked rapidly at day 5 after injury, but decreased thereafter. The CSF endostatin concentration in 12 patients with an unfavorable outcome was significantly higher than that in 18 patients with a favorable outcome at day 5 (P=0.043) and day 7 (P=0.005) after trauma. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested a reliable operating point for the 7-day CSF endostatin concentration predicting poor prognosis to be 67.29 pg/mL. Our preliminary findings provide new evidence that endostatin/collagen XVIII concentration in the CSF increases substantially in patients with sTBI. Its dynamic change may have some clinical significance on the judgment of brain injury severity and the assessment of prognosis. This trial is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01846546.
Cotrimoxazole-Induced Hypoglycaemia in a Patient with Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: Senanayake Russell , Mukhtar Mamoun
Published: September 2013

Cotrimoxazole is a commonly used antimicrobial agent which is traditionally indicated in the management of pneumocystis infection of which HIV and immunosuppressed individuals are at high risk. Furthermore, it can be used on the long term for prophylactic indications. Hypoglycaemia following commencement of cotrimaoxazole is a rare adverse effect which was first described in 1988. We describe a case of hypoglycaemia shortly following initiation of cotrimoxazole indicated as long-term prophylaxis on a background of Churg-Strauss syndrome. The patient was symptomatic for hypoglycaemia despite simultaneous use of high-dose prednisolone; however, the hypoglycaemia did not require a hospital admission. We will explore the risk factors, monitoring requirements, and the mechanism by which co-trimoxazole induces hypoglycaemia.
Exponential Stability in Mean Square of Singular Markovian Jump System with Saturating Actuators and Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Ding Fangqing , Jiao Xianfa
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates exponential stability in mean square of singular Markovian jump systems with saturating actuators and time-varying delay. The statistical property of the Markov process is fully used to derive the differential of the function. By using a delay decomposition method, a mode-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii function is established. A sufficient condition is proposed for exponential stability in mean square of the system designing the memoryless state feedback. A numerical example shows that the approach proposed is effective.
Soybean Curd Residue: Composition, Utilization, and Related Limiting Factors
Authors: Li Shuhong , Zhu Dan , Li Kejuan , Yang Yingnan , Lei Zhongfang , Zhang Zhenya
Published: September 2013

The production of soybean products has been increasing throughout the world, and there has been a corresponding increase in the quantity of soybean curd residue (SCR) being thrown out. The dumping of SCR has become a problem to be solved due to its contamination to the environment. SCR is rich in fiber, fat, protein, vitamins, and trace elements. It has potential for value-added processing and utilization; options that simultaneously hold the promise of increased economic benefit as well as decreased pollution potential for the environment. The objective of this study is to fully investigate, review, and summarize the existing literature in order to develop a comprehensive knowledge base for the composition and reuse of SCR. It is evident from the literature survey that SCR shows good potential as a functional food material. However, there are several drawbacks to the use of SCR and corresponding solutions presented in this paper.
Ureteroscopic Laser Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinomas: Can a Tumour Free Status Be Achieved?
Authors: Kalaitzis Christos , Zisimopoulos Athanasios , Giannakopoulos Stilianos , Touloupidis Stavros
Published: September 2013

Introduction. In cases of anatomic or functional single kidney with urothelial tumours of the upper urinary tract, the endoscopic laser ablation has proven efficacious. Based on the knowledge that low-grade, low-stage upper tract transitional cell carcinomas rarely progress to invasive lesions, indications for endoscopic laser ablation have expanded to include patients with bilateral functioning kidneys and low-grade tumours. The question that remains to be answered is whether endoscopic laser ablation has the ability to completely eradicate upper urinary tract tumours.Methods. We performed in 25 patients in a period of 11 years 288 ureteroscopies and, if needed, laser ablation of upper urinary tract tumours in imperative indication.Results. In 32% of the patients the cancer remained even after several laser sessions. 64% of patients were tumour free after one or more laser sessions but remained clear only for the next 3 months. Only 1 patient was tumour free for a period of 68 months after 1 session of laser treatment. The procedure had low complication rates.Conclusion. The laser technology and the introduction of small diameter semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes made ablation of upper urinary tract tumours possible and safe. Nevertheless a complete resection of the carcinomas is rarely possible.
Creation of an Adiposity Index for Children Aged 6–8 Years: The Gateshead Millennium Study
Authors: Pearce Mark S. , James Peter W. , Franco-Villoria Maria , Parkinson Kathryn N. , Jones Angela R. , Basterfield Laura , Drewett Robert F. , Wright Charlotte M. , Adamson Ashley J.
Published: September 2013

