This paper presents a new method to reduce the distribution system loss by feeder reconfiguration.This new method combines self-adaptive particle swarm optimization(SAPSO) with shuffled frog-leaping algorithm(SFLA) in...This paper presents a new method to reduce the distribution system loss by feeder reconfiguration.This new method combines self-adaptive particle swarm optimization(SAPSO) with shuffled frog-leaping algorithm(SFLA) in an attempt to find the global optimal solutions for the distribution feeder reconfiguration(DFR).In PSO algorithm,appropriate adjustment of the parameters is cumbersome and usually requires a lot of time and effort.Thus,a self-adaptive framework is proposed to improve the robustness of PSO.In SAPSO the learning factors of PSO coevolve with the particles.SFLA is combined with the SAPSO algorithm to improve its performance.The proposed algorithm is tested on two distribution test networks.The results of simulation show that the proposed algorithm is very powerful and guarantees to obtain the global optimization in minimum time.展开更多
The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular techniques in clustering. Nevertheless, the performance of the Kmeans algorithm depends highly on initial cluster centers and converges to local minima. This paper prop...The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular techniques in clustering. Nevertheless, the performance of the Kmeans algorithm depends highly on initial cluster centers and converges to local minima. This paper proposes a hybrid evolutionary programming based clustering algorithm, called PSO-SA, by combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA). The basic idea is to search around the global solution by SA and to increase the information exchange among particles using a mutation operator to escape local optima. Three datasets, Iris, Wisconsin Breast Cancer, and Ripley's Glass, have been considered to show the effectiveness of the proposed clustering algorithm in providing optimal clusters. The simulation results show that the PSO-SA clustering algorithm not only has a better response but also converges more quickly than the K-means, PSO, and SA algorithms.展开更多
To determine how the auto-antibodies (Abs) profiles overlap in chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and correlate to liver disease.METHODSLevels of antinuclear Ab, smooth muscle antibody ...To determine how the auto-antibodies (Abs) profiles overlap in chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and correlate to liver disease.METHODSLevels of antinuclear Ab, smooth muscle antibody (SMA) and liver/kidney microsomal-1 (LKM-1) Ab and markers of liver damage were determined in the sera of 50 patients with CHC infection, 20 AIH patients and 20 healthy controls using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and other immune assays.RESULTSWe found that AIH patients had more severe liver disease as determined by elevation of total IgG, alkaline phosphatase, total serum bilirubin and serum transaminases and significantly higher prevalence of the three non-organ-specific autoantibodies (auto-Abs) than CHC patients. Antinuclear Ab, SMA and LKM-1 Ab were also present in 36% of CHC patients and related to disease severity. CHC cases positive for auto-Abs were directly comparable to AIH in respect of most markers of liver damage and total IgG. These cases had longer disease duration compared with auto-Ab negative cases, but there was no difference in gender, age or viral load. KLM-1<sup>+</sup> Ab CHC cases showed best overlap with AIH.CONCLUSIONAuto-Ab levels in CHC may be important markers of disease severity and positive cases have a disease similar to AIH. Auto-Abs might have a pathogenic role as indicated by elevated markers of liver damage. Future studies will unravel any novel associations between these two diseases, whether genetic or other.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial activities of n-hexane.ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves of Lumnitzera littorea(L littorea) against six human pathogenic microbes. Methods:The antimicrobial a...Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial activities of n-hexane.ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves of Lumnitzera littorea(L littorea) against six human pathogenic microbes. Methods:The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods.Results:The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts were increased with increasing the concentration.It is clear that n-hexane extract was the most effective extract. Additionally.Gram positive Bacillus cereus(B.cereus) appear to be the most sensitive strain while Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa) and the yeast strains(Candida albicans(C. albicans) and Cryptococcus neoformans(C.neqformans)) appear to be resistance to the tested concentrations since no inhibition zone was observed.The inhibition of microbial growth at concentration as low as 0.04 mg/ml.indicated the potent antimicrobial activity of L littorea extracts.Conclusions:The obtained results are considered sufficient for further study to isolate the compounds responsible for the activity and suggesting the possibility of finding potent antibacterial agents from L littorea extracts.展开更多
Ultrafine Y（OH）3 nanoparticles were successfully deposited from an additive-free 0.005 mol/L YCl3 low-temperature bath on the steel cathode at the current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 and bath temperature of 10 oC. Heat tr...Ultrafine Y（OH）3 nanoparticles were successfully deposited from an additive-free 0.005 mol/L YCl3 low-temperature bath on the steel cathode at the current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 and bath temperature of 10 oC. Heat treatment of the prepared Y（OH）3 nanoparticles at 600 oC in air led to the formation of Y2O3 nanoparticles. Thermal behavior and phase transformation during the heat treatment of Y（OH）3 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） and thermogramimetric analysis （TGA）. The morphologies, crystal structures and compositions of the prepared materials were examined by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy （SEM and TEM） as well as X-ray diffraction （XRD） and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the prepared Y（OH）3 nanoparticles was essentially amorphous and composed of well dispersed ultrafine particles with size of 4 nm. After heat treatment, the obtained oxide product was well crystallized cubic phase of Y2O3 nanoparticles with the grain size of around 5 nm. It was concluded that low-temperature cathodic electrodeposition offered a facile and feasible way for preparation of ultrafine Y（OH）3 and Y2O3 nanoparticles.展开更多
This study presents a numerical simulation of the stall and surge in a centrifugal compressor and presents a description of the stall development in two different cases.The first case is for a compressor with vaneless...This study presents a numerical simulation of the stall and surge in a centrifugal compressor and presents a description of the stall development in two different cases.The first case is for a compressor with vaneless diffuser and the second is for a compressor with vaned diffuser of the vane island shape.The main aim of this study is to compare the flow characteristics and behavior for the two compressors near the surge operating condition and provide further understanding of the diffuser role when back flow occurs at surge.Results showed that for a location near the diffuser entrance,the amplitude of the static pressure fluctuations for the vaneless diffuser case is higher than that for the vaned diffuser case near surge condition.These pressure fluctuations in the case of the vaneless diffuser appear with a gradual decrease of the mean pressure value as a part of the surge cycle.While for the case of the vaned diffuser,the pressure drop during surge occurs faster than the case of the vaneless diffuser.Also,results indicated that during surge in the case of vaneless diffuser,there is a region with low velocity and back flow that appears as a layer connecting all impeller passages near shroud surface and this layer develops in size with time.On the other hand,for the case of vaned diffuser during surge,the low velocity regions appear in random locations in some passages and these regions expand with time towards the shroud surface.Results showed that during stall,the impeller passages are exposed to identical impact from stall cells in the case of vaneless diffuser while the stall effect varies from passage to another in the case of the vaned diffuser.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa (C.aeruginosa),Curcuma mangga(C.mangga),and Zingiber cassumunar(Z.cassumunar). and study their antimicrobial activity.Methods:E...Objective:To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa (C.aeruginosa),Curcuma mangga(C.mangga),and Zingiber cassumunar(Z.cassumunar). and study their antimicrobial activity.Methods:Essential oils obtained by steam distillation were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass speclrometry(GC-MS).The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated against four bacteria:Bacillus cereus(H.cereus).Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus).Escherichia coli(E.coli).and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa);and two fungi:Candida albicans(C.albicans) and Cyptococcus neoformans(C.neoformans),using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution methods.Results:Cycloisolongifolene,8.9-dehydro-9- formyl(35.29%) and dihydrocoslunolide(22.51%) were the major compounds in C.aeruginosa oil; whereas caryophyllene oxide(18.71%) and caryophyllene(12.69%) were the major compounds in C.mangga oil:and 2,6.9,9-tetramethyl-2.6.10-cycloundecatrien-1-one(60.77%) andα-caryophyllene(23.92%) were abundant in Z.cassumunar oil.The essential oils displayed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against all lested microorganisms.C.mangga oil had the highest and most broad-spectrum activity by inhibiting all microorganisms tested,with C.neoformans being the most sensitive microorganism by having the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration(MFC) values of 0.1μL/mL. C.aeruginosa oil showed mild antimicrobial activity,whereas Z.cassumunar had very low or weak activity against the tested microorganisms.Conclusions:The preliminary results suggest promising antimicrobial properties of C.mangga and C.aeruginosa,which may be useful for food preservation,pharmaceutical treatment and natural therapies.展开更多