Objective. A number of measures of childhood adiposity are in use, but all are relatively imprecise and prone to bias. We constructed an adiposity index (AI) using a number of different measures.Methods. Detailed body composition data on 460 of the Gateshead Millennium Study cohort at the age of 6–8 years were analysed. The AI was calculated using factor analysis on age plus thirteen measures of adiposity and/or size. Correlations between these variables, the AI, and more traditional measures of adiposity in children were investigated.Results. Based on the factor loading sizes, the first component, taken to be the AI, consisted mainly of measures of fat-mass (the skinfold measurements, fat mass score, and waist circumference). The second comprised variables measuring frame size, while the third consisted mainly of age. The AI had a high correlation with body mass index (BMI) (rho = 0.81).Conclusions. While BMI is practical for assessing adiposity in children, the AI combines a wider range of data related to adiposity than BMI alone and appears both valid and valuable as a research tool for studies of childhood adiposity. Further research is necessary to investigate the utility of AI for research in other samples of children and also in adults.
Removal of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Cement: A Promising Approach
Authors: Saghiri Mohammad Ali , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , Gutmann James L. , Sheibani Nader , Asatourian Armen , Lotfi Mehrdad , Elyasi Mayam
Published: September 2013

Removal of MTA from dentin by applying 37% hydrochloric acid (HCl) to reduce microhardness and push-out bond strength. Forty dentin slices were filled with WMTA and divided into two groups (n=20). Ten slices remained untreated while others were exposed to either HCl or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and all samples were subjected to pushout test. The mode of bond failures was determined by SEM analysis. Later, twenty glass tubes were filled with WMTA and divided into two groups (n=10). One side of tube was exposed to HCl or PBS while the other side remained untreated and the microhardness was analyzed by testing machine. HCl showed significantly lower pushout strength and microhardness values (P=0.0001), (P=0.0001). HCl treated samples showed mixed bond failures dominantly, while PBS samples mostly showed adhesive failures. The results of this study can suggest the 37% HCl as an effective solution to aid the removal of MTA from the dentin surfaces.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New N,N′‐Bis(1‐substituted‐ethylidene)‐ethane1,2‐diamine and Their Acetyl and Trifluoroacetyl Derivatives as Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Khan Khalid A. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: September 2013

Several Schiff bases 2 have been prepared by the condensation of various methyl ketones 1 with 1,2‐ethylenediamine. Subsequent acylation of these Schiff bases with trifluoroacetic anhydride in THF yields the corresponding trifluoroacetyl derivatives 3. However, o‐hydroxy‐ and o‐methoxy‐substituted derivatives yielded substituted‐trifluoromethylchroman‐4‐ones. Additionally, Schiff bases when reacted with acetic anhydride afforded the C‐acetylated derivatives 4. The structures of the isolated compounds were fully determined by spectral methods. Preliminary biological screening of the prepared compounds revealed significant cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.
Stormbow: A Cloud-Based Tool for Reads Mapping and Expression Quantification in Large-Scale RNA-Seq Studies
Authors: Zhao Shanrong , Prenger Kurt , Smith Lance
Published: September 2013

RNA-Seq is becoming a promising replacement to microarrays in transcriptome profiling and differential gene expression study. Technical improvements have decreased sequencing costs and, as a result, the size and number of RNA-Seq datasets have increased rapidly. However, the increasing volume of data from large-scale RNA-Seq studies poses a practical challenge for data analysis in a local environment. To meet this challenge, we developed Stormbow, a cloud-based software package, to process large volumes of RNA-Seq data in parallel. The performance of Stormbow has been tested by practically applying it to analyse 178 RNA-Seq samples in the cloud. In our test, it took 6 to 8 hours to process an RNA-Seq sample with 100 million reads, and the average cost was $3.50 per sample. Utilizing Amazon Web Services as the infrastructure for Stormbow allows us to easily scale up to handle large datasets with on-demand computational resources. Stormbow is a scalable, cost effective, and open-source based tool for large-scale RNA-Seq data analysis. Stormbow can be freely downloaded and can be used out of box to process Illumina RNA-Seq datasets.
Aerogels Materials as Space Debris Collectors
Authors: Woignier Thierry , Duffours Laurent , Colombel Pascale , Durin Christian
Published: September 2013

Material degradation due to the specific space environment becomes a key parameter for space missions. The use of large surface of brittle materials on satellites can produce, if impacted by hypervelocity particles, ejected volumes of mater 100 times higher than the impacting one. The presented work is devoted to the use of silica aerogels as passive detectors. Aerogels have been exposed to the low earth orbit of the ISS for 18 months. The study describes the aerogels process and the choice of synthesis parameters in such a way to get expected features in terms of porosity, mechanical properties, internal stresses, and transparency. Low-density aerogels (0.09 g·cm−3) have been prepared. The control of transparency necessary to see and identify particles and fragments collected is obtained using a base catalysis during gel synthesis. After return to earth, the aerogels samples have been observed using optical microscopy to detect and quantify craters on the exposed surface. First results obtained on a small part of the aerogels indicate a large number of debris collected in the materials.
MHD Accelerated Flow of Maxwell Fluid in a Porous Medium and Rotating Frame
Authors: Salah Faisal , Abdul Aziz Zainal , Ayem Mahad , Chuan Ching Dennis Ling
Published: September 2013

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and rotating flow of Maxwell fluid induced by an accelerated plate is investigated. The Maxwell fluid saturates the porous medium. Both constant and variable accelerated cases are considered. Exact solution in each case is derived by using Fourier sine transform. Many interesting available results in the relevant literature are obtained as the special cases of the present analysis. The graphical results are presented and discussed.
Advanced Diabetic Nephropathy with Nephrotic Range Proteinuria: A Pilot Study of the Long-Term Efficacy of Subcutaneous ACTH Gel on Proteinuria, Progression of CKD, and Urinary Levels of VEGF and MCP-1
Authors: Tumlin J. A. , Galphin C. M. , Rovin B. H.
Published: September 2013

Background and Objective.Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is able to reduce proteinuria in nondiabetic glomerulopathies through activation of melanocortin receptors (MCR) expressed in the podocyte. To determine the efficacy of ACTH, we conducted a randomized, open-label pilot trial of ACTH gel in patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy.Study Design.Twenty-three (23) patients with diabetic nephropathy were randomized to daily subcutaneous (SQ) injections of 16 or 32 units of ACTH gel for six months.Outcome.The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving a complete remission (<300 mg/24 hours) within 6 months. Exploratory endpoints included the percentage of partial (50% reduction) remissions, changes in Cr, and urinary cytokine markers.Results.After 6 months of ACTH gel therapy, 8 of 14 (57%) patients achieved a complete (n=1) or partial (n=7) remission. In the low-dose ACTH gel group (16 units), urinary protein fell from6709+953to2224+489 mg/24 hrs (P<0.001). In contrast, 2 of 6 patients in the 32-unit group achieved partial remission, but aggregate proteinuria (5324+751to5154+853 mg/24 hours) did not change. Urinary VEGF increased from 388 to 1346 pg/mg urinary creatinine (P<0.02) in the low-dose group but remained unchanged in the high-dose group.Conclusion.ACTH gel stabilizes renal function and reduces urinary protein for up to 6 months after treatment. The ClinTrials.gov identifier isNCT01028287.
Fish and Marine Omega-3 Polyunsatured Fatty Acid Consumption and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ming , Picard-Deland Eliane , Marette André
Published: September 2013

Objective.To examine the association between fish and marine long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) consumption and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in prospective cohort studies.Methods.Meta-analytic procedures were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) using random effects or fixed effects generic inverse variance model. Publication bias and study heterogeneity were assessed using Egger’s test and I2statistic.Results.We found no significant association between the intake of fish/seafood (pooled RR: 1.04;P=0.63, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.2, 549, 955 participants) or marine LC n-3 PUFA (pooled RR: 1.08,P=0.39, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.30, 346, 710 participants) and T2D risk. Significant study heterogeneity was observed in fish/seafood and marine LC n-3 PUFA studies (P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed no obvious sources for high heterogeneity. We also found a significant protective effect of oily fish intake on T2D risk (pooled RR = 0.89,P=0.005, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.96). Dose-response analysis suggested that every 80 g per day intake of oily fish may reduce 20% risk of T2D.Conclusion.We found no significant effect of fish/seafood or marine LC n-3 PUFA intake on risk of T2D but a significant effect of oily fish intake on risk of T2D.
Electronic and Thermal Transport Properties of Complex Structured Cu‐Bi‐Se Thermoelectric Compound with Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Hwang Jae-Yeol , Mun Hyeona , Cho Jung Young , Yang Sang Sun , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Sung Wng
Published: September 2013