Objective and background： Although p21 ras has been reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type I, p21 ras has a different role in advanced stages, as it has been foun...Objective and background： Although p21 ras has been reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type I, p21 ras has a different role in advanced stages, as it has been found to be downregulated. The goal of this study was to investigate the status of p21 ras in early-stage/low-grade and late-stage/high-grade hepatocellular carcinoma and its possible link to apoptosis. Material and methods： Thirty-five cases each of chronic HCV hepatitis type 4 （group I） and cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） complicating chronic HCV hepatitis （groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ） were immunohistochemically evaluated using a p21 ras polyclonal antibody. The apoptotic index was determined in histologic sections using the terminal deoxynncleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. Results： Significant differences （P=0.001） were detected in p21 ras protein expression between the three groups. A near 2-fold increase in p21 ras staining was observed in the cirrhotic cases compared to the hepatitis cases, and p21 ras expression was decreased in the HCC group, p21 ras expression correlated with stage （r=0.64, P--0.001） and grade （r=-0.65, P=0.001） in the HCC group and grade in the HCV group （r=0.44, P=0.008）. Both p21 ras expression and TUNEL-LI were significantly lower in large HCCs compared to small HCCs （P=0.01 each）. The TUNEL values were negatively correlated with stage in the HCC group （r=-0.85, P=0.001）. The TUNEL values were also negatively correlated with grade in both the HCV and HCC groups （r=0.89, P=0.001 and r=0.53, P=0.001, respectively）. The p21 ras scores were significantly correlated with the TUNEL-LI values in the HCC group （r=0.63, P=0.001） and HCV group （r=0.88, P=0.001）. Conclusions： p21 ras acts as an initiator in HCC complicating type 4 chronic HCV and is downregulated with HCC progression, which most likely promotes tumor cell survival because it facilitates the downregulation of apopt展开更多
AIM:To study if HER-2 overexpression by locally advanced esophageal cancers increase the chance of brain metastasis following esophagectomy.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of esophageal cancer ...AIM:To study if HER-2 overexpression by locally advanced esophageal cancers increase the chance of brain metastasis following esophagectomy.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 2000 and 2010.Data analyzed consisted of demographic and clinical variables.The brain metastasis tissue was assayed for HER-2 overexpression utilizing the FDA approved DAKO Hercept Test.RESULTS:One hundred and forty two patients were reviewed.Median age was 64 years(36-86 years).Eighty eight patients(62%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Pathological complete and partial responses were achieved in 17(19%) and 71(81%) patients.Cancer relapsed in 43/142(30%) patients.The brain was the first site of relapse in 9/43 patients(21%,95% CI:10%-36%).HER-2 immunohistochemistry testing of the brain metastasis tissue showed that 5/9(56%) cases overexpressed HER-2(3+ staining).CONCLUSION:HER-2 overexpression might be associated with increased risk of brain metastasis in esophageal cancer patients following esophagectomy.Further studies will be required to validate this observation.展开更多
AIM: To compare higher order aberrations in two aspherical intraocular lenses(IOLs): Akreos advanced optics(AO) and Dr. Schmidt Microcrystalline 6125 aspheric anterior surface(MC6125AS) with each other. METHODS: Forty...AIM: To compare higher order aberrations in two aspherical intraocular lenses(IOLs): Akreos advanced optics(AO) and Dr. Schmidt Microcrystalline 6125 aspheric anterior surface(MC6125AS) with each other. METHODS: Forty eyes of 39 patients underwent phacoemulsification and Akreos AO and MC6125 AS were implanted in their eyes in a random manner. Three months post-operatively, higher order aberrations including spherical aberration, coma aberration, and total aberrations were measured and compared.RESULTS: The total aberration was 0.24±0.17 in eyes with Dr. Schmidt and 0.20 ±0.01 in eyes with Akreos AO(P =0.361). The mean of coma aberration was 0.17 ±0.21 and 0.09 ±0.86 in Dr. Schmidt and Akreos lenses,respectively(P =0.825). Total spherical aberration was almost the same in both groups(mean: 0.05, P =0.933).Best corrected visual acuity in Akreos AO(0.10±0.68) and Dr. Schmidt(0.09±0.67) did not differ significantly(P =0.700). CONCLUSION: There is no statistically significant difference in the higher order aberrations between these two aspherical lenses.展开更多
The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings....The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments （non-vented, vented, and control） to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation （Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk （organic mulches）, gravel （inorganic mulch） and no mulch）. At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unshelteredseedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass （from samples extracted after two years） were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.展开更多
The electrooxidation of L-cysteine（L-Cys） was studied using a benzoylferrocene（BF） modified multi-wall carbon nanotube paste electrode（BFCNPE） using cyclic voltammetry（CV）,square wave voltammetry（SWV） and ch...The electrooxidation of L-cysteine（L-Cys） was studied using a benzoylferrocene（BF） modified multi-wall carbon nanotube paste electrode（BFCNPE） using cyclic voltammetry（CV）,square wave voltammetry（SWV） and chronoamperometry（CHA）.Under optimum pH in CV the oxidation of L-Cys occurs at a potential about 215 mV less positive than that at the surface of unmodified carbon paste electrode.The catalytic oxidation peak currents were dependent on the L-Cys concentration and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range 0.7-350.0 mmol/L of L-Cys with SWV method.The detection limit（3s） was determined as 0.1 mmol/L.This method was also used for the determination of L-Cys in some real samples.展开更多