Monoclinic Cux+yBi5−ySe8 structure has multiple disorders, such as randomly distributed substitutional and interstitial disorders by Cu as well as asymmetrical disorders by Se. Herein, we report the correlation of electronic and thermal properties with the structural complexities of Cux+yBi5−ySe8. It is found that the interstitial Cu site plays an important role not only to increase the electrical conductivity due to the generation of electron carriers but also to reduce the thermal conductivity mainly due to the phonon scattering by mass fluctuation. With impurity doping at the interstitial Cu site, an extremely low lattice thermal conductivity of 0.32 W·m−1·K−1 was achieved at 560 K. These synergetic effects result in the enhanced dimensionless figure of merit (ZT).
Effects of a Teacher-Centred, School-Based Intervention Program on Health Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elementary School Children
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens , Wartha Olivia , Brandstetter Susanne , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: September 2013

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obese children along with accompanying comorbidities has prompted an early acknowledgement of a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a teacher-centered, school-based intervention on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and health behavior in elementary school children. 935 first- and second-grade children in southwest Germany provided valid data at baseline and follow-up. Trained technicians measured height and weight along with blood pressure, cholesterol, and intra-abdominal fat to determine CVD risk. Parent questionnaires were used to assess children’s health behavior. Within one year CVD risk declined in the intervention group, particularly due to an attenuation of the age-related increase in mean arterial pressure. The age-related decline in habitual sports participation was attenuated, and children in the intervention groups displayed higher odds of playing outside. Further, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages declined in the intervention group, and TV time remained stable, while it increased in the control group. These results indicate that a teacher-centered intervention positively affects health behavior and CVD risk. The incorporation of the intervention by the classroom-teacher should allow for a sustainable participation, which may result in more pronounced effects over time.
DQOBSR Protocol with QoS Provisioning for OBS Metro Rings
Authors: Thachayani M. , Nakkeeran R.
Published: September 2013

Optical burst switching (OBS) is the switching technology that enables optical internet with current technology. OBS networks are capable of operating with or without optical buffers and wavelength converters. Hence, medium access control (MAC) protocol plays an important role in resolving contention in such networks. Distributed Queue OBS Ring (DQOBSR) is one MAC protocol proposed for OBS ring networks. In this paper, the quality of service (QoS) provisioning scheme for DQOBSR protocol is presented. For the proposed protocol, service differentiation for different classes of traffic in terms of throughput and access delay is verified through simulation. A mathematical model is also presented for the computation of classwise mean access delay. The results obtained using the model are found to be in good agreement with the simulation results.
In VitroCytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities ofMesua beccariana(Baill.) Kosterm.,Mesua ferreaLinn., andMesua congestifloraExtracts
Authors: Teh Soek Sin , Ee Gwendoline Cheng Lian , Mah Siau Hui , Yong Yoke Keong , Lim Yang Mooi , Rahmani Mawardi , Ahmad Zuraini
Published: September 2013

Thein vitrocytotoxicity tests on the extracts ofMesua beccariana,M. ferrea, andM. congestifloraagainst Raji, SNU-1, HeLa, LS-174T, NCI-H23, SK-MEL-28, Hep-G2, IMR-32, and K562 were achieved using MTT assay. The methanol extracts ofMesua beccarianashowed its potency towards the proliferation of B-lymphoma cell (Raji). In addition, only the nonpolar to semipolar extracts (hexane to ethyl acetate) of the threeMesuaspecies indicated cytotoxic effects on the tested panel of human cancer cell lines. Antioxidant assays were evaluated using DPPH scavenging radical assay and Folin-Ciocalteu method. The methanol extracts ofM. beccarianaandM. ferreashowed high antioxidant activities with low EC50values of 12.70 and 9.77 μg/mL, respectively, which are comparable to that of ascorbic acid (EC50 = 5.62 μg/mL). Antibacterial tests were carried out using four Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria onMesua beccarianaextracts. All the extracts showed negative results in the inhibition of Gram negative bacteria. Nevertheless, methanol extracts showed some activities against Gram positive bacteria which areBacillus cereus, methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA), and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), while the hexane extract also contributed some activities towardsBacillus cereus.
Strength Training and Testosterone Treatment Have Opposing Effects on Migration Inhibitor Factor Levels in Ageing Men
Authors: Glintborg D. , Christensen L. L. , Kvorning T. , Larsen R. , Brixen K. , Hougaard D. M. , Richelsen B. , Bruun J. M. , Andersen M.
Published: September 2013