Objective:To study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccenm（G.malaccenm） together with apoptotic.antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.Methods:Purification and structure elucidation were carrie...Objective:To study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccenm（G.malaccenm） together with apoptotic.antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.Methods:Purification and structure elucidation were carried out by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively.MTT and trypan blue exclusion methods were performed to study the cytotoxic activity.Antibacterial activity was conducted by dise diffusion and microdilulion methods, whereas antioxidant activities were done by ferric thiocyanate method and DPPH radical scavenging.Results:The phylochemical study led lo the isolation ofα,β-mangostin and cycloarl-24-en-3β-ol.α-Mangostin exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 cells with an IC<sub>50</sub> of 0.33μM.β- andα-mangostin showed activity against K562 cells with IC<sub>50</sub> of 0.40μM and 0.48μM,respectively,α-Mangostin was active against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus（S.aureus） and Bacilus anthracis（B.anthmcis） with inhibition zone and MIC value of（19 mm;0.02S mg/mL） and（20 mm;0.013 mg/mL）,respectively.In antioxidant assay,α-mangostin exhibited activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.Conclusions:G.malaccenm presenceα- andβ-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol.β-Mangostin was found very active against H.SC-3 cells and KS62.The results suggest that mangoslins derivatives have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.In addition,α-andβ-mangostin was found inhibit the growth of Cram-positive pathogenic bacteria and also showed the activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.展开更多
A facile one-pot synthesis of 3,4,5-substituted furan-2（5H）-one derivatives from a three-component reaction of aniline derivatives, dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates and aromatic aldehydes under mild conditions using t...A facile one-pot synthesis of 3,4,5-substituted furan-2（5H）-one derivatives from a three-component reaction of aniline derivatives, dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates and aromatic aldehydes under mild conditions using tetra-n-butylammonium bisulfate as a catalyst has been developed.展开更多
AIM: To assess the impact of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) genotypes and patient age and sex on the development of gastric diseases.METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients(n = 233) referred to the endoscopy unit at Tehr...AIM: To assess the impact of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) genotypes and patient age and sex on the development of gastric diseases.METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients(n = 233) referred to the endoscopy unit at Tehran University of Medical Sciences(Tehran,Iran) were diagnosed with chronic gastritis(CG),gastric ulcer(GU),or duodenal ulcer(DU). Brucella blood agar was used for biopsy cultures and H. pylori isolation under microaerobic conditions. H. pylori isolates were confirmed with biochemical tests and through amplification of the 16 S r RNA gene. DNA was extracted from fresh cultures of the H. pylori isolates and used for amplification of vac A alleles and the cag A gene. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between H. pylori genotypes,age(< 40 years vs > 40 years) and sex of the patient,and gastric diseases.RESULTS: CG was the most prevalent gastric disease(113/233; 48.5%),compared to GU(64/233; 27.5%)and DU(56/233; 24%). More patients were male,and gastric diseases were more frequent in patients > 40 years(P < 0.05). The percentage of CG and GU patients that were male and female did not show a significant difference; however DU was more common in males(P < 0.05). Interestingly,a diagnosis of CG in patients > 40 years was more common in females(18.5%) than males(11.6%)(P = 0.05),whereas a diagnosis of GU or DU in patients > 40 years was more frequent in males(14.6% vs 10.7% and 12.4% vs 4.3%,respectively). Overall,genotyping of the H. pylori isolates revealed that the vac A s1(82%),vac A m2(70%),and cag A+(72.5%) alleles were more frequent than vac A s2(18%),vac A m1(29.2%),and cag A-(all P < 0.05). The vac A s1m2 cag A+ genotype was the most prevalent within the three disease groups. vac A s1m2 frequency was 56.2% with a similar occurrence in all diagnoses,while vac A s1m1 appeared more often in DU patients(33.9%). A genotype of vac A s2m2 occurred in 15% of isolates and was more common in CG patients(21.2%); vac A s2m1 was the least common genotype(3%). The vac A s1 allele was f展开更多
Polymeric foams are one of the most applicable thermal-insulation materials due to their low thermal conductivity,high mechanical properties,and low cost.Optimization of thermal-insulation performance of polymeric foa...Polymeric foams are one of the most applicable thermal-insulation materials due to their low thermal conductivity,high mechanical properties,and low cost.Optimization of thermal-insulation performance of polymeric foams needs a theoretical model in order to predict the overall thermal conductivity.So far,several theoretical approaches are presented in this regard but to the best knowledge of the authors,there is no comprehensive investigation on comparing the proposed models.Therefore,the study of validity of the theoretical models in comparison with the experimental results is one of the main goals of the present study.Low density polyethylene(LDPE)foams are selected as the case study due to the wide application range.Different models to predict the overall conductivity of the foam based on conduction through the combined gas and solid phases(λgs)as well as radiation thermal conductivity(λr)are presented.The results indicate that the best model is a model in whichλgs is calculated using Gibson and Ashby model andλr is obtained using Williams and Aldao model based on the root mean square(RMS)parameter.The results show that the theoretical error of this model is smaller than 10%.展开更多
Spine surgery is one of the fastest growing branches of orthopedic surgery. Patients often present with a relatively high acuity and, depending on surgical approach, morbidity and mortality can be comparatively high. ...Spine surgery is one of the fastest growing branches of orthopedic surgery. Patients often present with a relatively high acuity and, depending on surgical approach, morbidity and mortality can be comparatively high. Among the most prevalent and most frequently fatalitybound perioperative complications are those affecting the pulmonary system; evidence of clinical or subclinical lung injury triggered by spine surgical procedures is emerging. Increasing burden of comorbidity among the patient population further increases the likelihood of adverse outcome. This review is intended to give an overview over some of the most important causes of pulmonary complications after spine surgery, their pathophysiology and possible ways to reduce harm associated with those conditions. We discuss factors surrounding surgical trauma, timing of surgery, bone marrow and debris embolization, transfusion associated lung injury, and ventilator associated lung injury.展开更多
文摘This paper presents a new method to reduce the distribution system loss by feeder reconfiguration.This new method combines self-adaptive particle swarm optimization(SAPSO) with shuffled frog-leaping algorithm(SFLA) in an attempt to find the global optimal solutions for the distribution feeder reconfiguration(DFR).In PSO algorithm,appropriate adjustment of the parameters is cumbersome and usually requires a lot of time and effort.Thus,a self-adaptive framework is proposed to improve the robustness of PSO.In SAPSO the learning factors of PSO coevolve with the particles.SFLA is combined with the SAPSO algorithm to improve its performance.The proposed algorithm is tested on two distribution test networks.The results of simulation show that the proposed algorithm is very powerful and guarantees to obtain the global optimization in minimum time.
文摘The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular techniques in clustering. Nevertheless, the performance of the Kmeans algorithm depends highly on initial cluster centers and converges to local minima. This paper proposes a hybrid evolutionary programming based clustering algorithm, called PSO-SA, by combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA). The basic idea is to search around the global solution by SA and to increase the information exchange among particles using a mutation operator to escape local optima. Three datasets, Iris, Wisconsin Breast Cancer, and Ripley's Glass, have been considered to show the effectiveness of the proposed clustering algorithm in providing optimal clusters. The simulation results show that the PSO-SA clustering algorithm not only has a better response but also converges more quickly than the K-means, PSO, and SA algorithms.
文摘To determine how the auto-antibodies (Abs) profiles overlap in chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and correlate to liver disease.METHODSLevels of antinuclear Ab, smooth muscle antibody (SMA) and liver/kidney microsomal-1 (LKM-1) Ab and markers of liver damage were determined in the sera of 50 patients with CHC infection, 20 AIH patients and 20 healthy controls using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and other immune assays.RESULTSWe found that AIH patients had more severe liver disease as determined by elevation of total IgG, alkaline phosphatase, total serum bilirubin and serum transaminases and significantly higher prevalence of the three non-organ-specific autoantibodies (auto-Abs) than CHC patients. Antinuclear Ab, SMA and LKM-1 Ab were also present in 36% of CHC patients and related to disease severity. CHC cases positive for auto-Abs were directly comparable to AIH in respect of most markers of liver damage and total IgG. These cases had longer disease duration compared with auto-Ab negative cases, but there was no difference in gender, age or viral load. KLM-1<sup>+</sup> Ab CHC cases showed best overlap with AIH.CONCLUSIONAuto-Ab levels in CHC may be important markers of disease severity and positive cases have a disease similar to AIH. Auto-Abs might have a pathogenic role as indicated by elevated markers of liver damage. Future studies will unravel any novel associations between these two diseases, whether genetic or other.
基金funded by faculty of science,International Islamic University Malaysia
文摘Objective:To investigate the antimicrobial activities of n-hexane.ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the leaves of Lumnitzera littorea(L littorea) against six human pathogenic microbes. Methods:The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods.Results:The antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts were increased with increasing the concentration.It is clear that n-hexane extract was the most effective extract. Additionally.Gram positive Bacillus cereus(B.cereus) appear to be the most sensitive strain while Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa) and the yeast strains(Candida albicans(C. albicans) and Cryptococcus neoformans(C.neqformans)) appear to be resistance to the tested concentrations since no inhibition zone was observed.The inhibition of microbial growth at concentration as low as 0.04 mg/ml.indicated the potent antimicrobial activity of L littorea extracts.Conclusions:The obtained results are considered sufficient for further study to isolate the compounds responsible for the activity and suggesting the possibility of finding potent antibacterial agents from L littorea extracts.