Background.The beneficial effects of testosterone treatment (TT) are debated.Methods.Double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of six months TT (gel) in 54 men aged 60–78 with bioavailable testosterone (BioT) <7.3 nmol/L and waist >94 cm randomized to TT (50–100 mg/day,n=20), placebo (n=18), or strength training (ST) (n=16) for 24 weeks. Moreover, the ST group was randomized to TT (n=7) or placebo (n=9) after 12 weeks.Outcomes. Chemokines (MIF, MCP-1, and MIP-1α) and lean body mass (LBM), total, central, extremity, visceral, and subcutaneous (SAT) fat mass established by DXA and MRI.Results. From 0 to 24 weeks, MIF and SAT decreased during ST + placebo versus placebo, whereas BioT and LBM were unchanged. TT decreased fat mass (total, central, extremity, and SAT) and increased BioT and LBM versus placebo. MIF levels increased during TT versus ST + placebo. ST + TT decreased fat mass (total, central, and extremity) and increased BioT and LBM versus placebo. From 12 to 24 weeks, MCP-1 levels increased during TT versus placebo and MCP-1 levels decreased during ST + placebo versus placebo.Conclusion. ST + placebo was associated with decreased MIF levels suggesting decreased inflammatory activity. TT may be associated with increased inflammatory activity. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.govNCT00700024.
Photostabilization of Phenoxyacetic Acid Herbicides MCPA and Mecoprop by Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Costa Cátia , Maia Sílvia , Silva Paulo , Garrido Jorge , Borges Fernanda , Garrido E. Manuela
Published: September 2013

New strategies to reduce the environmental and economic costs of pesticides use are currently under study. Microencapsulation has been used as a versatile tool for the production of controlled release agricultural formulations. In this study, the photochemical degradation of the herbicides MCPA and mecoprop has been investigated in different aqueous media such as ultrapure and river water under simulated solar irradiation. To explore the possibility of introducing cyclodextrins in the herbicide formulations, the photodegradation study of the inclusion complexes of MCPA and mecoprop with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was also performed. The half-lives of MCPA and mecoprop inclusion complexes were increased approximately by a factor of three related to the free molecules. Additionally, it has been shown that the photodegradation of MCPA and mecoprop is influenced by their structural features. The additional methyl group existing in mecoprop molecular structure has a positive influence on the stabilization of the radical intermediate formed in the first stage of photodegradation of both herbicides. The results found indicated that MCPA and mecoprop form inclusion complexes with HP-β-CD showing higher photostability compared to free herbicides indicating that HP-β-CD may serve as ingredient in these herbicide formulations.
Autoimmune Hepatitis Triggered by Anti-TNF- Therapy
Authors: Nakayama Satoshi
Published: September 2013

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is occasionally triggered by drug treatments. Recently, as biological agents are becoming widely used for autoimmune disorders, there have been a growing number of reports of the development of autoimmune processes related to these agents. A 52-year-old Japanese woman with psoriasis developed liver damage two months after initiation of anti-TNF-αtherapy with adalimumab. Liver histological findings were compatible with AIH, and positive conversions of ANAs were detected. The patient was treated with prednisolone and had a good response. While some cases of AIH triggered by anti-TNF-αtherapies have been reported, the pathogenesis remains unspecified. When elevation of liver enzymes is observed with high IgG levels and seropositivity of ANA during the course of anti-TNF-αtherapy, liver biopsy findings may be essential and important to make definitive diagnosis of AIH.
Improved Doppler Velocity Dealiasing for Radar Data Assimilation and Storm-Scale Vortex Detection
Authors: Xu Qin , Nai Kang , Liu Shun , Karstens Chris , Smith Travis , Zhao Qingyun
Published: September 2013

The Doppler velocity dealiasing technique based on alias-robust VAD and variational (AR-Var) analyses developed at the National Severe Storms Laboratory for radar data quality control and assimilation is further improved in its two-step procedures: the reference check in the first step and the continuity check in the second step. In the first step, the alias-robust variational analysis is modified adaptively and used in place of the alias-robust velocity-azimuth display (VAD) analysis for all scan modes (rather than solely the WSR-88D volume coverage pattern 31 with the Nyquist velocityvNreduced below 12 m s−1and the TDWR Mod80 withvNreduced below 15 m s−1), so more raw data can pass the stringent threshold conditions used by the reference check in the first step. This improves the dealiased data coverage without false dealiasing to better satisfy the high data quality standard required by radar data assimilation. In the second step, new procedures are designed and added to the continuity check to increase the dealiased data coverage over storm-scale areas threatened by intense mesocyclones and their generated tornados. The performances of the improved dealiasing technique versus the existing techniques are exemplified by the results obtained for tornadic storms scanned by the operational KTLX radar in Oklahoma.
Stochastic Optimization Theory of Backward Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by G-Brownian Motion
Authors: Zheng Zhonghao , Bi Xiuchun , Zhang Shuguang
Published: September 2013