文摘Ultrafine Y（OH）3 nanoparticles were successfully deposited from an additive-free 0.005 mol/L YCl3 low-temperature bath on the steel cathode at the current density of 0.5 mA/cm2 and bath temperature of 10 oC. Heat treatment of the prepared Y（OH）3 nanoparticles at 600 oC in air led to the formation of Y2O3 nanoparticles. Thermal behavior and phase transformation during the heat treatment of Y（OH）3 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） and thermogramimetric analysis （TGA）. The morphologies, crystal structures and compositions of the prepared materials were examined by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy （SEM and TEM） as well as X-ray diffraction （XRD） and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the prepared Y（OH）3 nanoparticles was essentially amorphous and composed of well dispersed ultrafine particles with size of 4 nm. After heat treatment, the obtained oxide product was well crystallized cubic phase of Y2O3 nanoparticles with the grain size of around 5 nm. It was concluded that low-temperature cathodic electrodeposition offered a facile and feasible way for preparation of ultrafine Y（OH）3 and Y2O3 nanoparticles.
基金NPRP grant No.4-651-2-242 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)
文摘This study presents a numerical simulation of the stall and surge in a centrifugal compressor and presents a description of the stall development in two different cases.The first case is for a compressor with vaneless diffuser and the second is for a compressor with vaned diffuser of the vane island shape.The main aim of this study is to compare the flow characteristics and behavior for the two compressors near the surge operating condition and provide further understanding of the diffuser role when back flow occurs at surge.Results showed that for a location near the diffuser entrance,the amplitude of the static pressure fluctuations for the vaneless diffuser case is higher than that for the vaned diffuser case near surge condition.These pressure fluctuations in the case of the vaneless diffuser appear with a gradual decrease of the mean pressure value as a part of the surge cycle.While for the case of the vaned diffuser,the pressure drop during surge occurs faster than the case of the vaneless diffuser.Also,results indicated that during surge in the case of vaneless diffuser,there is a region with low velocity and back flow that appears as a layer connecting all impeller passages near shroud surface and this layer develops in size with time.On the other hand,for the case of vaned diffuser during surge,the low velocity regions appear in random locations in some passages and these regions expand with time towards the shroud surface.Results showed that during stall,the impeller passages are exposed to identical impact from stall cells in the case of vaneless diffuser while the stall effect varies from passage to another in the case of the vaned diffuser.
基金the Kulliyyah of Science,International Islamic University Malaysia for providing financial support and research facilities to accomplish this study,and Dr.Shamsul Khamis of Universiti Putra Malaysia for plant identification
文摘Objective:To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa (C.aeruginosa),Curcuma mangga(C.mangga),and Zingiber cassumunar(Z.cassumunar). and study their antimicrobial activity.Methods:Essential oils obtained by steam distillation were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass speclrometry(GC-MS).The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated against four bacteria:Bacillus cereus(H.cereus).Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus).Escherichia coli(E.coli).and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa);and two fungi:Candida albicans(C.albicans) and Cyptococcus neoformans(C.neoformans),using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution methods.Results:Cycloisolongifolene,8.9-dehydro-9- formyl(35.29%) and dihydrocoslunolide(22.51%) were the major compounds in C.aeruginosa oil; whereas caryophyllene oxide(18.71%) and caryophyllene(12.69%) were the major compounds in C.mangga oil:and 2,6.9,9-tetramethyl-2.6.10-cycloundecatrien-1-one(60.77%) andα-caryophyllene(23.92%) were abundant in Z.cassumunar oil.The essential oils displayed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against all lested microorganisms.C.mangga oil had the highest and most broad-spectrum activity by inhibiting all microorganisms tested,with C.neoformans being the most sensitive microorganism by having the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration(MFC) values of 0.1μL/mL. C.aeruginosa oil showed mild antimicrobial activity,whereas Z.cassumunar had very low or weak activity against the tested microorganisms.Conclusions:The preliminary results suggest promising antimicrobial properties of C.mangga and C.aeruginosa,which may be useful for food preservation,pharmaceutical treatment and natural therapies.
文摘Objective and background： Although p21 ras has been reported to be upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type I, p21 ras has a different role in advanced stages, as it has been found to be downregulated. The goal of this study was to investigate the status of p21 ras in early-stage/low-grade and late-stage/high-grade hepatocellular carcinoma and its possible link to apoptosis. Material and methods： Thirty-five cases each of chronic HCV hepatitis type 4 （group I） and cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） complicating chronic HCV hepatitis （groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ） were immunohistochemically evaluated using a p21 ras polyclonal antibody. The apoptotic index was determined in histologic sections using the terminal deoxynncleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. Results： Significant differences （P=0.001） were detected in p21 ras protein expression between the three groups. A near 2-fold increase in p21 ras staining was observed in the cirrhotic cases compared to the hepatitis cases, and p21 ras expression was decreased in the HCC group, p21 ras expression correlated with stage （r=0.64, P--0.001） and grade （r=-0.65, P=0.001） in the HCC group and grade in the HCV group （r=0.44, P=0.008）. Both p21 ras expression and TUNEL-LI were significantly lower in large HCCs compared to small HCCs （P=0.01 each）. The TUNEL values were negatively correlated with stage in the HCC group （r=-0.85, P=0.001）. The TUNEL values were also negatively correlated with grade in both the HCV and HCC groups （r=0.89, P=0.001 and r=0.53, P=0.001, respectively）. The p21 ras scores were significantly correlated with the TUNEL-LI values in the HCC group （r=0.63, P=0.001） and HCV group （r=0.88, P=0.001）. Conclusions： p21 ras acts as an initiator in HCC complicating type 4 chronic HCV and is downregulated with HCC progression, which most likely promotes tumor cell survival because it facilitates the downregulation of apopt
基金Supported by The Iowa Leukemia and Cancer Research Fund at University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics
文摘AIM:To study if HER-2 overexpression by locally advanced esophageal cancers increase the chance of brain metastasis following esophagectomy.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 2000 and 2010.Data analyzed consisted of demographic and clinical variables.The brain metastasis tissue was assayed for HER-2 overexpression utilizing the FDA approved DAKO Hercept Test.RESULTS:One hundred and forty two patients were reviewed.Median age was 64 years(36-86 years).Eighty eight patients(62%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Pathological complete and partial responses were achieved in 17(19%) and 71(81%) patients.Cancer relapsed in 43/142(30%) patients.The brain was the first site of relapse in 9/43 patients(21%,95% CI:10%-36%).HER-2 immunohistochemistry testing of the brain metastasis tissue showed that 5/9(56%) cases overexpressed HER-2(3+ staining).CONCLUSION:HER-2 overexpression might be associated with increased risk of brain metastasis in esophageal cancer patients following esophagectomy.Further studies will be required to validate this observation.
文摘AIM: To compare higher order aberrations in two aspherical intraocular lenses(IOLs): Akreos advanced optics(AO) and Dr. Schmidt Microcrystalline 6125 aspheric anterior surface(MC6125AS) with each other. METHODS: Forty eyes of 39 patients underwent phacoemulsification and Akreos AO and MC6125 AS were implanted in their eyes in a random manner. Three months post-operatively, higher order aberrations including spherical aberration, coma aberration, and total aberrations were measured and compared.RESULTS: The total aberration was 0.24±0.17 in eyes with Dr. Schmidt and 0.20 ±0.01 in eyes with Akreos AO(P =0.361). The mean of coma aberration was 0.17 ±0.21 and 0.09 ±0.86 in Dr. Schmidt and Akreos lenses,respectively(P =0.825). Total spherical aberration was almost the same in both groups(mean: 0.05, P =0.933).Best corrected visual acuity in Akreos AO(0.10±0.68) and Dr. Schmidt(0.09±0.67) did not differ significantly(P =0.700). CONCLUSION: There is no statistically significant difference in the higher order aberrations between these two aspherical lenses.
基金supported by the laboratory of silvopastoral resources (Silvopastoral Institute-Tabarka)
文摘The need for reforestation in cork oak （Quercus suber L.） areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments （non-vented, vented, and control） to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation （Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk （organic mulches）, gravel （inorganic mulch） and no mulch）. At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unshelteredseedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass （from samples extracted after two years） were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.
文摘The electrooxidation of L-cysteine（L-Cys） was studied using a benzoylferrocene（BF） modified multi-wall carbon nanotube paste electrode（BFCNPE） using cyclic voltammetry（CV）,square wave voltammetry（SWV） and chronoamperometry（CHA）.Under optimum pH in CV the oxidation of L-Cys occurs at a potential about 215 mV less positive than that at the surface of unmodified carbon paste electrode.The catalytic oxidation peak currents were dependent on the L-Cys concentration and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range 0.7-350.0 mmol/L of L-Cys with SWV method.The detection limit（3s） was determined as 0.1 mmol/L.This method was also used for the determination of L-Cys in some real samples.
基金partially supported by the Intermtional Islamic University Malaysia(HUM)through EDWB1002-350
文摘Objective:To study the chemical constituents of stembark of Garcinia malaccenm（G.malaccenm） together with apoptotic.antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.Methods:Purification and structure elucidation were carried out by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, respectively.MTT and trypan blue exclusion methods were performed to study the cytotoxic activity.Antibacterial activity was conducted by dise diffusion and microdilulion methods, whereas antioxidant activities were done by ferric thiocyanate method and DPPH radical scavenging.Results:The phylochemical study led lo the isolation ofα,β-mangostin and cycloarl-24-en-3β-ol.α-Mangostin exhibited cytotoxic activity against HSC-3 cells with an IC<sub>50</sub> of 0.33μM.β- andα-mangostin showed activity against K562 cells with IC<sub>50</sub> of 0.40μM and 0.48μM,respectively,α-Mangostin was active against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus（S.aureus） and Bacilus anthracis（B.anthmcis） with inhibition zone and MIC value of（19 mm;0.02S mg/mL） and（20 mm;0.013 mg/mL）,respectively.In antioxidant assay,α-mangostin exhibited activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.Conclusions:G.malaccenm presenceα- andβ-mangostin and cycloart-24-en-3β-ol.β-Mangostin was found very active against H.SC-3 cells and KS62.The results suggest that mangoslins derivatives have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.In addition,α-andβ-mangostin was found inhibit the growth of Cram-positive pathogenic bacteria and also showed the activity as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation.