We consider the stochastic optimal control problems under G-expectation. Based on the theory of backward stochastic differential equations driven by G-Brownian motion, which was introduced in Hu et al. (2012), we can investigate the more general stochastic optimal control problems under G-expectation than that were constructed in Zhang (2011). Then we obtain a generalized dynamic programming principle, and the value function is proved to be a viscosity solution of a fully nonlinear second-order partial differential equation.
Identifying Interacting Genetic Variations by Fish-Swarm Logic Regression
Authors: Zhang Xuanping , Wang Jiayin , Yang Aiyuan , Yan Chunxia , Zhu Feng , Zhao Zhongmeng , Cao Zhi
Published: September 2013

Understanding associations between genotypes and complex traits is a fundamental problem in human genetics. A major open problem in mapping phenotypes is that of identifying a set of interacting genetic variants, which might contribute to complex traits. Logic regression (LR) is a powerful multivariant association tool. Several LR-based approaches have been successfully applied to different datasets. However, these approaches are not adequate with regard to accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we propose a new LR-based approach, called fish-swarm logic regression (FSLR), which improves the logic regression process by incorporating swarm optimization. In our approach, a school of fish agents are conducted in parallel. Each fish agent holds a regression model, while the school searches for better models through various preset behaviors. A swarm algorithm improves the accuracy and the efficiency by speeding up the convergence and preventing it from dropping into local optimums. We apply our approach on a real screening dataset and a series of simulation scenarios. Compared to three existing LR-based approaches, our approach outperforms them by having lower type I and type II error rates, being able to identify more preset causal sites, and performing at faster speeds.
Glass Formation in Ni-Zr-(Al) Alloy Systems
Authors: Huang Lanping , Li Song
Published: September 2013

Structural and thermal properties of binary Ni100-xZrx (30<x<75) alloys obtained by melt spinning and copper mold casting methods were investigated. The fully amorphous samples in a bulk form cannot be obtained in the binary Ni-Zr alloys over a wide composition range, though they have Tg/Tl and γ values close to or even higher than those of the binary Cu-Zr bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). The low thermal stability of the supercooled liquid against crystallization and the formation of the equilibrium crystalline phases with a high growth rate are responsible for their low glass-forming abilities (GFAs). Relatively low thermal conductivities of Ni-based alloys are also considered to be another factor to limit their GFAs. The GFA of the binary Ni65.5Zr34.5 alloy alloyed with 4% or 5% Al was enhanced, and a fully glassy rod with a diameter of 0.5 mm was formed.
Enhanced Healing of Diabetic Wounds by Subcutaneous Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Derived Stem Cells and Their Conditioned Media
Authors: Shrestha Chandrama , Zhao Liling , Chen Ke , He Honghui , Mo Zhaohui
Published: September 2013

Objective. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the umbilical cord and their conditioned media (CM) can be easily obtained and refined compared with stem cells from other sources. Here, we explore the possibility of the benefits of these cells in healing diabetic wounds.Methodology and Results. Delayed wound healing animal models were established by making a standard wound on the dorsum of eighteen db/db mice, which were divided into three groups with six mice in each: groups I, II, and III received PBS, UC-MSC, and CM, respectively. UC-MSC and their CM significantly accelerated wound closure compared to PBS-treated wounds, and it was most rapid in CM-injected wounds. In day-14 wounds, significant difference in capillary densities among the three groups was noted (n=6;P<0.05), and higher levels of VEGF, PDGF, and KGF expression in the CM- and UC-MSC-injected wounds compared to the PBS-treated wounds were seen. The expression levels of PDGF-βand KGF were higher in CM-treated wounds than those in UC-MSC-treated wounds.Conclusion. Both the transplantation of UC-MSC and their CM are beneficial to diabetic wound healing, and CM has been shown to be therapeutically better than UC-MSC, at least in the context of diabetic wound healing.
An Approach of Vulnerability Testing for Third‐Party Component Based on Condition and Parameter Mutation
Authors: Chen Jinfu , Chen Jiamei , Zhan Yongzhao , Chen Weihe , Huang Rubing
Published: September 2013