基金fnancial support from the Research Council of the University of Sistan and Baluchestan
文摘A facile one-pot synthesis of 3,4,5-substituted furan-2（5H）-one derivatives from a three-component reaction of aniline derivatives, dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates and aromatic aldehydes under mild conditions using tetra-n-butylammonium bisulfate as a catalyst has been developed.
基金Supported by Research Council of the University of Tehran
文摘AIM: To assess the impact of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) genotypes and patient age and sex on the development of gastric diseases.METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients(n = 233) referred to the endoscopy unit at Tehran University of Medical Sciences(Tehran,Iran) were diagnosed with chronic gastritis(CG),gastric ulcer(GU),or duodenal ulcer(DU). Brucella blood agar was used for biopsy cultures and H. pylori isolation under microaerobic conditions. H. pylori isolates were confirmed with biochemical tests and through amplification of the 16 S r RNA gene. DNA was extracted from fresh cultures of the H. pylori isolates and used for amplification of vac A alleles and the cag A gene. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between H. pylori genotypes,age(< 40 years vs > 40 years) and sex of the patient,and gastric diseases.RESULTS: CG was the most prevalent gastric disease(113/233; 48.5%),compared to GU(64/233; 27.5%)and DU(56/233; 24%). More patients were male,and gastric diseases were more frequent in patients > 40 years(P < 0.05). The percentage of CG and GU patients that were male and female did not show a significant difference; however DU was more common in males(P < 0.05). Interestingly,a diagnosis of CG in patients > 40 years was more common in females(18.5%) than males(11.6%)(P = 0.05),whereas a diagnosis of GU or DU in patients > 40 years was more frequent in males(14.6% vs 10.7% and 12.4% vs 4.3%,respectively). Overall,genotyping of the H. pylori isolates revealed that the vac A s1(82%),vac A m2(70%),and cag A+(72.5%) alleles were more frequent than vac A s2(18%),vac A m1(29.2%),and cag A-(all P < 0.05). The vac A s1m2 cag A+ genotype was the most prevalent within the three disease groups. vac A s1m2 frequency was 56.2% with a similar occurrence in all diagnoses,while vac A s1m1 appeared more often in DU patients(33.9%). A genotype of vac A s2m2 occurred in 15% of isolates and was more common in CG patients(21.2%); vac A s2m1 was the least common genotype(3%). The vac A s1 allele was f
文摘Polymeric foams are one of the most applicable thermal-insulation materials due to their low thermal conductivity,high mechanical properties,and low cost.Optimization of thermal-insulation performance of polymeric foams needs a theoretical model in order to predict the overall thermal conductivity.So far,several theoretical approaches are presented in this regard but to the best knowledge of the authors,there is no comprehensive investigation on comparing the proposed models.Therefore,the study of validity of the theoretical models in comparison with the experimental results is one of the main goals of the present study.Low density polyethylene(LDPE)foams are selected as the case study due to the wide application range.Different models to predict the overall conductivity of the foam based on conduction through the combined gas and solid phases(λgs)as well as radiation thermal conductivity(λr)are presented.The results indicate that the best model is a model in whichλgs is calculated using Gibson and Ashby model andλr is obtained using Williams and Aldao model based on the root mean square(RMS)parameter.The results show that the theoretical error of this model is smaller than 10%.
文摘Spine surgery is one of the fastest growing branches of orthopedic surgery. Patients often present with a relatively high acuity and, depending on surgical approach, morbidity and mortality can be comparatively high. Among the most prevalent and most frequently fatalitybound perioperative complications are those affecting the pulmonary system; evidence of clinical or subclinical lung injury triggered by spine surgical procedures is emerging. Increasing burden of comorbidity among the patient population further increases the likelihood of adverse outcome. This review is intended to give an overview over some of the most important causes of pulmonary complications after spine surgery, their pathophysiology and possible ways to reduce harm associated with those conditions. We discuss factors surrounding surgical trauma, timing of surgery, bone marrow and debris embolization, transfusion associated lung injury, and ventilator associated lung injury.