The research on component vulnerability testing is critical. In this paper, an approach of vulnerability testing is proposed based on condition mutation and parameter mutation in order to effectively detect the explicit vulnerabilities of third‐party components. To start with, the Pre‐condition Mutation Algorithm (PCMA) is presented to generate mutants set of the pre‐condition and test cases are generated based on these mutants. Then, the Single Parameter Mutated Values (SPMV) procedure is addressed to generate parameter values based on mutation operators of parameter specification. These values are then taken as the input of the Test Case Generation Algorithm based on the Parameter Constraint (TCGPC), which is addressed to generate test case set violating the parameter constraint. The explicit vulnerabilities can be detected by the vulnerability detecting algorithm based on the test cases of condition and parameter mutation. The experiments show that our approach can detect explicit vulnerability faults of third‐party components. Furthermore, the proposed approach can detect more vulnerability faults than other related approaches such as condition coverage methods, fuzzy testing method and boundary value method.
Symmetric Tensor Rank and Scheme Rank: An Upper Bound in terms of Secant Varieties
Authors: Ballico E.
Published: September 2013

Let X⊂ℙr be an integral and nondegenerate variety. Let c be the minimal integer such that ℙr is the c-secant variety of X, that is, the minimal integer c such that for a general O∈ℙr there is S⊂X with #(S)=c and O∈〈S〉, where 〈 〉 is the linear span. Here we prove that for every P∈ℙr there is a zero-dimensional scheme Z⊂X such that P∈〈Z〉 and deg(Z)≤2c; we may take Z as union of points and tangent vectors of Xreg.
Strength and Body Composition Changes in Recreationally Strength-Trained Individuals: Comparison of One versus Three Sets Resistance-Training Programmes
Authors: Baker J. S. , Davies B. , Cooper S. M. , Wong D. P. , Buchan D. S. , Kilgore L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the volume of weight-training from one to three sets upon body composition and muscular strength.Methods.Sixteen male weight-trainers volunteered to act as subjects and were randomly assigned to one of two training groups. Supervised weight-training targeting the upper body was conducted three times per week for eight weeks using one set (n=8) or three sets (n=8) of six repetitions to fatigue. Subjects were measured before and after the training intervention for (1) strength performance (Nand kg) and (2) adiposity (sum of seven skinfold thicknesses in mm).Results.Both training groups improved significantly (20.7%) in terms of muscular strength (P<0.05) with no differences being observed between the one set (21.98% increase) and three set group (20.71% increase) after the training interventions (P>0.05). Significant decreases were also observed for skinfold measures in the one set group (P<0.05).Conclusions.One set of high intensity resistance training was as effective as three sets for increasing the strength of muscle groups in the upper body. The one set protocol also produced significantly greater decreases in adiposity.
Amplification Properties of Femtosecond Laser-Written Er3+/Yb3+ Doped Waveguides in a Tellurium-Zinc Glass
Authors: Olivero Massimo , Mariano da Silva Davinson , Kassab Luciana Reyes Pires , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: September 2013

We report on the fabrication and characterization of active waveguides in a TeO2-ZnO glass sample doped with Er3+/Yb3+ fabricated by direct laser writing with a femtosecond laser delivering 150 fs pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate. The waveguides exhibit an internal gain of 0.6 dB/cm at 1535 nm, thus demonstrating the feasibility of active photonics lightwave circuits and lossless components in such a glass composition.
Extramedullary Hematopoiesis in the Uterine Cervix Associated with Tissue Repair
Authors: Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , Neungton Chanon , Warnnissorn Malee
Published: September 2013

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the presence of hematopoietic precursors outside the bone marrow. This condition is usually associated with hematologic disorders. Although EMH can be found in almost every site in the body, female genital tract involvement is rare. The authors report EMH in the uterine cervix from a 64-year-old patient following cervical biopsy due to abnormal cervical cytology. Neither neoplasm nor hematologic disorder was detected before the diagnosis and after 1 year of follow up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of EMH involving the uterine cervix which showed an association with tissue repair.
Modeling of Axially Loaded Nanowires Embedded in Elastic Substrate Media with Inclusion of Nonlocal and Surface Effects
Authors: Limkatanyu Suchart , Damrongwiriyanupap Nattapong , Prachasaree Woraphot , Sae-Long Worathep
Published: September 2013

Nonlocal and surface effects are incorporated into a bar‐elastic substrate element to account for small‐scale and size‐dependent effects on axial responses of nanowires embedded in elastic substrate media. The virtual displacement principle, employed to consistently derive the governing differential equation as well as the boundary conditions, forms the core of the displacement‐based finite element formulation of the nanowire‐elastic substrate element. The element displacement shape functions, analytically derived based on homogeneous solution to the governing differential equilibrium equation of the problem, result in the exact element stiffness matrix and equivalent load vector. Two numerical simulations employing the proposed model are performed to study characteristics and behavior of the nanowire‐substrate system. The first simulation involves investigation of responses of the wire embedded in elastic substrate. The second examines influences of several system parameters on the contact stiffness and reveals the size‐dependent effect on the effective Young′s modulus of the system.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles UsingPinus eldaricaBark Extract
Authors: Iravani Siavash , Zolfaghari Behzad
Published: September 2013

Recently, development of reliable experimental protocols for synthesis of metal nanoparticles with desired morphologies and sizes has become a major focus of researchers. Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using organisms has emerged as a nontoxic and ecofriendly method for synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The objectives of this study were production of silver nanoparticles usingPinus eldaricabark extract and optimization of the biosynthesis process. The effects of quantity of extract, substrate concentration, temperature, and pH on the formation of silver nanoparticles are studied. TEM images showed that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (approximately in the range of 10–40 nm) were predominantly spherical in shape. The preparation of nano-structured silver particles usingP. eldaricabark extract provides an environmentally friendly option, as compared to currently available chemical and/or physical methods.
Ixeris dentataNAKAI Reduces Clinical Score and HIF-1 Expression in Experimental Colitis in Mice
Authors: Kim Dae-Seung , Ko Jang-Ho , Jeon Yong-Deok , Han Yo-Han , Kim Hyun-Ju , Poudel Amrit , Jung Hyun-Ju , Ku Sae-Kwang , Kim Su-Jin , Park Sang-Hyun , Park Jin-Han , Choi Byung-Min , Park Sung-Joo , Um Jae-Young , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: September 2013

Ixeris dentata(ID) is an herbal medicine used in Asian countries to treat indigestion, pneumonia, hepatitis, contusions, and tumors; however, its effect on intestinal inflammation is unknown. Thus, we investigated the effect of ID in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis in female BALB/c mice; animals were evaluated after seven days of DSS treatment. DSS-treated mice showed considerable clinical signs, including weight loss, reduced colon length, colonic epithelial injury, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon tissue, and upregulation of inflammatory mediators. However, administration of ID attenuated body weight loss, colon shortening, and the increase in disease activity index score. ID also significantly decreased the colonic mucosal injury and the number of infiltrating mast cells. Moreover, ID inhibited the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1αin colon tissue. Taken together, the results provide experimental evidence that ID might be a useful therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Safety Analysis Using Lebesgue Strain Measure of Thick‐Walled Cylinder for Functionally Graded Material under Internal and External Pressure
Authors: Aggarwal A. K. , Sharma Richa , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: September 2013

Safety analysis has been done for thick‐walled circular cylinder under internal and external pressure using transition theory which is based on the concept of generalized principal Lebesgue strain measure. Results have been analyzed theoretically and discussed numerically. From the analysis, it can be concluded that circular cylinder made of functionally graded material is on the safer side of the design as compared to homogeneous cylinder with internal and external pressure, which leads to the idea of “stress saving” that minimizes the possibility of fracture of cylinder.
Spatial-Frequency Azimuthally Stable Cartography of Biological Polycrystalline Networks
Authors: Ushenko V. A. , Pavlyukovich N. D. , Trifonyuk L.
Published: September 2013

A new azimuthally stable polarimetric technique processing microscopic images of optically anisotropic structures of biological tissues histological sections is proposed. It has been used as a generalized model of phase anisotropy definition of biological tissues by using superposition of Mueller matrices of linear birefringence and optical activity. The matrix elementM44has been chosen as the main information parameter, whose value is independent of the rotation angle of both sample and probing beam polarization plane. For the first time, the technique of concerted spatial-frequency filtration has been used in order to separate the manifestation of linear birefringence and optical activity. Thereupon, the method of azimuthally stable spatial-frequency cartography of biological tissues histological sections has been elaborated. As the analyzing tool, complex statistic, correlation, and fractal analysis of coordinate distributions ofM44element has been performed. The possibility of using the biopsy of the uterine wall tissue in order to differentiate benign (fibromyoma) and malignant (adenocarcinoma) conditions has been estimated.